Which of these 2 "marginal" rifles would you use for deer?

[Hokkmike]

I have two rifles I am considering for deer the year in PA;

#1. Marlin 1894 Cowboy Ltd. in .45Colt

#2. CZ Model 527 in .223.

I realize the limitations of each. Probably at shorter ranges, say to 100 yards, they might both be adequate.

But which one would be for FIRST pick?

[knight0334]

They are plenty fine at 100yds.

Personally, I'd try both. But I'd try the 1894 first for the challenge.

The 1894 is capable of handling warmer .45Colt, so your could loadup some near .44mag level cartridges if you want a little more insurance.

[knight0334]

The .223 is also more than capable at 100yds. When one of my female cousins still hunted, she used a .222Rem - various ranges including over 100yds.

If you go with the .223, use bonded bullets to help keep them together.

And as you know, shot placement is king.

[Zeke2A]

I*m a lever guy *I run a Henry in 44mag , I*d take .45 colt if under 100 yards that*d be my choice .

[Rural Ruger]

No replacement for displacement, as they say. 45LC would be my choice, especially in wooded areas (which is much of PA's hunting areas).

[raxar]

If you handload either can be serviceable. Hot loads for .45, heavy bullets for the .223

[cdi]

.45 Colt has a trajectory like a football. That said, in the modern gun only loadings it knocks deer dead.
I've only killed a few deer with .45 Colt. I used 250 gr. semi wadcutters and the range was close- 10 yards or less. It worked well, because shot placement.
I've heard a similar load works equally well on cinematographers and movie producers. I wouldn't know, I've never hunted them before.

Otoh, I've killed hundreds of deer with .223/ 5.56 and it's dead right there deadly. Shoots flat as a banjo string to 100 meters as well.

[Manxdriver]

Didn*t the Pa Game commission booklet list a rule that said * big game legal ammo must be .25 caliber centerfire or larger*?
I recall that fro years ago, but admit it may have changed since I read *the guide*.
What*s the current rule?

[MD66948]

Didn*t the Pa Game commission booklet list a rule that said * big game legal ammo must be .25 caliber centerfire or larger*?
I recall that fro years ago, but admit it may have changed since I read *the guide*.
What*s the current rule?

My Mistake, it is .24 cal, for min. size for deer hunting in Pa, not .25.

6mm is the smallest cal. you can hunt deer with.

[Hokkmike]

From the information I read the GC on July 25 unanimously rejected a resolution to make the minimum deer caliber .24 or greater.