Is .243 legal for all deer in the UK?

In England and Wales, yes: .243 exceeds the .240 inch and 1,700 ft·lb minimums for all species. In Scotland, for deer other than roe your load must use a bullet of at least 80 grains with at least 1,750 ft·lb at the muzzle, so choose a 90–105 grain stalking load and check the box figures.

Is 6.5 Creedmoor legal for red deer in Scotland?

Yes. Typical 120–143 grain expanding loads comfortably exceed Scotland's minimums of an 80 grain bullet, 2,450 ft/s muzzle velocity and 1,750 ft·lb muzzle energy.

Can I use a .223 for deer?

Only in limited cases. In England and Wales, .22 centrefires of at least .220 inch firing a 50 grain or heavier bullet with at least 1,000 ft·lb are legal for muntjac and Chinese water deer only. In Scotland a .223 with a 50 grain or heavier expanding load meeting 2,450 ft/s and 1,000 ft·lb is legal for roe only.

Do I need expanding ammunition for deer?

Yes. Across the UK, deer must be shot with ammunition designed to expand or deform on impact, such as soft-point or ballistic-tip loads, and your certificate must authorise expanding ammunition.

Choosing a deer stalking calibre

The legal minimums

England and Wales (Deer Act 1991, as amended in 2007):

All deer: calibre of at least .240 inches and muzzle energy of at least 1,700 ft·lb.
Muntjac and Chinese water deer only: calibre of at least .220 inches, bullet of at least 50 grains, muzzle energy of at least 1,000 ft·lb.

Scotland (Deer (Firearms etc.) (Scotland) Order 1985, amended November 2023):

Roe deer: bullet of at least 50 grains, muzzle velocity of at least 2,450 ft/s, muzzle energy of at least 1,000 ft·lb.
All other deer: bullet of at least 80 grains, muzzle velocity of at least 2,450 ft/s, muzzle energy of at least 1,750 ft·lb.

Everywhere in the UK the bullet must be designed to expand or deform on impact, your certificate must be conditioned for deer and expanding ammunition, and deer may not be shot at night (one hour after sunset to one hour before sunrise) except under licence.

The three calibres

.243 Winchester

The classic first deer rifle. Recoil is light, which makes it easy to shoot well, and it doubles as a serious fox rifle with lighter bullets. With 90–105 grain expanding loads it's legal for every UK species. In Scotland, make sure the load you buy is 80 grains or more and makes 1,750 ft·lb for anything bigger than roe. Its limits show on bigger-bodied reds in wind, where heavier calibres carry better.

6.5 Creedmoor

The modern favourite, and what we'd suggest most new stalkers buy today. It fires sleek 120–143 grain bullets with mild recoil, holds its energy well at distance, moderates nicely and is comfortably legal for every UK species. Factory ammunition choice is now as good as anything on the shelf, from stalking soft points to match loads for the range.

.308 Winchester

The do-everything cartridge. With 150–180 grain bullets it hits harder than the other two, which earns its keep on big reds, boar trips abroad and driven work. Ammunition is available everywhere, and it performs well from shorter, moderated barrels. The price is a bit more recoil than a .243 or Creedmoor.

Which to choose

Mostly roe and muntjac, some foxing: .243: light, flat and easy to live with.
Mixed stalking, including red deer and the odd long day on the hill: 6.5 Creedmoor: the best balance of reach, recoil and ammunition choice.
One rifle for everything, including larger species and trips abroad: .308: the all-rounder.

Whichever you pick, have the barrel screw-cut for a moderator if it isn't already. See what changed in the moderator law. We stock all three calibres in Bergara, Uintah Precision, Howa, Sig Sauer and more.

Shop centrefire rifles › Centrefire ammunition ›

A note on ammunition

Deer must be shot with expanding ammunition, so your certificate needs to authorise it. Ammunition can't be posted: it's collected from us by appointment with your certificate and photo ID, and the calibre must be on your certificate. If you're choosing between loads for a particular species, tell us what you shoot and we'll recommend one.

Common questions

Is .243 legal for all UK deer?

In England and Wales, yes. In Scotland it's legal for all species as long as the load is 80 grains or more and makes 1,750 ft·lb for non-roe species. Most 100 grain stalking loads do, but check the box.

Is 6.5 Creedmoor enough for red deer?

Yes. Standard 120–143 grain expanding loads exceed every UK legal minimum with plenty in hand.

Can I use my .223?

Only for muntjac and Chinese water deer in England and Wales, and roe in Scotland, with 50 grain or heavier expanding loads that meet the energy figures. For everything else, step up.

Is there a legal minimum for foxes?

No statutory one; what matters is what your certificate conditions allow.

Check your certificate. Calibre legality is only half the picture: your FAC must list the calibre, be conditioned for deer and authorise expanding ammunition. This guide is general information, not legal advice. Figures from the Deer Act 1991 (England and Wales) and the Deer (Firearms etc.) (Scotland) Order 1985 as amended in 2023.

Last reviewed 7 November 2026.