The few times ive gave a coup de grace for my deer or those of others ive used handgun to the head or knife. When you use the knife walk up to its back stand behind its head grab either rack or ear twist its head back and cut it to the bone all the way across. Wait a couple of mins and gut. I made the mistake of going up to one. And got to close to its legs and got the crap kicked outa me. So ALWAYS walk up to its back but the knife will work. Dont worry about your rifle round ricochetingback ive never seen or herd of dirt causing that.