ORIGINAL: keyshunter
I have been using T/C Mag sabots with 240 grain XTP's. I have shot 5 deer with that bullet, at ranges from 35 to 95 yards. All have been chest shots and not one gave any sign of being hit. Every deer traveled at least 80 yards after the shot. All were recovered, and none of the bullets penetrated the animal and blood trail (if any) was very sparce, and close to the place the deer was found.
Thefifthdeer, an average 8 point buck, was shot the other day. Shot at about 35 yards, he gave absolutely no sign of being hit. There was a small amount of hair at theplace he was shot and not a drop of blood could be found except right at the place he was found--about 125 yards (and 2 hours)away in one of the thickest, most briar infested places onmy farm. Shot was broadside behind the right shoulder, the bullet stopped under the hide on the left side. Shot a a downward angle, the chest cavity was filled with blood, but none seemed to leak out. The bullet mushroom was very pretty (as were all the others) , but I would like to find a bullet that would--at least onbroadside shots--penetrate the animal. Load was 100 grains Pyrodex pellets. Would a 300 grain XTP give better penetration? If not, what would you recommend?
All those words you used to describe your activity& bullet - yet no mention of powder or powder volume used.
When I aim, I draw an imaginary line across the body and stay away form the half-way point& higher. I find that little crease next to the upper part of the front leg - follow it up a couple of inches & that's where I squeeze my trigger to. Betterblood trails below the half-way point- often times a double-lunger and none or very little bone cracking going on - depending on the angle which the deer standing.
Yes, in this sport, bigger is mostly better. But best of all, bigger is usually the same price too. I reach for the biggest, baddest bullet that's made in the design I want. For shots under 175 yards, a lead bullet is all you need & most of those are flat nose or hollow points that expand well - leaving good blood trails.
Had that deer you shot been hit by one of my Buffalo S.S.B's in 375 or 435 grain, you would of been alot more impressed.
That's my opinion (everything I mentioned)& I'm sticking to it.
