Bullet choice

[S.B.]

I'd like to get some opinions on bullets for white tail deer? I've heard Hornady and some others. Anybody do any comparison tests on what is considered the best of the best? We're just getting the go ahead from the state capital for handgun hunting in the regular season here in Illinois.I know this asks for a several season account of things, but that seems the only way to get a good idea.

[DzrtRat]

What caliber are you going to hunt with?

IMO, the best bullet is also the simplest, at least for the larger calibers.  Just find a suitable wieght hard cast lead bullet with a large meplat and load it appropriately.

A word of caution though.  Don't load lead bullets with the same powder charges you would use with same wieght jacketed bullets.  The lead seals with the bore better and you will achieve better velocities with less powder than you will with jacketed bullets, or at least that's been my experience.

Take care,

~Rat

[S.B.]

.44mag. Sorry, I didn't list all the info. I would rather load a jacketed hollow point instead of the cast one I use for paper punching, And yes I am aware of the use of cast for several applications, but penatration isn't that big of a deal with white tails.

[Gregory]

I'd like to get some opinions on bullets for white tail deer? I've heard Hornady and some others. Anybody do any comparison tests on what is considered the best of the best? We're just getting the go ahead from the state capital for handgun hunting in the regular season here in Illinois.I know this asks for a several season account of things, but that seems the only way to get a good idea.

Tell me more about handguns being legal in the first firearms season.  I haven't heard anything about it.  Hope it's true!

[Graybeard]

Any conventional 240 grain JHP is fine. I prefer the Hornady 240 XTP and the Nosler 240 JHP myself. I've never failed to get full penetration with them and unless a poor shot is made one is all you'll need. I'd say that on average deer I've shot with the .44 mag have fallen closer to where they stood when hit than when shot with rounds like the .30-06, .270 Win. and 7-08. Have shot quite a few with each of those.

GB

[Gregory]

I'd like to get some opinions on bullets for white tail deer? I've heard Hornady and some others. Anybody do any comparison tests on what is considered the best of the best? We're just getting the go ahead from the state capital for handgun hunting in the regular season here in Illinois.I know this asks for a several season account of things, but that seems the only way to get a good idea.

SB
Thanks for the heads up.
http://dnr.state.il.us/pubaffairs/2003/August/handgun.htm

I'm looking forward to using my handgun this year.  Kinda makes the Encore 20 ga slug barrel I bought an "extra".