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First Deer with the .445 Super Mag! #168582 01/21/2016 2:05 PM
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Zee Offline OP
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Ran into one of my ranching friends at the range yesterday morning and he said he had more deer to cull. Wondered if I could come out that evening and hunt. Well, let me check my busy schedule.........YES!!

So, I met up with him at the ranch just before 4:00 yesterday afternoon. He said that he'd been seeing a bunch of deer at a dirt road intersection every evening as they made there way towards a huge planted field. Said I could sit in the bushes at that location and maybe get one with a handgun. He took me to the spot and I determined there was just enough brush to build a hide. He threw some corn in the road to stop the deer as they crossed and I set up shop back in the tree line where I could shoot in three directions.

I'd brought two handguns with me on the hunt. The 13" MGM barreled .30-30 AI Contender w/ 4x Weaver for the longer shots.



and the 10" barreled .445 Super Mag G2 Contender w/ 2x Pentax.



Shots were going to range from up close and personal out to about 200 yards. So, I settled in for the wait.

About 5:00 a spike and two 8 points wandered out in the road to my right.



and began slowly wandering down the road towards me.



They wanted to let spikes live this year. So, he got a pass. The two young 8 Points looked promising for the future and walked within about 30 yards as they came down to the intersection.



Then, they circled back around to my right and entered the brush on the opposite side of the road. About 40 minutes later, the spike and two yearling does came back out in the road to my right and began to feed. I glassed the does really hard, but determined that they were too young. Then, looking across the road and straight away, I saw three big does come out of the brush and stop in the road about 164 yards away. One of them was huge for a doe and I decided she.........was my target.

I swapped out the guns and brought the AI up to bat. If she looked as though she was going to cross the road and leave, I'd have taken her. But, she began to feed in the road facing me which saved her. Watching her for several minutes, the group slowly milled their way towards me. Maybe.......just maybe.......they'd come close enough for the Super Mag. I'd taken a deer with the AI, but never one with the Super Mag and I really wanted one.

Once the the group made it to 100 yards, I swapped back to the Super Mag and waited for her to turn broadside. But, being stubborn, she refused and kept her body oriented towards me. Just then, several bucks, including the ones from earlier came out of the brush behind the does and entered the road.

A larger buck I hadn't seen earlier showed interest in my doe and, moving towards her, pushed her my way. She began to get nervous and move back towards the brush on the opposite corner of the intersection. But, at the last minute, turned back to my left. Stopping, she curved her body to where her flank was broadside to me but her front shoulder was quartered towards me. With her ears back in contention towards the buck, I figured it was now or never.

At 64 yards, I let her have a 240gr Hornady XTP on the point of her shoulder. At the impack, she slumped and turned to my right to run. I could visibly see that her left shoulder (point of impact) was not working as the leg hung limp as she ran. Running back into the sparce brush, I saw her stop and then fall over in a violent last surge. She had traveled 54 yards.





I'm exceptionally pleased with the performance of the Super Mag. That sucker hits like a hammer on both ends.





1 - My blind.
2 - Where the spike and two 8 Points came from.
Orange Line - Their route of travel.
3 - Where my Doe came from.
Yellow Line - Her route of travel.
4 - Location of shot.
5 - Where she fell.
6 - Where the spike and yearlings were located.

I I loaded her up and took her to the lodge where the ranger weighed and aged her at 117 pounds and approximately 7.5 years old. Not bad and the second year I've taken the largest and oldest doe off the place.

After er the management paperwork, I took her home to butcher.



Everything worked out perfectly and it was a very exciting hunt. He said that I could come back and shoot another when I had the time. Oh, I'll make time!!!

Autopsy this evening.

Last edited by Zee; 01/21/2016 2:28 PM.

"To Hell with efficiency, it's performance we want!" - Elmer Keith
Re: First Deer with the .445 Super Mag! [Re: Zee] #168583 01/21/2016 2:13 PM
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cherokeetracker Offline
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Congratulations Good write up.

Re: First Deer with the .445 Super Mag! [Re: cherokeetracker] #168584 01/21/2016 3:08 PM
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Living in a state where we are currently limited to one deer and you are lucky if you can find one, I find these stories both enjoyable and maddening. Congratulations!

