Favorite whitetail load
#50878
04/28/2009 9:28 PM
|
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,715
jamesfromjersey
OP
Shootist
|
OP
Shootist
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,715 |
After looking at some old hunting pictures I began to think where I would rate the gun/load combination used to take them. I`ve used other guns and calibers but the majority of my deer were taken with my FA`s 454 firing a handload that had a standard 300gr XTP, with the double crimp, over a charge of H-4227 for a MV of around 1450fps.From 100 yards and under, as long as I but the bullet in the right place, this combination has never failed me. My thoughts when first writting this post were what would be my favorite`s for 100yds and under and what would be used for shooting over 100yds.The only problem I have is that my longest shot on a deer was a measured 109yds using the above gun/load.I`ve recently purchased a SSK barrel in 6.5JDJ if the chance should arise for me to try and make a 100 plus yard shot on a deer. What would be your favorite gun/load combo for taking deer over/under 100 yards???
Life member-NRA-SCI Member-HHI #2900-HHASA #067 Colt-Ruger-Freedom Arms-and S&W Collector Assoc.s "I have more guns then I need but not as many as I want" "Handgun hunters HAVE to be good"
|
|
|
Re: Favorite whitetail load
[Re: jamesfromjersey]
#50880
04/28/2009 9:51 PM
|
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 425
pter1020k
addict
|
addict
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 425 |
contender 30-30 2-6 bushnell scope.good for 150 yards. with practice more...
Genesis chapter 1 verse 26
When shooting a single shot their are no warning shots.
Keith
|
|
|
Re: Favorite whitetail load
[Re: pter1020k]
#50882
04/28/2009 10:14 PM
|
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 246
liv2hnt460
enthusiast
|
enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 246 |
When I hunt with my 300WSM, my favorite load is 180 Accubond over 67.5gr IMR-4831.
My favorite handgun load is 200gr Barnes XPB over 46.5 gr H110.
If God didn't want us to eat animals, he wouldn't have made them out of meat.
|
|
|
Re: Favorite whitetail load
[Re: liv2hnt460]
#50884
04/28/2009 11:32 PM
|
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,757
cottonstalk
Pooh-Bah
|
Pooh-Bah
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,757 |
Well new to the sport my load was 24-25gr of H110 under a 250gr Nosler Partition in my 44mag.My load in years past 43.5gr of BL-C2 under a 175grVLD Berger in a 308 long gun.I am working on a 305gr cast load on top of 21.5gr of H110 and a 320gr cast load over 20.5gr of H110.If the cast loads don't suit me I won't hesitate a second to go back with the Nosler load.
"If you get to thinkin' you're a person of some influence,try orderin' someone else's dog around" unknown cowboy
|
|
|
Re: Favorite whitetail load
[Re: cottonstalk]
#50885
04/29/2009 12:11 AM
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,725
500WE
Pooh-Bah
|
Pooh-Bah
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,725 |
.44 Magnum: 23/ 296 or 24/296, depending upon the revolver; CCI 350; Sierra 240 JHC. Longer: .257 JDJ 34.4 AA2520; CCI BR2; 100gr. Nosler BT; 2620 fps Big 'uns & longer: .338 JDJ No.2; 49.5/ AA2520; Fed. 210; Hornady 200 gr. Spire pt.; 2280 fps.
All mean sudden death.
|
|
|
Re: Favorite whitetail load
[Re: 500WE]
#50894
04/29/2009 1:10 AM
|
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 65
TCUMan
journeyman
|
journeyman
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 65 |
Mine is 7-30 waters with a sierra 120gr pro hunter, 35.2gr of IMR-4895, with a federal 205 primer.
.257JDJ, 6.5JDJ, 6TC/U, 7TC/U, and soon to be, 6.5-284, 7 Sundance MOA.
|
|
|
Re: Favorite whitetail load
[Re: TCUMan]
#50895
04/29/2009 1:28 AM
|
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 7,331
TCTex.
