We use the 250 grain shockwaves with the supplied black sabot for target practice. They shoot great and are easy on the pocket book. Then for deer season we swicth to the all copper 250 grain barnes bullets with the blue sabots. The POI for the barnes bullets are the same as the shockwaves.
On this target the highest hole is with a clean barrel out of a Triumph using 80 grains of BH 209, a 250 grain shockwave, at 100 yards. The second hole which is more in the center and a little lower is also a shockwave. The third hole and the lowest, is the 250 grain barnes bullet.
I know the barnes bullets are more expensive than the shockwaves, but for 50 cents more a bullet, you get a great performer. For us, one shot per deer is usually what it takes so its worth it for us. We eat alot of wild game so lead poisoning is a concern for me even though it probably is a remote chance.
My son shot a nice doe at 30 yards a few weeks back with 80 grains of BH powder out of his Triumph. It was a complete pass through with a great blood trail.
My son's second deer was shot at 105 yards with the same setup. This bullet traveled a good half length through the deer after hitting a few bones. Great exspansion, no weight loss.
I won't use any other bullet for deer hunting. The barnes bullets work great using a light load of powder all the way up to a magnum load. They hit hard at close range and also at long distance shots. My nephews recovered bullet from a 200 yard shot on a big buck looked just like the one in the photo.
