TARGET BULLETS ARE NOT HUNTING BULLETS!

Fortunate to get in on an elk damage opportunity this winter. This Neanderthal loads 162 Eldm's in a couple of tikka 7mm-08's. This elk didn't get your memo that target bullets aren't hunting bullets! Was just under 350 yards bedded quartering away so poa was a couple inches above the ground and a few ribs back. Jumped on impact, wobbled a couple circles and done ✅ Severed entry rib and chunked the second, bullet was lodged in the heart, weight 124 gn.
Think I'll keep use'n em.View attachment 549816View attachment 549817 View attachment 549818
Nice!!
 
one thing stands out here, and i'm not picking and choosing when i say this, but, inconsistency is a RED flag for Me.
A bad "lot" of bullets recognized by the manufacturer is one thing, bad shot placement sure, but no measure of consistency is another entirely.
That would constitute a "next" with me.

Perhaps a move back to a more proven "hunting" bullet would be a solid first step.
When whatever bullet lands where it needs to, and yet presents with 2 totally different results concerning the way it expands/penetrates I would be OUT.
Too many other choices available.
What happens when the bullet that doesn't perform is labeled a hunting bullet? Is it time to try a match bullet then? Just trying to follow your logic! 😜
 
What happens when the bullet that doesn't perform is labeled a hunting bullet? Is it time to try a match bullet then? Just trying to follow your logic! 😜
I doubt that would be my first choice, personally.
But it would depend on what the lack of desired performance was, and what I want accomplished, ultimately.
I haven't had a situation to blame my chosen hunting bullets yet. And it would be just fine if it stays that way!
 
What's funny is this thread started because I got tired of all the fudd's saying a particular mono was God's gift to killing bullets. Now it's turned 180 degrees. I guess 31 pages will do that! 😜
I doubt this thread has changed anything.
It would be nice if it at least got people to think a little more on bullet design & how it applies to terminal performance. 🤷‍♂️
 
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I have had good luck and bad luck with match bullets. The 75g Hornady match I have excellent results with my 223 on Coyotes. Look at the bullets before you purchase. I called and asked Hornady why some look like the tip has been swaged. The tech said when they test and the bullets don't meet their accuracy standards they swage the tip to bring them to accuracy standards. That reduces greatly the size of the hollow point and their effectiveness as far as my experience.
Also on coyote I made a good double lung at 300 yards with a 140 ELD- M out of my 6.5 Creedmore and he run 300 yards across a tilled field. He tried to get up when I approached and I dispatched with Ruger Mark4.
I have shot deer with Sierra match king at 100 yards and it dropped within 10 yards, but I didn't like the small exit so switched to Lapua Silver Scenars and you can judge that as you see fit from the photo I posted.
Hunting bullets are improving every year. My ELD-X and ELD-M group together with my Berger VLDs and Swift Sirocco so I dont understand the division among pro vs anti match. I can see why people would want to go to he heavies like the 153 and 156 in the 6.5 bores. I have no experience with those and animals so really don't have a data supported opinion.
 
Lack of oxygen or blood pressure
I've seen too many make it 50-100yds with sloshing stew between the ribs and a blood splatter trail even I could follow to be convinced.
No effective heart or lung function from the moment of impact.
I'm "red-green deficient" colorblind.
I've never had a problem with bloodshot meat either. It seems to be a direct indication of plenty trauma. The instant kind.
 
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