My experience this year with my new 444 Marlin has converted me into a beleiver in the merrits of making bigger entry holes in game. I took three deer with three shots and none of them took another step after being hit. Never seen anything killt quicker. I was originally planning on a 300 win as my next rifle, but this years experience has caused me to set my sights on something with a bigger fist. I have come to believe energy created by a bigger fist, as opposed to energy created by higher velocity, means less meat loss.
I dont want to shoot anything that is kicking with anything close to 4,000 ft ibs of energy at the muzzle. Yet, I want something that still has over 2,000 ft ibs at 400 yds. I dont handload so I go strictly by claims of ammo makers. On paper, the hornady 225 gr sst in 338 rcm has everything I am looking for. 3,600 ft ibs at muzzle. 2,100 ft ibs at 400 yards. Thats good numbers for the elk in these parts.
My preference is to hunt far from other hunters and the minions of whacko imitators. That means I carry my rifle for many miles and into some of the toughest country. Usually, I dont see any other human tracks let alone other hunters. My rifles and I get beat up by falls in snow on steep slopes. I like my rifle to be light, fast and tough. The synthetic/stainless Ruger Hawkeye with its ballistic numbers, a 20 inch barrel, 6 3/4 ibs curb weight, factory sights and controlled round feed makes it a stand alone rifle in my book.
Though I doubt my mind could be changed at this point, I still would like to hear some feed back on my thoughts. I am also curious about who uses bc reticled scopes and thoughts about the use of them.
New Year = New gun
