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- Dec 17, 2015
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After purchasing a White Model 97 Ultra Mag several years ago, I did some experimenting with different bullets and decided to use heavy conicals - in the 400-460 gr range. The first deer I shot at about 35 yards with a 460 gr bullet in front of 90 gr T7 loose. It was hit in the right front shoulder and the bullet ranged corner-to-corner, exiting the left hip. The exit hole was barely larger than the entrance. The deer ran about 150 yards before dropping. I had a decent, but not great blood trail.
Last week I shot my 2nd deer with this same combination at about 75 yards. It was a very large doe that turned just as I fired. The bullet struck just ahead of the right hip (yes, a paunch hit) and exited just behind the left shoulder. Again, almost no expansion. This deer almost evaded being found because of a very small amount of blood trail and difficult terrain to track her. But I stuck to it and found her lying under a pine tree about 300 yards away.
So I decided that I need to find a load/bullet combination that will give better expansion. I'm sure I could add another 50 gr of powder to my load with no problem to the gun, but I'm also thinking about my shoulder. That would be a pretty hefty punch with a 460 grain bullet - even from this heavy rifle. :shock:
I was looking at the Federal Premium Trophy BOR Lock Copper bullet, but have read several reviews that show a lack of expansion for that as well. Plus, from the sounds of it, it would probably fall right out of my .504 barrel. :nono:
I have a bunch of 300 gr Hornady XTP's and several kinds of sabots. What kind of terminal performance could I expect from these with a 90-100 gr powder charge?
Any other suggestions are also welcome - - I'm sure everyone has their favorite.
Thanks in Advance
Last week I shot my 2nd deer with this same combination at about 75 yards. It was a very large doe that turned just as I fired. The bullet struck just ahead of the right hip (yes, a paunch hit) and exited just behind the left shoulder. Again, almost no expansion. This deer almost evaded being found because of a very small amount of blood trail and difficult terrain to track her. But I stuck to it and found her lying under a pine tree about 300 yards away.
So I decided that I need to find a load/bullet combination that will give better expansion. I'm sure I could add another 50 gr of powder to my load with no problem to the gun, but I'm also thinking about my shoulder. That would be a pretty hefty punch with a 460 grain bullet - even from this heavy rifle. :shock:
I was looking at the Federal Premium Trophy BOR Lock Copper bullet, but have read several reviews that show a lack of expansion for that as well. Plus, from the sounds of it, it would probably fall right out of my .504 barrel. :nono:
I have a bunch of 300 gr Hornady XTP's and several kinds of sabots. What kind of terminal performance could I expect from these with a 90-100 gr powder charge?
Any other suggestions are also welcome - - I'm sure everyone has their favorite.
Thanks in Advance