Yankee Doodle

I am trying a new load for my 25-06, with a planned use for deer hunting. Has anyone had any experience with the Hornady 117 gr. SST on deer, or any other like sized game?
I am a bit concerned about the pretty red plastic tip. Although Hornady claims that it gives a higher B.C., I am wondering what effect it would have on the terminal performance of the bullet.
Where I hunt, all possible shots I can take at deer will be under 225 yards.
Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you to all.

wis_rifle_hunter

i've never tried that kind of ammo. i use Remington Core-Lokts PSP 120grain in my 25-06. my grandpa has taken deer out at 300 yards and just knocked them over. its a great gun and a great caliber

haystack

I have a buddy that used the 117 SST in his 25-06 this past year and It done the job on a 316lb bear,one shot at 45 yards, and the went about 45 yards and expired. It's not what I would recommend for bear, but It sure worked on that one.He connected right behind the shoulder, and their was no exit. He also shot 2 deer, a buck at 170 yards, put him down instantly, and no exit. And a doe at 40 yards very same results. I have used the 139gr SST moly coated in my .280 for 7 years and have been very satisfied every time I pull the trigger. I've killed many deer and 4 bear with that load. And hardly ever do I get an exit, but It's not needed seems to dump it all inside the animal.

J The Deer Slayer

I used 150 grain SST's in my 30-06. Same design just a bigger projectile and a little more energy. Your bullet will have a higher velocity because it weighs less.

The pretty red plastic tip does horrible things to whatever you shoot. It is not an issue to worry about. My deer are train wrecks once I'm done with them. The exit is not a gaping hole but everything on the inside is.

haystack

J, is right about the affect this bullet has. I've witnessed some dramatic results. My friend chose the hornady 117gr for his 25-06, because it "grouped" the best out of 5 different brands. Very impressive accuracy, as is the case in my .280. But my nephew could not get it to group with his 30-06 with either 150 or 165gr, His rifle just shot another brand better. I would still highly recommend the 117 SST in that 25 though. BTW, I've used a .280 of one make or another since 1983 and tried nearly all factory loads available and nothing comes close to the 139gr SST in this particular rifle.