I am aware of recent changes to the law allowing Muntjac to be shot with .22 centrefire cartridges that meet certain requirements.
Would you like to appear on our site? We offer sponsored articles and advertising to put you in front of our readers. Find out moreHowever, I am not certain whether a centrefire .22 will be enough to humanely kill even a small deer like a Muntjac. Can you shed any light on the subject?
Stalking
GEORGE WALLACE says:
I certainly can! For several years I stalked roe deer in Scotland with a delightful little CZ mini-Mauser carbine chambered for the .223 Remington.
Light, accurate and easy to handle whether climbing into a high seat or wriggling through thick bush, its 18-inch barrel didn’t prevent it putting down Roe with real authority.
The deer couldn’t tell the difference between Federal’s 55 grain loads or my own handloads using Hornady’s 60-grain round nose bullet.
Interestingly, one of my stalking friends said he reckoned my .223 put down Roe quicker than his .270.
I’ve never shot a Muntjac but based on that experience I don’t think you’ll have any problem killing them cleanly with a .222 or .223 as long as you choose a suitable bullet, ie. not one of the rapidly expanding ‘varmint’ designs.
Bullet placement is more important than calibre or muzzle energy, so just remember to shoot straight!
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