So I killed a mature bull last Sunday with my recently acquired M48 Liberty chambered in 30 Nosler. Range was just short of 200 yards from a perfect perch and rest at the top of a 15 foot high slash pile. Round used was factory Nosler 180 gr. Etip with an advertised muzzle velocity of 3100 fps.
With the perfect rest atop the slash pile (and knowing the rifle is well under MOA capable) I decide a neck shot would give me the least meat loss...flame suit on.
On taking the neck shot I get absolutely no reaction from the moose, it continues at its casual pace as if nothing has happened. The bull then enters a short wooded draw and I lose sight of him for a moment or two.
As the bull exits the draw and is again in clear view I can see he is shaking his head every few steps but otherwise unconcerned. Now at this point I decide the reliable lung shot was the better choice, so I take it.
Again I get no visible reaction from the bull who still continues at the same casual pace. He goes another 30 yards, stops and beds down and I'm saying YES, bull down.
10 seconds later he gets up and starts walking again. A bit puzzled I get ready to take a 3rd shot. However, as I scope him I can clearly see heavy bleeding from the exist side of the lung shot, so I hold off.
He goes another 30 yards and beds down again but takes another few minutes to expire.
When field dressing the moose I can see the neck shot was in and out with not much damage. The lung shot was also in and out without much damage. The lungs where intact with about a 1 to 2 inch wide wound channel.
I'm not happy with the results of the etip bullets, the neck shot passed within an inch or two of the vertebrae and should of anchored him. The lung shot should of turned the lungs to jelly and caused a much quicker kill.
Don't think I'll be using anymore mono metal bullets on moose.
With the perfect rest atop the slash pile (and knowing the rifle is well under MOA capable) I decide a neck shot would give me the least meat loss...flame suit on.
On taking the neck shot I get absolutely no reaction from the moose, it continues at its casual pace as if nothing has happened. The bull then enters a short wooded draw and I lose sight of him for a moment or two.
As the bull exits the draw and is again in clear view I can see he is shaking his head every few steps but otherwise unconcerned. Now at this point I decide the reliable lung shot was the better choice, so I take it.
Again I get no visible reaction from the bull who still continues at the same casual pace. He goes another 30 yards, stops and beds down and I'm saying YES, bull down.
10 seconds later he gets up and starts walking again. A bit puzzled I get ready to take a 3rd shot. However, as I scope him I can clearly see heavy bleeding from the exist side of the lung shot, so I hold off.
He goes another 30 yards and beds down again but takes another few minutes to expire.
When field dressing the moose I can see the neck shot was in and out with not much damage. The lung shot was also in and out without much damage. The lungs where intact with about a 1 to 2 inch wide wound channel.
I'm not happy with the results of the etip bullets, the neck shot passed within an inch or two of the vertebrae and should of anchored him. The lung shot should of turned the lungs to jelly and caused a much quicker kill.
Don't think I'll be using anymore mono metal bullets on moose.
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