Shootist
|
Shootist
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 7,331 |
Contender in 375 Win shooting a 264 cast with 25gr of 2400 at 1600+ fps
SRH 44mag shooting a 300 XTP crimped on the second line with 24gr of H110 at 1350+fps
Democracy is two wolves and a lamb deciding what to have for dinner. Liberty is a well armed lamb Benjamin Franklin
|
|
|
Re: Favorite whitetail load
[Re: TCTex.]
#50898
04/29/2009 2:25 AM
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,057
Gary
Distinguished Master
|
Distinguished Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,057 |
In a revolver it would be my 454 with a 260 Nosler partition with a full-house load. In a single shot it would be my 309 JDJ with a 150 ballistic tip. If the shots are likely to be close with a revolver it would be the Winchester 250 XTP factory ammo; they are very accurate and recoil of a 44 Mag.
You can't wait any longer. Join the NRA and start writing your Congressmen and Senators.
|
|
|
Re: Favorite whitetail load
[Re: Gary]
#50900
04/29/2009 3:09 AM
|
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,205
KYODE
Shooting Expert
|
Shooting Expert
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,205 |
revolver....44mag with 2400 and 240gr xtp
contender....35rem with h322 and 180gr hornady ssp(3 deer with this in the 200yrd neighborhood)
encore....7mm-08 with h4895 and 120gr nbt
Kentucky….no place like home.
|
|
|
Re: Favorite whitetail load
[Re: jamesfromjersey]
#50905
04/29/2009 12:20 PM
|
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 216
ClayFHT
enthusiast
|
enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 216 |
It would be my SSK 309 JDJ with a 165-grain Nosler BT @ 2400 FPS. It is topped off with a Leupold 2.5-8x EER and works great for all the deer hunting I do.
"Those who hammer their guns into plows will plow for those who did not." Thomas Jefferson
The Second Amendment is in place in case the politicians ignore the others. General Dwight Eisenhower
|
|
|
Re: Favorite whitetail load
[Re: KYODE]
#50908
04/29/2009 1:43 PM
|
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 651
larry223
addict
|
addict
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 651 |
other then a little different powder just like kyode i use reloader15 in the 7mm larry
tc,s 223 35rem 7-30 waters 6.5jdj 375 30/30ai 6mm/223 22lr encores 7mm-08 308 redhawk 44mag.
|
|
|
Re: Favorite whitetail load
[Re: ClayFHT]
#50911
04/29/2009 3:18 PM
|
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,037
wtroper
old hand
|
old hand
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,037 |
While I have used both 41s & 454s for deer, if I knew that the shot was not going to be over 100 yds, I would likely choose my favorite FA 41 with 210 XTP loaded with 2400 (1500+ fps). The accuracy of this combination will allow neck shots if a solid rest can be used. For me that is as "good as it gets." For larger animals I would choose the 454. My FA likes 300 gr bullets loaded to mid-1400s with 2400.
For longer range shots (up to 250 yds), my favorite for deer would be the 6.5 JDJ, 120 gr BT or Speer loaded with 4320. This combination is very accurate, with mild recoil and the bullets perform. For larger animals I would choose the 338 JDJ#2 with 200 gr Hornadys.
Anymore if the range is over 250, I would usually pass the shot at a game animal.
It's more important where you hit 'em, than what you hit 'em with.
|
|
|
Re: Favorite whitetail load
[Re: larry223]
#50914
04/29/2009 5:13 PM
|
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 7,331
TCTex.
Shootist
|
Shootist
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 7,331 |
... I use reloader15 in the 7mm... X2… But I don’t argue with what works! Different strokes for different folks. LOL 42gr RL 15 and a 139 spbt... 3 shots at 100
Democracy is two wolves and a lamb deciding what to have for dinner. Liberty is a well armed lamb Benjamin Franklin
|
|
|
Re: Favorite whitetail load
[Re: TCTex.]
