Users, I have a couple of 25 cal’s I am working on. I have full intentions of shooting 115 NBT’s but I also have a supply of 100gr bullets. My question is, how well would a 100gr 25 cal bullet perform on a deer under 100 yards? I would rather shoot the load that is more accurate in my barrel, but if the 100gr’s will not perform, my efforts will be counter productive. For those who shoot small boars… what are your experiences and opinions? PS, velocity’s are going to be 2700fps for 115grs and 2900fps for 100gr’s.

Thanks

Duane

At those speeds there should be no problem on deer, IMO. I have seen .243 rifles take scores of whitetails, mostly from my fathers Savage, with 90 to 100 grain pills in our camp. Of course ys gotta hit 'em where it counts but you know that. The key to quarter, and smaller, bores is velocity so those little bullets open up and do the duty. The Nosler BT's work well at even lesser speeds, their 120's are all I use in my Waters'. I say shoot what shoots well and aim for the boiler room.

Have to agree a 100gr 257" bullet would be great for deer.

I have a few friends that drop deer with 6mm 100gr pills with good results.

TC...I've used the 100gr SMK from my .250SAI with great results! I'm getting just over 2700fps. Deer to just under 350yds and varmints to nearly 400yds w/o issue. I plan on using that load on 'lope this fall.

Dan… that helps a LOT! I know I have a lot to learn about small bores, and that is an understatement. Both the 257 GNR and 257 Rob AI “should” be pushing a 100gr about +/- 2900fps. I think I am going to work up loads and just shoot the most accurate load I can find.

Thank everyone for your time. This shooter grew up being told that a 243 wasn’t “big” enough for deer. It is quite humbling to see what they can do in the hands of someone that knows how to use them.

Duane

I was raised the same way. I am still of the opinion that the .243 is a marksman's cartridge for deer size game. IMO, it's best if not placed in the hands of a beginner. It's a wonderful round but something with a little more frontal area makes me feel better.

Now after saying that and not saying that I am "someone who knows" but I have made some mighty long shots on deer with the .243 (in a rifle) launching varmint weight bullets at high velocity. In February I dumped one at 413yds...but had to hold 12" into the wind! That is about the fifth or so that took a 75gr V-Max at 3400fps and lose handily!

I shoot a 100 gr triple shock out of my .257 Weatherby, at 3700 fps+ (26 inch tube). I have killed mule deer and antelope out to 400 yards with this load, and have yet to recover one of the rounds. The only issue with the barnes bullets is that you have to play with the seating depth until you find the sweet spot. Once you find the right seating depth, it isn't uncommon to shoot 1/4 inch groups at 100 yards. The great thing about these bullets is that you can shoot a lite for the caliber bullet and still get more penetration than the heavier lead counterpart.

ERIK