I personally, if it's legal mind you, would use as the Winchester 62gr soft tip. Your 1 in 9 twist optimal bullet weight should be 69grs. There are a few 69gr factory loads out there that have a soft tip, or a hollow point. Get a few rounds, starting at 62grs, and 69grs, and see which load your rifle likes best. Here in Texas, quite a few deer are taken legally with the .223 or 5.56 NATO. Deer here tend to run a little smaller, and are harvested cleanly with a number of rifle combinations and the .223!
Good luck, and good hunting.

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