#50924
04/29/2009 10:29 PM
|
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 3,359
SChunter
Shooting Expert
|
Shooting Expert
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 3,359 |
Under 100: 44 Magnum - 200 gr XTP over a healthy dose of 296...I know I'll catch some grief from the hard cast fans out there, but it has disageed quite nicely with every whitetail it's met so far!
Others in the stable looking to displace the 44 this year...in both revolver and single shot configurations.
|
|
|
Re: Favorite whitetail load
[Re: SChunter]
#50932
04/30/2009 2:42 AM
|
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,704
Tigger
Distinguished Expert
|
Distinguished Expert
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,704 |
357 Max revolver, 180gr SJHP over IMR 4227
44 Mag revolver, 240gr SJHP over Blue Dot
480 Ruger revolver, 325gr XTP over H110
35 Rem in XP100, 180gr SSP over H322
NRA Life Member
** NEVER! Moon a Werewolf!!**
|
|
|
Re: Favorite whitetail load
[Re: Tigger]
#50957
04/30/2009 11:06 PM
|
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 189
Renster of N.H.
member
|
member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 189 |
I'm with TC. Different strokes...
But, James' question begs what would be "my" fav for under/over 100 yards. 1st, remember guys - I hunt the timber of New Hampshire (for those of you who have never hunted the northeast - picture hunting in a "jungle")so shots on whitetails over 100 yards are possible, but not real common.(yes, we do have some dairy farms with large meadows, but a yankee would usually utilize their rifle in such instances). So, just for "instance" sake, if I were limited to a handgun only (James didn't specify that), the "under" load would be my trusty .300 grain castcore in .44 Mag (of course! ), with the Speer .270 grain a close second. The over would have to be your run of the mill .150 grain Core Lokt pointed soft point in .308 caliber out of the Encore (you're welcome TC ).
Hows that James?
Renster
"It's OK to be a sheep, as long as you appreciate the sheepdogs that make it possible"
|
|
|
Re: Favorite whitetail load
[Re: Renster of N.H.]
#50962
05/01/2009 3:12 AM
|
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 7,331
TCTex.
Shootist
|
Shootist
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 7,331 |
Democracy is two wolves and a lamb deciding what to have for dinner. Liberty is a well armed lamb Benjamin Franklin
|
|
|
Re: Favorite whitetail load
[Re: TCTex.]
#50967
05/01/2009 1:37 PM
|
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 285
leasongs
enthusiast
|
enthusiast
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 285 |
I have had REALLY good luck with my 7TCU with 120 grn Nosler Ballistic Tips using 28.5 grns of H322 at ranges anywhere from 15 yards to 185 yards. All one shot kills. The farther away they get the better the bullet performs. Shots at 185, 135, and 75 all dropped the deer right in their tracks. The 15 yard shot gave me a 30 yard tracking job, but it was like following a red sidewalk. Mild recoil coupled with great accuracy ... it's my favorite deer round so far.
This year I do plan on trying a newly aquired 45-70 however.
|
|
|
Re: Favorite whitetail load
[Re: jamesfromjersey]
#50988
05/02/2009 2:25 PM
|
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 6,963
KRal
Shootist
|
Shootist
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 6,963 |
James, I'm like you...I have many good loads I like and different calibers. To answer you question, I guess I would have to go with the combo that I've taken 75% of my deer with...even though I haven't used it in about 8 years...I'll say my 30/30 win 14" contender with a 150gr NBT pushed with a max dose of W748...It's dropped all of them in their tracks!
It takes 43 muscles to frown and 17 to smile, but only 3 for proper trigger squeeze.
|
|
|
Re: Favorite whitetail load
[Re: ClayFHT]
#51002
05/03/2009 12:48 AM
|
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,715
jamesfromjersey
OP
Shootist
|
OP
Shootist
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,715 |
My question has had some most interesting answer`s. One thing is certain....with you guys deer gun`s and loads are like women... everyone has their own preferences.
