Hunting small game with FMJ

Shouldn't be a LEGAL issue, however, FMJ can go for quite a ways past the intended target. More of a safety issue.

Check with the MNR (or whatever they call it in Ontario) or the hunting regs. Usually, there is a big game prohibition on FMJ, but likely not for varmints.
 
The FMJ is faulted for richochets (sp!!), MNR in Ont. is now called "Ministry for Biological Diversity". For low cost plinking and varminting you might want to try cast bullets cheaper and easier on the barrel. Oh....and to hell with the government!
 
canucklehead said:
Shouldn't be a LEGAL issue, however, FMJ can go for quite a ways past the intended target. More of a safety issue.

Check with the MNR (or whatever they call it in Ontario) or the hunting regs. Usually, there is a big game prohibition on FMJ, but likely not for varmints.
Click to expand...

Thanks. I understand that it's the lack of expansion that doesn't kill with the FMJ so the animal may not die or take a long time to die. Just thought if I was using something large enough to kill a deer with a soft point that I could use the same ammo in FMJ to kill a varmit. I will check again, did a quick check and never found anything but I only spent about 15 minutes looking through the regulations in Ontario.
 
Oddly, there's no mention of FMJ's in Ontario's hunting regs. Milsurp ammo isn't made for great accuracy. Most of it isn't accurate enough for hunting small game. If you're reloading, there are lots of commercial FMJ's and match bullets(no using match grade bullets on large game) that are far more suitable for hide hunting or small game. Mind you, using a .30 calibre FMJ on small game like rabbits, etc will destroy the meat. A .223/5.56 FMJ may or may not depending on the game.
 
FMJ on coyotes works very well (hand loads). All animals will drop on the spot with proper bullet placement. If you plan on mounting or making a rug, it will not destroy the hide. No matter what province you hunt, you are responsible for the bullet that came out of your gun until it comes to rest. FMJ WILL ricochet. Know your target AND beyond!

-Jason
 
cbabes said:
I understand that it's the lack of expansion that doesn't kill with the FMJ so the animal may not die or take a long time to die.
Click to expand...

It'sd not for that reason that you're not allowed. A cast bullet in a 30-30 makes the same sized hole as a 308 FMJ (or a 180gr TSX out of a 308 for that matter). Placed properly there is an inconsequential difference in the effectiveness. The reason that they are not allowed for hunting is the same reason that thiungs labelled "Police" "Tactical" and "Milspec" sell like hotcakes...the ignorant don't know any better. my 400 grain cast bullets in my 45-70 don't expand when I shoot a deer, but were I to load the same rifle with 400gr Barnes Banded Solids I couldn't hunt with it.

The definition of stupid...
 
Interesting responses. Thanks. The more I study on hunting, shooting, etc, the more I need to study. LOL Need some more years of practical experience behind me. ;)
 
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