Just got back from my Colorado hunting trip. Got a big cow elk with my set up (the lead cow in the group). 80 yards, 350 grain FPB, 90 grains of BH 209. Steep angle downhill. Went through the top of her left shoulder blade, broke a rib, took out the Aorta (major blood vessel coming out of the heart), went through the right lung, then broke a rib on the opposite side and stopped under the skin on the opposite side. Top 25% of the FPB was mushroomed, slightly sheered off on one side and retained about 85-90% of weight. No major bones encountered, but went through 3 smaller bones. Cow staggered on impact, then again about 50 yards, then went down and slid 150 yards down the hill. Pine tree stopped her. 1 & 1/2 mile pack out in one trip (two backpacks) off a very steep mountain. That was fun! LOL I would have to say the FPB performed well! Anyone else have FPB stories?
The only disappointment is that I MISSED my big buck (27-" ish, 4x4, in velvet, very heavy with tall antlers and deep forks! Shot was straight, but a couple of inches over his back. He was basically a few yards over my max distance of 150 yards and I ended up overcompensating and held too high. I think I may have pulled it up slightly, but I think the steep angle may have made it hit high too. I had climbed for 1 and 1/2 hours to get into position. He was sleeping at first, then wouldn't get up even after he woke up. After 20 minutes, he still had not stood up (he was facing straight away, and so I threw a rock downhill and got him to stand. Had lots of time to get set up and some shooting sticks, so I decided to take the shot. Boy, what I wouldn't give for a "do over" !!! I saw 4 more shooter bucks, but that is the only one I put a successful sneak on. He was bedded on an open slope above timberline at aprox. 12,000 ft, which is why I couldn't get any closer.
Anyway, had a great trip. Now back to work, ugh!
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Venor ergo sum (I hunt, therefore I am)
Good report TX. I believe you're the first with a FPB report. PICTURES! PICTURES!
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My wife says I'm totally nuts, but I think I'm Semisane.
Things I've Learned: (1) It's not possible to please everyone, but quite easy to piss everyone off. (2) If you love animals as I do, then you're not a vegetarian. (3) There's no need to act stupid, even if you're very good at it. (4) If you eat right and exercise, don't smoke or drink, you're going to die anyway.
Excellent story and report... and it is nice to know the FPB worked so well. Yes, congratulations and pictures would be great... Way to go...
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"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, a total wreck, screaming Yahoo, with a big smile on your face."
Great job and thanks for the report. I'm going to be using the FPB on my elk hunt in about 4 weeks so it's good to hear a positive report. I hope I have one in a few weeks myself.
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David
Only one man in a thousand is a leader of men -- the other 999 follow women.
Groucho Marx
Omega/FPB/BH 209 takes down an elk
