87 grain V max (again)

[Redgum]

Great bullet accuracy wise infront of 43.5grains of H414 but was always worried about carcass damage. Actually had the guts to try it out this evening on a Muntjac, heart and lung shot,exit no worse that a 100grain softpoint,good bullet.

[Redgum]

Mmmm, would like to update the previous statement after butchering carcass. Initially the carcass looked good, good shot placement and reasonable exit hole. The bullet certainly did its job though the shot was only about 80yds, the Munty dropped like a stone without a twitch. Internally the heart was just jelly and though the stomach was not damaged at all the liver was also a bit mushed (one of my favourite bits). So in comparison to a 100grain soft point there is more damage but the 87gr Vmax certainly delivers most of its energy to the target for an instant kill. I think I will carry on with the 100grain sierra prohunters,they do the job well but do not do quite so much internal damage. Ok your probably saying as long as the meat isnt damaged then whats the problem, this was a perfect heart/lung shot, bullet penetration just behind front leg, exited just behind the opposite front leg, it the shot had been at a slight angle then I think the opposite shoulder would have been lost. Probably better on a bigger deer species though, that will be the next test.

Edited March 15, 2011 by Redgum