Conference vmsnet::hunting$note:hunting

    
    
       well there shouldnt be any flaming about imorallity, yes the .22
    calibers are on the light side, but the WILL do a fine job for
    whitetail deer.
    
      My uncle used a 220 swift for 40 years hunting deer in Pennsylvania
    and he probably shot that many deer, all head/neck shot and not many 
    ran after being hit. my stepdad used a 220 swift, along with his dad
    and my stepdads daughter, they all shot deer with the swift, again not
    many ever ran, the daughter shot 4 deer with it, all lung shot and not
    a one ran after being hit, my stepdad said the lungs were completely
    gone, and there was no exit wound.
    
      I think from what you stated that you will not be disapointed, know
    what your limitations and the rifles limitations are and stick to them
    and you should do fine. there are so many variables in what will happen 
    when the deer is hit that it could be debated forever, every situation 
    is different, and it doesnt matter if we are talking gun or archery.
    
       sticking to less than 100 yrds is a good decision, this could be
    varied by where you hunt, hunting pressure, weather, time of day, your
    personal accuracy, and what the animal is doing. if the deer is at a
    full out run at 150-200 yrds unless youve already hit it i wouldnt 
    really try the shot, now the same animal standing in a field at the
    same distance would be a makeable shot.
    
       as far as shot placement goes, for the lighter fast calibers, i
    would recomend lung shots, the ribs arent anywhere near as hard as
    the shoulder blade which could cause problems if hit with the lighter
    calibers, and a lung shot should bleed well enough to track if needed
    and the expiration time is quite fast. but then a deer can cover ALOT
    of ground during that expiration time, but then again i have seen lung
    hit deer with a 30-06 run a couple hundred yards too. 
    
       this could be debated on both sides, but speaking from a semi
    personal level, i have 2 relatives that have shot alot of deer with 
    small caliber rifles, they will do the job fine when the proper shot
    is taken. heck a .22 short will drop a deer in its tracks if the shot
    is placed properly. 
     
      I would have to say that you should work up a good accurate load with 
    those 70 gr. bullets and do your own testing, and i fully believe that 
    you will find excellent results., dont be suprised if the deer runs
    tho, deer are fenominal animals, i have seen them do some pretty
    amazing things. but i do believe your set up will work fine.
    
    
                                                   Lee
    

I have shot 4 deer with a 22 long rifle .
One was with a 22 pistol.
All shots where at 30 yards or less and all took  one shot to take the animal
down.I take a neck shot it breaks the spine and the animal drops.
I had a friend that shot elk size game with a 22 and he always(gross) shot it
in the eye.
I would think a .224 hole through the heart would bleed just like a .24.
I have shot a elk in his bed with a 243 at 200 yards he never got up.
a hit with a 22 is better than a miss with a 300 mag.
Of course it is not recommended. but heck yes it will work.
Hollow points at that speed will explode, fmj will get to much penetration find
the most stable soft lead nose bullet.It does not have to be the heaviest at 
100 yards or less. Placement is what it going to count. 

P.S. No I did not shoot thoes deer in Colorado , it not legal with a 22.

    Nosler Partition is the ticket. Nice penetration, without the hand
    grenade explosion.
    
    Les

Ahhh Gi'day...�

    Pick on  shots that work, and there is nothing wrong with it.  Be close
    enough, wait for a clear shot, wait for a vital to open up, and you are
    ok. Neck, head, heart, lungs, even the ribs.

    Blasting away  at  the  backside of a swiftly fleeing critter 400 yards
    out with ANYTHING is irresponsible.

    My .22/250  has  a  100%  drop on the spot record with boar.  It's only
    just  enough  to get through the shoulder area into the vitals, but you
    pick the right spot in the right circumstances, and it will do the job.

	       I still say that 90% of people are over-gunned.