The deer I've killed reported that it was certainly sufficient and humane when shooting 64 gr Fusions. Or, at least, they would have...if deer could talk, and they weren't dead. Not talking tiny Alabama deer either, we're talking 200 lb South Dakota bucks. I'm at 100% success using the .223 at ranges of under 150 yards, and have never had the need nor desire to kill one further away. Every rifle/cartridge/shooter combination has its limitations. Its about understanding them, realizing them,, and hunting *within* in them instead of trying to stretch *beyond* them. Used as such, the .223 is well capable of harvesting every animal on your list, albeit NOT at 300 yards.