Re: First Deer with the .445 Super Mag! [Re: cherokeetracker] #168585 01/21/2016 5:03 PM
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REDHAWK1954 Offline
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Great story!


Michael Joe Moore
Re: First Deer with the .445 Super Mag! [Re: REDHAWK1954] #168586 01/21/2016 5:11 PM
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Wow..... Could have used your expertise when I was hunting bear in Alaska....


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Re: First Deer with the .445 Super Mag! [Re: jamesfromjersey] #168587 01/21/2016 5:20 PM
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Ernie Offline
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WTG Zee!
I have been enjoying your stories and pics again this year.
Glad to see you blooded the 445.


Ernie the Un-Tactical
Re: First Deer with the .445 Super Mag! [Re: Ernie] #168588 01/21/2016 8:11 PM
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Thank you gentlemen. It has been a..............fun and interesting season.


"To Hell with efficiency, it's performance we want!" - Elmer Keith
Re: First Deer with the .445 Super Mag! [Re: karl] #168589 01/21/2016 8:14 PM
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 Originally Posted By: karl
Living in a state where we are currently limited to one deer and you are lucky if you can find one, I find these stories both enjoyable and maddening. Congratulations!


I am able to take 5 deer on my license. But, the ability to use land owner management tags ups the number considerably. I am at 9 deer so far this season and only used 4 of my tags. The rest were management tags as issued by the state to land owners.

I'm hoping to round off at 10. But, I might have an opportunity for an 11th one.


"To Hell with efficiency, it's performance we want!" - Elmer Keith
Re: First Deer with the .445 Super Mag! [Re: Zee] #168590 01/21/2016 10:00 PM
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Well done once again!


It takes 43 muscles to frown and 17 to smile, but only 3 for proper trigger squeeze.
Re: First Deer with the .445 Super Mag! [Re: Zee] #168591 01/21/2016 10:05 PM
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Good going Sir. I'm looking forward to the autopsy. I'm curious to the damage caused by the XTP.

Re: First Deer with the .445 Super Mag! [Re: Brenden] #168593 01/21/2016 11:26 PM
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REDHAWK1954 Offline
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And I thought I had a good season. Great season!


Michael Joe Moore
Re: First Deer with the .445 Super Mag! [Re: REDHAWK1954] #168594 01/21/2016 11:29 PM
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Is your 30 30 Al contender barrel stainless? You really have some nice looking handguns!


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Re: First Deer with the .445 Super Mag! [Re: REDHAWK1954] #168595 01/22/2016 12:16 AM
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Here is a picture of the little blind I made.



And the view to where I shot the doe.



A- Where the doe initially came out and walked down the road to....
B - Where she was when I shot.


"To Hell with efficiency, it's performance we want!" - Elmer Keith
Re: First Deer with the .445 Super Mag! [Re: Brenden] #168596 01/22/2016 12:16 AM
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 Originally Posted By: Brenden
Good going Sir. I'm looking forward to the autopsy. I'm curious to the damage caused by the XTP.


Getting the pics downloaded now.


"To Hell with efficiency, it's performance we want!" - Elmer Keith
Re: First Deer with the .445 Super Mag! [Re: REDHAWK1954] #168597 01/22/2016 12:17 AM
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 Originally Posted By: REDHAWK1954
Is your 30 30 Al contender barrel stainless? You really have some nice looking handguns!


Thank you! Yes, the barrel is a stainless Match Grade Machine barrel. The first one I ever got from them.


"To Hell with efficiency, it's performance we want!" - Elmer Keith
Re: First Deer with the .445 Super Mag! [Re: Zee] #168598 01/22/2016 12:44 AM
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I always enjoy reading your hunting stories. Great shooting!


Formerly TN Lone Wolf

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Re: First Deer with the .445 Super Mag! [Re: Chance Weldon] #168602 01/22/2016 1:21 AM
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Good story and nice shooting. Always more fun to tak one with handgun.

