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Mule Deer #38376 11/06/2008 11:12 PM
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wheelguns Offline OP
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Do you guy's think that the 120 NBT in 7-30 Waters will hold up on a large Mule Deer buck.
Thanks

Re: Mule Deer [Re: wheelguns] #38382 11/06/2008 11:40 PM
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I've been using the 120's in mine and I may use them next year when I draw my eastern oregon mule deer tag but I'm thinking about trying the 140 BT's and Accubonds. I shot a small blacktail doe with the 120's and the first shot was angling towards me at 125yds and I caught the lungs and blew out 3 ribs with a massive exit wound. The doe went down and regained her feet so I shot a second time with the entrance only about 1.5" from the first but she was quartered away this time so I got the lungs again but hit the off shoulder. I found the lead core in the back strap and the jacket in the meat on the inner part of the leg a couple inches below the shoulder socket. the core had seperated and run up the body cavity and stopped at the back strap so I'm thinking maybe a heavier bullet for more kinetic energy and maybe the accubond with the bonded core will hold together better.


I won't be wronged. I won't be insulted. I won't be laid a-hand on. I don't do these things to other people, and I require the same from them. John Wayne-The Shootist


Re: Mule Deer [Re: wheelguns] #38383 11/06/2008 11:40 PM
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Yes.....been using them out of 7-08 rifles for years.............

Re: Mule Deer [Re: wheelguns] #38385 11/06/2008 11:43 PM
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I have only used them on antelope so far, but I have been very impressed with them. I don't think you'll have any problem with them on broadside, heart/lung shots.


Experience is the best teacher, hunger good sauce.
Osborne Russell Journal of a Trapper


Re: Mule Deer [Re: GonHuntin] #38386 11/06/2008 11:47 PM
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TCTex. Offline
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Yes in a 708 rifle a 120 would do great! If fact it would pretty much duplicate a 25-06! But in a pistol and 7-30 Waters I would say shoot the 139-140 bullet. There is over 500 fps difference in a 708 rifle and a 7-30 Waters pistol when comparing a 120gr bullet!! That is a lot. I am not saying it can’t be done, I am just saying I would use a 139-140 bullet. Of course this is also my mentality. I am shooting a 139 SST out of my 11in 7mm TCU.

I called Nosler and asked them about shooting a pig with a 120 BT and they said it would be a little light and that they would suggest using a 140 BT. Again this is just my .02… but I thought it was pertinent to the conversation.


Democracy is two wolves and a lamb deciding what to have for dinner. Liberty is a well armed lamb
Benjamin Franklin
Re: Mule Deer [Re: pab1] #38389 11/06/2008 11:54 PM
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wheelguns Offline OP
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I'm a little hesitant, it's not a bonded bullet and the mule deer here in western Montana are very larged body animals.

Re: Mule Deer [Re: wheelguns] #38391 11/07/2008 12:11 AM
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I don't blame you. I still think if you pick your shots you'll be fine. If your not confident in it though, I would use a different bullet or round. I never want to shoot at game with a bullet that I don't have confidence in. You might want to try the 120 NBTs on a few whitetail first and see how they hold up.


Experience is the best teacher, hunger good sauce.
Osborne Russell Journal of a Trapper


Re: Mule Deer [Re: pab1] #38415 11/07/2008 2:45 AM
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Heck yes it will. I use them in my 30-30 ack, and they work very well.

Lars


Lars

.357 maxi, .375 win, 30-30 ackley, .450 marlin, and anything else that goes boom!!!
Re: Mule Deer [Re: lhunter03] #38419 11/07/2008 4:14 AM
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I shoot the 120 Vmax out of my 7-30 but for Mule Deer I would go with the Nolser 140 BT or the 139 Hornady BTSP


If it jams force it! If it breaks it needed replacing anyway.
Re: Mule Deer [Re: H2OBUG] #38420 11/07/2008 4:46 AM
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wheelguns Offline OP
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Just got done loading up some 139 Hornady BTSP. I've shoot them before, but just can't seem to get as good of a group as the NBT's. I've taken alot of game w/ the Hornadys,and have great faith in them, so will give them a try.
Thanks again for the help guys
Norm

Re: Mule Deer [Re: wheelguns] #38433 11/07/2008 2:23 PM
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Ernie Offline
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I have killed a couple of small to medium sized muley with 120 grain bullet, using a 14" 7mm TCU (many moons ago).
With this cartridge i kept the distance under 200 yards.


Ernie the Un-Tactical
Re: Mule Deer [Re: Ernie] #38494 11/08/2008 2:47 AM
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pab1 Offline
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I agree on the 200 yard limitation XP. I think the lower velocity of the 7-30 Waters is an advantage with the 120 gr NBT. I have heard of some people having trouble with them breaking up in other calibers when pushed at much higher velocities. They perform well in the 7-30 Waters velocity range.


Experience is the best teacher, hunger good sauce.
Osborne Russell Journal of a Trapper


Re: Mule Deer [Re: pab1] #38495 11/08/2008 3:13 AM
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TCTex. Offline
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I will have to be honest and state that I don’t have any experience with the 120’s. But I have been very happy with the 140 NBT’s. They exceeded my expectations.

140 Nosler BT with 32 grains of H335


Democracy is two wolves and a lamb deciding what to have for dinner. Liberty is a well armed lamb
Benjamin Franklin
Re: Mule Deer [Re: wheelguns] #38600 11/09/2008 3:20 PM
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wyote Offline
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I've used the 120gr BT's in the 7-30 with no problems on mulies


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