Low power ammo for hunting

1899

1899

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This question is, I guess, the opposite end of the spectrum for ballistic performance than what is normally asked. Here is the situation.

I have at my disposal either a 7mm RM or a .300 WM, and do not want ( :roll: ) to buy another rifle for this purpose. I have an opportunity to hunt on private land for deer. The problem is that the land owner is concerned because she has cattle in the area. I know that NOTHING replaces caution and knowing what is beyond your target. At the same time I know that the shots would certainly be under 200 yards, probably no more than 100 yards. What kind bullet/velocity should I try for to still maintain killing power but greatly reduce the possibility of the bullet exiting? I will take only a broadside shot and will pass up any shot that is risky (ie: running). Like I said, I know that the first step is to know what is beyond your target. I just want to be able to say, truthfully, that I have taken every single reasonable precaution. I don't have a shotgun that is set up for slugs, in case someone thinks of that idea. Archery equipment is not an option for me either. I also sold my Hawken and don't want to buy another M.L. for this hunt.
The quarry is Whitetail deer and they range in size from 100-300 lbs.

Thanks for the input.
 
1899, I'd just go with a deer bullet... If you reload, just go with the lower spectrum for the projectile to be used... In this case, you want something you know will "come apart" to some extent and loose mass as it does it's job... Don't use something like a failsafe or a barnes, they retain most of their mass and really punch through the animal... Don't get me wrong, I think failsafe and barnes are good bullets, but they are more suited to moose or elk for penetration etc...

Also, what about shooting from a stand... That'd give you the downward trajectory which would put the bullet into the ground in case of a pass through...

Cheers
Jay
 
Use the H4895 60% rule and use a deer bullet like a Ballistic tip.
Click to expand...


I was thinking of the BT as well. I have some 140gr in 7mm. What about something like a 162gr. A-Max with a light charge? Some folks use them for very long range hunting where the velocity has dropped off.

Can't get into a tree stand. :(

I will probably be hiding behind a hay bail near the grainery. The deer have supposedly created a small "hiway" to this feed, and I will be observing one of these trails.
 
check out the Hodgdon linkage...

Highest it lists is 130gr, but whatever.
Click to expand...

Thanks GH, you gave me an idea. I have an old Speer manual that I never use and when I read your post I remembered that it has reduced loads in it.

for 7mm and 160gr bullets it calls for 26-30gr of SR 4759 for 1770-2067 fps.
145's use 26-28 for 1811-2112 fps.
 
I think if you looked at the path of any bullet fired from shoulder height downward towards a deer's chest cavity, the bullet would be in the dirt within a very short distance, unless you were making very long shots-but even then,the bullet would be dropping anyway.The only risk I can see is firing uphill or onto the skyline-which shouldn't be done in any case.Therefore, the choice of caliber becomes irrelevent
 
dosnt remington make a round that is sapose to be desined for less recoil so it has less powder, less speed, and FpE????
talk to ya all later
Riley
 
The amax would be a great choice but at reg. velocity. You want that bullet to come apart IN the deer. If you slow any bullet down, it's ability to penetrate increases (less expansion at impact).

Running a fragile bullet at elevated velocities ensures self destruction. Better place that bullet properly because breaking bones is probably not going to happen.

Also, consider a Vmax bullet. These come apart right now so maybe at 2000fps to 2400fps, they would be ideal.

At whatever you figure as your longest distance, see how many water filled milk jugs the combo will shoot through. Two with some shrapnel in jug number three would be ideal. If it blows through three or more, you run a good chance of an exit wound.

Anybody you know have a 22/250 or 243? Running Vmax or Amax at these velocities and you will get internal blow up for sure.

Jerry
 
1899 said:
check out the Hodgdon linkage...

Highest it lists is 130gr, but whatever.
Click to expand...

Thanks GH, you gave me an idea. I have an old Speer manual that I never use and when I read your post I remembered that it has reduced loads in it.

for 7mm and 160gr bullets it calls for 26-30gr of SR 4759 for 1770-2067 fps.
145's use 26-28 for 1811-2112 fps.
Click to expand...

Going to reduced loads will certainly do the job for you! Go with the most accurate load!!
 
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