Deer Bullets for my Optima

[Daman]

Guys

I finally got the optic situation sorted out and decided on a Tasco World Class 3-9X40mm for now. I ordered a one piece scope mount from CVA and am awaiting its arrival.

I will be testing accuracy of a few bullets in order of availability. I have some 250 grain TC Shockwaves and will try the 295 grain Powerbelt HP and if all else fails I will try the Precision Rifle 260 grain 44/50.

The PB's and SW's are available locally for a decent price and the largest deer I have ever killed was 190lbs on the hoof and he was the largest by over 30 lbs. Deer don't get that heavy around here so penetration doesn't have to be >24" even for a chest shot. The largest thing I will be shooting with this load is hogs and no bigger than 200 lbs and neck or head shots close distance only.

I am currently shooting the SW's with open sights and 90 grains of Pyro pellets and cloverleafing at 25 yards off hand, but will zero 2.5" high at 50 yards with my scope and shoot out to 150 yards to build trajectory table.

Any input or opinions welcome, unless it is to the effect that the Optima sucks or something of that nature!

Thanks
Daman

[DennyRoark]

Sounds like you already got it figured out.....Start out with 80gr of powder and work up til accuracy lessens.  80gr with the SW 250 will kill a deer at 150!

[Daman]

I hope the SW will shoot good. Scope came in earlier and hopefully mounts won't be long. I am so excited about deer season.

Anyway, the Tasco has the mil-dot so I hope to find trajectory points of each dot when zeroed dead on at 100 with the normal cross hair. I really hope I can pull it all together before deer season, but at least dead on at 100 means tenderloins in the skillet to 125 easy. Now I just gotta talk the little lady into a Range Finder, maybe a Redfield or something in that class. I don't think Leica is necessary!

Daman

[Buckskins & Black Powder]

90gr Blackhorn209, 295gr powerbelt is one hell of a shooting load in my new optima.  Loves the .500" 300gr Thor and the 250gr thor.

[Daman]

90gr Blackhorn209, 295gr powerbelt is one hell of a shooting load in my new optima.  Loves the .500" 300gr Thor and the 250gr thor.

I have been in contact with THOR, but can't seem to get them to send me any bullets. They were going to send me a sample pack, but that was three weeks ago and I haven't seen them.

If I don't get satisfactory groups with the Pyro Pellets and SW's I will get some BH 209 and PB's. Thanks!

Daman

[Buckskins & Black Powder]

It may be hunting season there in MO where Thor bullets is from. I'd give him another email

[Daman]

It may be hunting season there in MO where Thor bullets is from. I'd give him another email

I will. I want to try the 300 grain with 80-110 loose powder. I think they would absolutely smackdown deer and hogs!

Daman

[Brian T]

I have been using the Precision Rifle Dead Center Sabot for 6-7 years.  My son and I have killed several deer and all were one shot stops.   In my 50 encore I use 110 grain equiv of triple seven.  They are a little hard to find at times but I think they are worth the effort.  (easy to ram also)

[Dan71]

When I had my Optima I was using 90grs of 777 powder with 250gr Shockwave. Super accurate

[Daman]

Thanks for the replies guys, I have found this years hunting load:

90 grains Pyrodex Pellets
250 grain TC Shockwave (non-bonded)
W209 primer


Shoots .5" 3 shot group with no swabbing b/t shots at 50 yards.

Daman