I now believe I've seen what I was looking for in our discussions over the MatchKing as a game bullet.
<br> The true Long Range Hunter is a very disciplined sort, who shoots at only undistrubed animals. No running shots are allowed under their self imposed rules. They hunt with a spotter. The spotter sees the shot hit the critter.
<br> Because the animal is undistrubed, even a less than ideal hit will kill. Because the animal is undistrubed, additional shots are quite possible. Because of the ranges involved much of the time, the critter doesn't know it's under fire.
<br> This is really why they haven't lost any. The animal is not distrubed. They can follow through, if necessary. Even if isn't hit again, it won't go far.
<br> This is not for me. I hunt critters that don't stand around in the open. They are often in cover, and have to be taken that way. One also needs to take running shots. Or you get no oportunities.
<br> Fortunately, we have bullets that work well this way. They usually shoot through the critters, even at bad angles.
<br> And, apparently, the "x" style bullets do quite well shooting through cover. I strongly suspect the Federal Throphy Bonded bullets will too. The Nosler Partition do work fairly well in this capacity, but can loose their cores and some penetrating ability.
<br> No, I've never lost one either. I have seen one lost. No bullet exit, and no blood trail was part of the problem. The other part of the problem was a poor hit on a running animal.
<br> I almost lost one once. A tumbling bullet broke a shoulder, and damaged a lung. I tracked that critter for about 3 1/2 hours. On my hands and knees. Very little blood. Again, no exit wound. Apparently the bullet hit some grass on the way to the target. I had tried to shoot over it.
<br> I have learned that the premiums give one a very valuable edge. I get particularly bent out of shape when I see recommendations for game shooting with bullets not designed for that work. The best bullets really do make a difference. I've seen the difference many times.
<br> Once more. I have a lot of respect for our Long range Hunters. They practice alot, and know what they can do. They don't shoot at moving animals, or under windy conditions.
<br> Their choice of bullets, under their rules,is up to them. I have no reason to believe they aren't being truthful. E
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