Breechplug

All shots were through and through. None hit a shoulder bone. Two were some close to the backbone, but definitely did not hit it. Two were 'just' lung shots way below the backbone. The exit holes gave no evidence the bullets fragmented. I was quite surprised none of them ran aways.

Another deer i killed with the 270g Gold Dot was at around 230 yard and was bedded. The bullet somehow passed below the backbone and above the lungs, and didn't really hit anything major. That deer couldn't get up, but didn't die for a long long time. I reloaded and had to walk down through a ravine, and up the other side. Several minutes after hitting it, i arrived on the scene, and when i grabbed it's hind legs to move it into a better position so i could cut it's throat, it fought my hands. I was surprised that it definitely could move its back legs at that time. I figured it didn't run off, because of some kind of temporary shock to it's nervous system, even though the spinal cord wasn't damaged.

Ok...I'm convinced. I just can't see paying for the Noslers or the Swift A-Frame as I had originally planned. After reading several reports that the Swift performed better than the Noslers on large game in center fire calibers, I was leaning to the Swift .45 cal handgun round but it appears the Gold Dot and the Swift are very similar. (If I'm wrong someone please correct me). Now if I can just find the 300gr Gold Dot locally. I hate paying shipping. Although I'm sure I will have to order the Harvester sabots online.

Ron
Some shots just cant be explained, I too have had deer drop on the spot and others with the same shot run a long way befor they pile up. I guess some shot are like snowflakes, no two are the same. I cant argue that the bullet was'nt the cause so I wont. But if it works than keep using it as you do.
I think that some Deer are just more wimpy than others, while the tough ones cant take the fack that they are going on our dinner table and run like hell no matter what they been hit with!
(BP)

Mountian Gunner
Im gonna leave this test up to you...I was gonna try the (Gold Dots) in My ACCURA, but as Imentioned befor the XTP Mags have never let me down so why change. let me (US) know how they shoot, what powder charge you use and primer, and especially how they do on Game.
Success to you and hope all works out well.
(BP)

I'm planning to try 777 ffg first. Any suggestions for primers?

Some people get a 'crud ring' with using the hotter primers. Therefore, you may want to use the Win 777 primers, Kleanbore or the like. Personally, I do not get a crud ring with any primer but I have learned I appear to be an exception.

If you can afford it, buy a box of several different brands. You might be surprised how much a load will shoot differently with different primers.

Mountain Gunner

TNHagies covered it as best i could... Sure do wish he and/or I knew why we do not get the UC 'crud ring' but i still think it is related to what oils that you use in the bore. It would be my suggestion not to use an oil with Teflon in it, and DO use a synthetic oil of some sort. I use Montana X-treme Bore Conditioner and/or Slip 2000 - you can run a search on both products and find the information....

I also have never got a (Crud Ring) But when I shoot I never shoot any of My MLer's more than say 12 times at the range. I also swab between each shot even of it's just a spit patch. I have mostly used Win W209 Primers, T7's and Rem Kleen Bores. So far they all seem to do an equal job. But if I had to choose I'd use the Win W209's first then the T7's followed by the Rem Kleen Bores, why?? and are one better than the other? I dont know but the order I choose is they way I use them and they work, Thats's all I have to say about that (Forrest Gump)
(BP)