Entering the world of hunting ... hopefully well armed!

ASTRYX said:
He said I should try and find all copper bullets so as not to get too much lead in the meat. He uses barnes TSX. I looked into it and will get s few different weights and see what works best for me.
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Geeze it's wonder there's any hunters still walking around after 100s of years of eating games shot with pure lead & lead core bullets & pellets :rolleyes:

But it is good to dig them out of the meat...they will break a tooth if not carefull!
 
senior said:
Geeze it's wonder there's any hunters still walking around after 100s of years of eating games shot with pure lead & lead core bullets & pellets :rolleyes:

But it is good to dig them out of the meat...they will break a tooth if not carefull!
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You beat me to it, Senior!! lol
Been using those Partitions since 1965, and am still upright, with clear thinking capacities.
Still, I do like the new TTSX bullets from Barnes.
Regards, Eagleye.
 
So, this is what I got to test on Thursday at the range:

All Federal Premium Vital Shock:

1) 165 gr Trophy Bonded Tip
2) 165 gr Barnes Triple Shock
3) 180 gr Nosler Partition

Wish me luck.

I think I am going to try a few others, just because it is fun to do so AND it will give me a great selection of brass to reload.

Thanks again for all the tips!
 
Shoot the brands that you purchased and pay close attention to which one shoots best with your set up. Once you find one that groups well stick with it and practice, practice and then practice some more. Make sure that you can shoulder the rifle quickly and accurately. The window of opportunity to take a shot is often very short and if your fumbling to acquire your target it makes things much more difficult. Determine your affective range so that your shot results in a humane kill. Nothing groundbreaking here just knowing your limits and making sure that when the opportunity for a shot arises your prepared to take it. Happy Hunting
 
THe VTR is a nice choice. I've hunted with one and I loved the way it came up and fit me. I shot some basic 150gr hornady handloads out of mine and it drove tacks. The shorter barrel made it handy for the thick stuff as well. Only issue is it is a tad heavy on the shoulder for me when lugging it around.

Welcome to the world of hunting. Be safe and go into it with the intention of learning something new every time you are in the field or at the range. I've been at it for over 30 years and am still learning.

Like why I missed that big buck last year with my VTR:bangHead:
 
If I where you I would add a Federal Fusion load to that list. That ammo shoots very well in more than one rifle tried, and the bullets perform well above their price range.
 
ASTRYX:
Welcome to the hunting world!

Your already an experienced outdoorsman, so you have a leg up on most newbies.

Ther is allot of good advice here.
Some not so good.
But all good intentioned.

Good choice of calibre. It will serve you well.
All of the bullet types mentioned will work.
Just some will work "better."
I tend to stay with the 165gr weight range.

Dont worry about making a fast shot.
That ability comes more from/with experience.
If you practice shooting fast, you might develop some bad habits.
Take your time, and choose your shots carefully. Practice well aimed, deliberate shots.
As you get more experienced, you will naturally be able to make shot & decisions quicker.
A new hunter has to identify the type of game they see, if the animal is legal and if they have the appropriate tag... etc.

If you miss out on an opportunity because you were not fast enough, thats just hunting. Keep at it, and good things will happen.
Some opportunities are just not "good" ones.

There is allot of satisfaction in making a good, well calculated shot.

More than once, I have been rewarded with a much better shot/opportunity by being patient.

I'm not trying to preach, but it has worked very well for my hunting party!
We have taken numerous record class animals over the years. I hunt with some talented hunters as well.

Good luck. And have loads of fun!
 
I would stick with 150gr and lighter in mono-metal bullets in the .308. I load the 150gr TSX in my .308 and the 130gr TTSX in my brother's .308. You want fast and light when using all-copper bullets. My brother has shot lengthwise through deer, with complete penetration and bullet exits with that 130gr bullet. No worries there.
 
Jordan smith:
If a bullet travels lengthwise through an animal the size of a deer makes me wonder how much energy was tranferered!
Obviously it worked, but is it the best choice?
High velocity is nice and forgiving for trajectory(at closer ranges).

I once used a 140gr. Failsafe (A.K.A feelsafe) on a moose.
Because this bullet was so accurate, I felt confident to take a head on shot at 330 yards.
I shot him, and he just staggered around.
I waited for him to fall,(20-30 seconds) no dice!
When he finally turned broadside to run into the thick crap, i put one through his heart/lungs.
He went about 30 yards and cratered.
Upon the post mortem, the first round went through completely (yes front to back on a bull)! There was enough damage to kill yes, but how long would it have taken?
My guess is just long enough to get 100+ feet down the mountain side! Lol!
I am glad I was able to put the second bullet in the right spot!

My lesson learned?........
Penetration dont mean didly if it isnt partnered with radial damage.

A classic case of not the "BEST" bullet for the job.

By the way, this was with a 7mm Ultra Mag. At about 3450-3500fps. IF my memory is good. So I couldnt hit it any harder than that with that bullet.

I think that bullet acted like a FMJ!
or the point petals sheared of, not doing allot of radial damage.

Choose your bullets wisely, the .308 doesnt "need" fancy premium bullets for 90+% of all hunting.
Thats my thoughts on this subject.
 
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