Hi.
I have just been given permission to hunt some farm land in my area. Due to the topography of the area, I will not be able to shoot at a deer from any closer than 100 yards. The longest shot possible is a measured 265 yards.
Now the problem. This is in a County that is limited to shotgun, M/L, or pistol during the regular gun season. Keeping the ranges involved in mind, I have decided to hunt this land with an Encore pistol, in .308 Win., with a 15" barrel and 4X scope.
Sierra Bullets offers a 135 gr. single shot pistol bullet just for this purpose. However they also state that the 125 gr. PSP is also a good choice. The 125 shoots 1 1/2 inch groups at 200 yards if I do my part, and I have a couple of hundred of them on my bench. The best I can do with the 135 is 3 1/2 inch groups at the same distance, and will have to buy more if needed.
My question: Given that Iam gettinga true muzzle velocity of 2600 fps with the 125s, do you think that they will penetrate well enoughif a deer is hit in the shoulder? I usually try to avoid shoulder shots, but I want to be prepared for the contingency.
Thank you for you opinions.