Re: First Deer with the .445 Super Mag! [Re: popo] #168603 01/22/2016 2:18 AM
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Cartridge: .445 Super Mag
Bullet: Hornady 240gr XTP
Muzzle Velocity: 1,977 fps
Distance: 64 yards
Angle: Quartering Towards
Impact Velocity: 1,750 fps
Distance Traveled: 54 yards

Entrance


Entrance Under Hide


Exit From Shoulder. Shattered the scapula and lower shoulder bone into pieces.


Entrance Under Shoulder


Entrance To Thoracic Cavity


Entrance to Lungs


Jacket Found




Core Located




I haven't cleaned up and weighed the bullet yet. But, I will. Considering the velocity on impact and that the bullet struck a major bone immediately on impact, I am not surprised that it separated. But, the core still drove through the lungs and came to rest at the back.

Damage was done to them, but the deer did not bleed from the entrance. All the blood came from her mouth as she ran. There was no blood at first, but then about halfway, the flood gates opened until she stopped. The picture in the original post show that location and the blood present.

I really like this cartridge............and the 240gr XTP is flat out awesome in every chambering I've used it!!!


"To Hell with efficiency, it's performance we want!" - Elmer Keith
Re: First Deer with the .445 Super Mag! [Re: popo] #168604 01/22/2016 2:30 AM
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 Originally Posted By: popo
Good story and nice shooting. Always more fun to tak one with handgun.


No. Not always. I have had many a memorable hunt with longarm and bow. The hunt itself makes the memories. The tool used is just a piece of the puzzle.


"To Hell with efficiency, it's performance we want!" - Elmer Keith
Re: First Deer with the .445 Super Mag! [Re: Brenden] #168607 01/22/2016 3:56 AM
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What type of shooting rest is that?

Re: First Deer with the .445 Super Mag! [Re: JDMANN] #168608 01/22/2016 4:02 AM
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 Originally Posted By: JDMANN
What type of shooting rest is that?


Bog Pod with PSR Top.


"To Hell with efficiency, it's performance we want!" - Elmer Keith
Re: First Deer with the .445 Super Mag! [Re: Chance Weldon] #168609 01/22/2016 4:03 AM
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 Originally Posted By: TN Lone Wolf
I always enjoy reading your hunting stories. Great shooting!


Thank you!


"To Hell with efficiency, it's performance we want!" - Elmer Keith
Re: First Deer with the .445 Super Mag! [Re: JDMANN] #168613 01/22/2016 5:17 AM
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Congrats and nice shooting!


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Re: First Deer with the .445 Super Mag! [Re: pab1] #168630 01/23/2016 12:00 AM
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Grats again to the "Eyeless Hunter".


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Re: First Deer with the .445 Super Mag! [Re: PsTaN] #168634 01/23/2016 12:46 AM
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Here's what is left of the 240gr Hornady XTP bullet after smashing through the shoulder bone at 1,750 fps.





There is even a large chunk of bone imbedded in the center of the core. The bullet got thrashed, but it did its job well and I don't have any complaints.

This is the 3rd animal taken with the 240gr XTP this year. Two pigs and a deer. Muzzle velocities ranged from 1,977 - 2,325 fps. All have been super effective. Even when driven faster than generally prescribed.

While i I might not choose them for elk size game, they have no peer in my book for deer sized game. Other bullets work equally well, but none better that I've seen.


"To Hell with efficiency, it's performance we want!" - Elmer Keith
Re: First Deer with the .445 Super Mag! [Re: Zee] #168678 01/25/2016 5:01 AM
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Looks nice. Have u ever tried the 280gr a frame bullet?

Re: First Deer with the .445 Super Mag! [Re: tradmark] #168679 01/25/2016 8:43 AM
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I have not tried them yet.


"To Hell with efficiency, it's performance we want!" - Elmer Keith
Re: First Deer with the .445 Super Mag! [Re: Zee] #168683 01/25/2016 5:00 PM
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dvan Offline
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Good shooting. I'm a 445 SM lover and I took my first deer ;a doe, with a 15 inch encore barrel with muzzle brake by MGM last year. Very pleased with MGM barrels and company. Have a couple barrels by them and plan to purchase a couple more this year. Doe was DRT. awesome round and yes it's has definite authority on both ends.