Life member-NRA-SCI Member-HHI #2900-HHASA #067 Colt-Ruger-Freedom Arms-and S&W Collector Assoc.s "I have more guns then I need but not as many as I want" "Handgun hunters HAVE to be good"
|
|
|
Re: Favorite whitetail load
[Re: ClayFHT]
#51482
05/19/2009 2:07 AM
|
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,222
bisleyfan44
veteran
|
veteran
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,222 |
Never lost a deer to the Black Hills factory 240 XTP load. Extremely accurate, too.
I'll gladly pay you Tuesday for a handgun today.
|
|
|
Re: Favorite whitetail load
[Re: SChunter]
#51502
05/19/2009 12:31 PM
|
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836
Whitworth
Shootist
|
Shootist
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836 |
Under 100: 44 Magnum - 200 gr XTP over a healthy dose of 296...I know I'll catch some grief from the hard cast fans out there, but it has disageed quite nicely with every whitetail it's met so far!
Others in the stable looking to displace the 44 this year...in both revolver and single shot configurations. Not at all. Hardcasts zip right through deer as there isn't much resistence. I actually like expanding bullets for deer.
|
|
|
Re: Favorite whitetail load
[Re: Whitworth]
#51510
05/19/2009 11:25 PM
|
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 14
sixgunner1965
stranger
|
stranger
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 14 |
240 gr xtp with 23.0 gr H 110 is a nice sleeping pill!!!!
|
|
|
Re: Favorite whitetail load
[Re: sixgunner1965]
#51523
05/20/2009 3:09 AM
|
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836
Whitworth
Shootist
|
Shootist
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836 |
240 gr xtp with 23.0 gr H 110 is a nice sleeping pill!!!! That load should work like gangbusters!
|
|
|
Re: Favorite whitetail load
[Re: sixgunner1965]
#51524
05/20/2009 3:09 AM
|
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836
Whitworth
Shootist
|
Shootist
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836 |
240 gr xtp with 23.0 gr H 110 is a nice sleeping pill!!!! That load should work like gangbusters!
|
|
|
Re: Favorite whitetail load
[Re: Whitworth]
#51540
05/20/2009 12:21 PM
|
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 91
FLS
journeyman
|
journeyman
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 91 |
For under 100 yds I use Bisley hunter in .41 mag. Speer 220 JSP or Hornady 210 XTP over Lil Gun. If Im hunting pigs I'll switch to a 250 gr CP WFNGC. Occasionally I use a 10" Contender in .357 Max. 180 XTP or SSPB over H110. For Over 100 yds, a TC Contender in 7-30 Waters. 120 NBT over AA 2460.
|
|
|
Re: Favorite whitetail load
[Re: FLS]
#51584
05/21/2009 8:01 PM
|
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 143
nuclearweasel
member
|
member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 143 |
Good work everybody. I like to see some .41 mag fans out there. As an experiment I have been hunting almost exclusively with this caliber for the last couple of years. My 10 inch Contender sees most of the work but I have taken a few with my marlin 1894FG. I Also I have recently scoped a Ruger SBH .41 mag and plan to put it through its paces this fall. All three of these guns shoot better than minute of whitetail with a 210 XTP on top of 19grns of Accurate Arms #9. It might not be able to shoot through a 200lb boar lengthwise, but I know for a fact that under 100 yards it will break both shoulders and exit the animal completely every time.
Did you know that there are magical animals roaming wild, converting vegetables into bacon as we speak?
|
|
|
Re: Favorite whitetail load
[Re: nuclearweasel]
#51590
05/22/2009 12:51 AM
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,057
Gary
Distinguished Master
|
Distinguished Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,057 |
For the .41 fans be sure and check out the August issue of American Hunter... just a little tease.
