.223 Remington

Whatever the .223's military résumé, hunters know it as the practical answer: predator and varmint ballistics that flatten coyote country to 300 yards, recoil a new shooter ignores, and ammunition stacked on every shelf in every store at the best price in centerfire. It's the cartridge you shoot MORE with - and practice is what kills coyotes.

What it is

The civilian 5.56 sibling: 40-77 grain .224 bullets at 2,700-3,300 fps from a compact case - modern, efficient, universally chambered.

What it hunts best

Coyotes, foxes, bobcats and all varmints - the predator-calling standard. On deer it's a legal patchwork and an honest debate: where legal, heavy controlled-expansion bullets (60-64gr+) and close disciplined shots work; many hunters simply step up a cartridge. CHECK YOUR STATE - several prohibit .22 calibers for big game.

Trajectory & energy

A 55gr at 3,240 zeroed at 200 drops ~7" at 300 - genuinely flat. Energy runs ~1,300 ft-lb muzzle: ample for song-dogs, marginal-by-design for anything bigger.

Recoil & shootability

Feather-light (~4 ft-lb) - shooters spot their own hits, follow up instantly, and never develop a flinch. The best centerfire trainer there is.

Rifles & ammo on the shelf

Everything chambers it - bolts, ARs, single-shots - and ammo variety is unmatched: bulk practice to premium hunting loads, always available.

Bottom line

The predator rig and the high-volume trainer in one. Pair a .223 with a bigger deer rifle and you've covered most of North American hunting economically.