Just my opinion, but I think .22 cal is not for deer size animals, head shot or not. 6mm is as low as I'd go. At one time, the largest bull elk ever killed in New Mexico was done in with one shot from a .243. I'd still stick to 6.5mm or 30 cal for deer size.
5.56mm does work on people as I saw in Vietnam, but a deer is much tougher than a person. I do think .223 could develope into one of the best varmint cartriges around - if the bullet manufacturers would do it justice. Exteremely accurate - nothing in the woods with it except for the 22-250. As I said, just my opinion...
By the way... did you try to "reason" with this bear? Spanking is no longer PC...
------------------
Stainless Steel isn't...
[This message has been edited by illinoisboy (edited 11-09-2001).]