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Re: First Deer with the .445 Super Mag! [Re: dvan] #168684 01/25/2016 5:03 PM
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I also load the 240gr XTP in my SM and pushing at 2050 fps out of my 15 inch barrel. Quite pleased with XTP performance. Congratulations.

Last edited by dvan; 01/25/2016 5:04 PM.

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Re: First Deer with the .445 Super Mag! [Re: dvan] #168687 01/25/2016 10:31 PM
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Excellent write up and always enjoy the pictures.


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Re: First Deer with the .445 Super Mag! [Re: dvan] #168689 01/25/2016 10:35 PM
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 Originally Posted By: dvan
I also load the 240gr XTP in my SM and pushing at 2050 fps out of my 15 inch barrel. Quite pleased with XTP performance. Congratulations.


What is your load data for the 240gr XTP?


"To Hell with efficiency, it's performance we want!" - Elmer Keith
Re: First Deer with the .445 Super Mag! [Re: Zee] #168697 01/27/2016 1:54 PM
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30.4 grains of WW-296 over CCI-200 primer.


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Re: First Deer with the .445 Super Mag! [Re: dvan] #168698 01/27/2016 2:07 PM
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Everything I've read suggest using standard rifle primers so that's why the CCI 200 were used. The 30.4 grains is not maximum mid level. I finally found a pound of AA 1680 and want to reload first chance I get. The only published data I have found for the 445 SM is Hornady and Seirra and I prefer the Hornady data with the XTP bullets.

Last edited by dvan; 01/27/2016 2:59 PM.

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Re: First Deer with the .445 Super Mag! [Re: dvan] #168699 01/27/2016 2:11 PM
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What's your load data for the 240 XTP in your SM? Do you use a published data?

Last edited by dvan; 01/27/2016 3:00 PM.

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Re: First Deer with the .445 Super Mag! [Re: dvan] #168701 01/27/2016 2:54 PM
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I envy where you live and the availability and access to local ranches to hunt. I am going to assume TX by the terrain and time of year of still being able to deer hunt. It's a terrible job but someone has to step up forward and do his duty. What are friends for. My oldest grandson lives south of Waco; and I visit him as much as I can, so the pictures resembled the areas that I have traveled in TX.


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Re: First Deer with the .445 Super Mag! [Re: dvan] #168708 01/27/2016 8:29 PM
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 Originally Posted By: dvan
What's your load data for the 240 XTP in your SM? Do you use a published data?


I used the Hodgdon on line data and am .5gr below their max. It's most accurate in my gun and my barrel says "that's enough powder".

240gr Hornady XTP
Starline Brass
Federal Large Pistol Magnum Primer
32.5gr H110
1.925" COAL
Full Turn (Heavy) Crimp
3-Shots / 25 yrds
.294"


"To Hell with efficiency, it's performance we want!" - Elmer Keith
Re: First Deer with the .445 Super Mag! [Re: dvan] #168709 01/27/2016 8:30 PM
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 Originally Posted By: dvan
Everything I've read suggest using standard rifle primers so that's why the CCI 200 were used. The 30.4 grains is not maximum mid level. I finally found a pound of AA 1680 and want to reload first chance I get. The only published data I have found for the 445 SM is Hornady and Seirra and I prefer the Hornady data with the XTP bullets.


Hodgdon has data on line:

http://www.hodgdonreloading.com

Go to their pistol data and you'll find the .445 Super Mag.


"To Hell with efficiency, it's performance we want!" - Elmer Keith
Re: First Deer with the .445 Super Mag! [Re: Zee] #168724 01/28/2016 4:20 PM
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Yes Hodgdon does have load data on Web site and I did print off and have it as well. Looking at trying the heavier Hornady bullets when weather permits.


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Re: First Deer with the .445 Super Mag! [Re: dvan] #168725 01/28/2016 4:51 PM
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I'm running some 325gr WFN-GC Matt's Bullets through mine at 1,700 fps as well. Haven't taken any game with them, yet.



"To Hell with efficiency, it's performance we want!" - Elmer Keith
Re: First Deer with the .445 Super Mag! [Re: Zee] #168727 01/28/2016 4:53 PM
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There was no data for that, so I worked up to it. Beware!!!


"To Hell with efficiency, it's performance we want!" - Elmer Keith
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