I loaded some Bayou Bullet Powder Coated 175 grain LSWC that averaged 1135 for 500ft/lb's ... A modest load of Unique cause it's what I got. These were extremely accurate out of my 6" KKM barrel, but my gut tells me this load ain't enough for deer.

What you guys say?

Thanks,

P

thats plenty. I have killed tons of deer with .44 specials with loads in that power range. put it in the boiler room and pull the trigger.

I've killed several deer with a similar 170 cast and Unique in a .40 S&W.

Thanks guys. I loaded up a test batch this afternoon a tad higher. Gonna see if I can grab another 50fps and keep the same accuracy.

Absolutely put that pill in the boiler room and you will be enjoying some excellent venison chops.

Not to dispute anyone's word here but, my formula has always been .40 caliber or larger, 200 grain bullet or heavier, pushed at or over 1000FPS. Before the flames start, I personally know of several whitetails taken successfully in my area with the .22 Long Rifle.
Steve

Low velocity rounds need a little expansion for shock effect in small caliber handguns. Faster rounds do much better.
I shot around 6 deer with 180 gr. .40s (different companies). Took 3-4 shots (all in vital areas) to put them down. The 165 Sierras showed expansion, almost always complete penetration, and signs of shock effect in the meat.
Getting a 180 or 200 gr. bullet in a .40 Short&Weak is a little hard on the gun.
I've witnessed 4 deer taken with 38 gr. HPs, subsonics, in a handgun. All dropped instantly.
Bullets effects on any game depends more on shot placement rather than size of the gun, size of the bullet, or velocity, USUALLY, but on deer size and less velocity helps a great deal.

Velocity test on the new load hit 1200fps ... a max charge of Unique for 175 grain lead yielding 560ft/lbs. I think at 40 yards max this will be my load assuming accuracy testing goes ok.

3 years ago I shot a 150 lb cull buck hunting with a friend of mine. The shot was broadside at roughly 25-30 yards and the bullet impacted centerline right into the shoulders. This was a factory loaded Hornady 180 XTP. The bullet did not pass through, but broke the shoulder and did some impressive internal damage.

I'm thinking this new lead load will break both shoulders and pass through?

Thanks all,

P