I know this is an elk forum and I'm not trying to highjack. I mostly hunt deer in coastal Carolina. They are small. I've killed deer with my 243 but don't like that it doesn't give me a blood trail. Before everyone chimes in on my "abilities", shot placement was never the issue. Center punch the lungs above the heart and the deer generally go 20-40yds (my experience with factory ammo). Coastal Carolina has some badass bush and without blood on the ground sometimes you almost have to trip over the animal to find it. I believe in complete pass through, 2 holes let in more air and let out more blood. I'm just getting going with reloading, what bullet will give me the blood trail I want? (I currently have 100gr boat tail Interlocks and 100gr partitions)
Again, not trying to highjack, this seems like the right "cast of characters" to answer the question.
95gr Horn SST - only caveat, stay off bone, other than ribs.
It'll normally paint your back drop red !
Paul.
"Kids who grow up hunting, fishing & trapping, do not mug little old Ladies"
