x2

Trying a .243 this year for the first time.

223/556

.243- but would use a 22-250 if in a pinch

Being that the question asked lightest I'd take to the deer stand, meaning any deer could be a possibility 270.

17 Remington, 22 Hornet, 218Bee, 223, 25-20 have used them all and with correct shot placement the will work ever time just know your limitations and that of the equipment.

I usually use a .270 or 30-30. But am heading out this year with a .243. Have heard great reports on Texas deer with this caliber. It will also be my predator gun though.

Don't own anything that won't at least shoot 100gr'ers thru 160 gr'ers in either a 260 or 270, but 120 gr'ers is my self imposed minimum bullet weight and has been for a very long time....and I've not lost a WTail since I moved totally out of a 243 over 25 years ago.

Much better bullets today give a little fudge factor but it's still all about bullet placement IMO.
Ron

.223-caliber rifles are the smallest..

.223 works fine with me

any caliber giving 1000ft. lbs. energy at impact is a good bet

.243 has worked well for me.

I would have no problem using a .17 center(.17fireball right?) for doe. HOWEVER it isn't legal so any legal center fire I would totally use for doe and spike extraction. however for a buck I prefer at least my .243

That's me. I won't argue with anyone using a .243. But I view with skepticism all those who profess the ability to neck/head shoot deer with the precision required for using an itty-bitty cartridge shooting an itty-bitty bullet-every time. I mean, does a .243 or a .260 really kick that hard?

I've used smaller, but my .243 is my go to for managing practices. In the stand it's either 25.06 or 7 Mag.

My son & grandson have a tack driving AR that seems to work well with 55 grain ammo....243 100 grain would be my smallest choice...worked with an old time Montana cowhand that had a '92 Winchester in 25-20 with the rear sight missing... he had killed mule deer using the old Winchester factory load....he killed East Texas Whitetail with it also....he just picked his shots very carefully....

rick

My smallest in Texas - .223

I have killed well over 100 deer with a 22-250. I've never had one get up from a head or neck shot.

.223 but with very careful off the shelf ammo selection or handloads. I handload 65gr SGK's and 70gr speer sp's. I trust either handload to do the job at under 200y.

I've taken several deer with .223 and .22-250, all were DRT with a high shoulder hit. These were targets of opportunity while predator hunting, now my daughters use my mini 14 or AR while deer hunting with 64gr. bullets. I prefer to use my tried and true .270, but will not hesitate with .223 if I can put meat in the freezer. Shot placement is key with any load.

A .17 fireball is legal. You just can not use rimfire.

What bullets are yall shooting out of the 17 rems? The 25gr or are you stepping up the big 30gr pills? Lol

I shot one with a 204 but that's probably the only one I'll shoot wit that gun/cal... I guess my answer should be 223/556

After seeing what a 52 grain Berger did to a hog this weekend I won't hesitate to take my 22-250.