You can't wait any longer. Join the NRA and start writing your Congressmen and Senators.
|
|
|
Re: Favorite whitetail load
[Re: Gary]
#51595
05/22/2009 1:40 AM
|
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,434
H2OBUG
Pooh-Bah
|
Pooh-Bah
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,434 |
I have a 200 gr XTP load that I like that would make a good whitetail load but the 240's always seem to shoot a little better out at 100yds so I tend to stick with them. I had a real bad time with some 180 XTP's a few years ago on a big hog. I found that I got plenty of expansion but the bullet did not penatrate well. I tend to lean toward the heavier expanding bullets now. The 300 XTP's do well out of my Rugers (I seat them long) seem to be just a bit less recoil than the 240's. I am still working with this new Bisley Ruger It is Zeroed for 240's now but I may move it to the 300 XTP's
All the s&W 29's are zeroed with the 240 Speer Gold Dot HP's and 18.5 of 2400. It is a bit of a light load but shoots great in the oldr S&W guns.
You may see me shoot a deer with an open sight 29 this year. Time will tell
If it jams force it! If it breaks it needed replacing anyway.
|
|
|
Re: Favorite whitetail load
[Re: H2OBUG]
#53154
07/17/2009 8:50 PM
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 43
countryrebel
newbie
|
newbie
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 43 |
I use 23.5 grains of H110 behind the 240 xtp for my 44s.
Ruger SRH 44mag 7.5", Encore 223 12", Encore MGM260Rem 13", Ruger BH 357mag 4-5/8"
|
|
|
Re: Favorite whitetail load
[Re: countryrebel]
#53164
07/18/2009 3:07 AM
|
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 848
magman
old hand
|
old hand
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 848 |
Short range 44 mag with 240 xtp and 296.
Long range 309jdj with 150 gr BT and 760 or 308 with 150 BT and Varget or 6.5jdj with Varget and 120 BT or 338jdj with 2520 and 180-200 grain bullet
NRA LIFE MEMBER NAHC LIFE MEMBER
|
|
|
Re: Favorite whitetail load
[Re: magman]
#53237
07/19/2009 9:41 PM
|
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 404
Mikewin
addict
|
addict
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 404 |
In .44mag, a 300gr XTP in front of 20gr Vihtavuori N110 is an excellent load for deer-sized game and possibly larger. Keeping three shots within 2" @ 100 yards is not difficult at all, at least not with a scoped revolver.
As a European, I prefer my latte in my NRA coffee mug
|
|
|
Re: Favorite whitetail load
[Re: jamesfromjersey]
#53255
07/20/2009 4:35 AM
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 750
bluecow
old hand
|
old hand
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 750 |
44 hard cast 17 grn hercules 2400, i still got some.
Everything before "but" is B.S.
|
|
|
Re: Favorite whitetail load
[Re: bluecow]
#53257
07/20/2009 12:36 PM
|
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 119
LShull
member
|
member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 119 |
30-284 with 165 grn Hornady spbt and 46.5 grns H4895
|
|
|
Re: Favorite whitetail load
[Re: jamesfromjersey]
#53302
07/21/2009 6:44 PM
|
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 58
Warren
journeyman
|
journeyman
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 58 |
Out to 60 yards = Ruger Blackhawk .357mag with factory 158JSP. When using a rifle = Marlin 336 in .35 Rem. Anything over 100yds walks away.
|
|
|
Re: Favorite whitetail load
[Re: Warren]
#53311
07/21/2009 9:26 PM
|
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 651
larry223
addict
|
addict
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 651 |
short range or walking 44mag 240gr xtp setting 7mm-08 encore. out to 150yds. larry
tc,s 223 35rem 7-30 waters 6.5jdj 375 30/30ai 6mm/223 22lr encores 7mm-08 308 redhawk 44mag.
|
|
|
Re: Favorite whitetail load
[Re: larry223]
#53314
07/21/2009 10:11 PM
|
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,222
bisleyfan44
veteran
|
veteran
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,222 |
Hornady 240 XTP @1250 or so from the 44.
I'll gladly pay you Tuesday for a handgun today.
|
|
|
|
0 registered members (),
36
guests, and 0
spiders. |
Key:
Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod
|
|
|