low velocity performance

[ctrout]

I am loading for the 7.62 x 39 and this has me on a search for the best bullet for low velocity performance on mule deer.  I shot a small whitetail with a nosler BT 125gr loaded to about 2400fps.  She was hit at about 30 yards and the bullet did not exit but was not recovered.  I suspect that there was not much to recover as it was a good broadside shot with only one lung sustaining damage.  I switched to a 125gr Sierra pro hunter at about 2250fps and my daughter shot a small mule deer doe and the bullet went completely through but both lungs sustained very little damage.  There appeared to have been no expansion at all.  I loaded a Hornady A-Max 150gr at 1700 fps and shot some milk jugs and the core and jacket separated by the third jug.  What do you handgunners use in 30 cal at an impact velocity in the range of 1700-2200fps use to ensure good penetration as well as acceptable expansion?

[Blammer]

I have heard good things about nosler 125 gr bullets, not the varmint ones but the big game ones.

You may want to look at 150 gr bullets and check the velocity you'll get. Those should be great bullets.

[spinafish]

I use BT's in my .300 Whisper,  have also tried the 125 Pointed Soft point from Remington,purchased in bulk from Midway.