Although I've shot deer with the 117gr Hornady at under 100yds without problems, what some guys say about premiun bullets for close range makes sense. At high impact velocities all cup and core bullets are going to shed weight, most likely, much faster than cup and core bullets. The saving grace with deer is it just don't take much to stop them.
Mac 11700 had this to say:
Wasn't trying to take it there...just a little tounge & cheek humor...Just wanted to show you that you can use certain premiums to cover all your needs for a lot less than some folks know.The Silver Ballistic Tips are very good bullets..and usually give the handloader excellent service. More so over the standard BT's since their jackets & bases are thicker ...this makes them hold up better on closer shots.Their Lubalox coating is also another benifit..and they generate less pressure than their uncoated bullets...Some don't consider them premiums..but I consider them the premium of the ballistic tips...While you may only have a 200 or so yard shot right now..that could always change and you need a load that is accurate much further...so it doesn't hurt to develope one for it..It's better to have it..and not use it...than to need it and not have it....Like Don said earlier...try a bunch of different bullets and see which does best out of your rifle..then make your decision on that..They all will kill a deer..large and small...but how you want it to preform once inside the animal will depend on how close you are..and how the bullet is made..For me personally...I want the bullet to expand nicely at all ranges..and not seperate..and give a complete pass thru..I feel this gives the best result on whatever I am hunting..others may differ..and that's ok..As to the Federal Fusion ammo...it's well worth trying a box of them..who knows...if they shoot well for you...you might not have to look any further for your 25-06 deer load..They are usually only a couple dollars more than the Remingtons...and severaldollars less than the Hornady's..
That's all true. The best reason I can thinnk of for reloading is to bring out the most in your rifle and cartridge. Otherwise there is a lot of good factory stuff around. I use those 117gr Hornadys because they give me great accuracy at what I concider better impact velocities. The 100gr bullets I tried were really hauling butt and shot very well but at close range I'd suspect they would be more prone to come apart. If I were to use a 100gr on deer, I'd go to a partition bullet. And that would probally work very well also. Americans like choices and we've got a lot. Fortunally most are good choices.
