Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Deer Hunting Best deer bullet for meat retention?

Even fast soft bullets going through ribs don't destroy a lot of meat.

50 cal, 750 grains, 120 grains black powder...........................muther fuggin BOOOMMMM! no table fare lost!

I’d have to agree. When I’m after a deer specifically for the freezer, I’ll try to wait for a good broadside shot and aim for ribs. They might run a little farther, but I’ll be okay with that.

405 Winchester and a 300 grain Barnes TSX .

yup yup

The slower the better usually. Monos usually have a smaller frontal area when expanded so IME cause less damage but I have lost an entire shoulder off a deer with one but that was a less than ideal shot placement out of a 300Rum so wasn't the bullet's fault.

Pffft, 22lr, duh...

If they are close enough I just shoot the head. Or neck at base of the head. Hard bullets designed for bigger game don't expand as rapidly and bruise up as much meat.

Well dropping the deer retains all the meat.

I would say federal fusion has been good to me.

400gr remington soft point factory load in my 45/70 drills 1/2" holes in one side and out the other. its not actually the way i prefer though. i've had deer run 100 yards or more shot like that. i much prefer a high velocity round in the boiler room. they don't go far. might blood shot a little shoulder meat, but i grind that all into burger anyway so its easy to trim.

As others have said, Barnes.

If you don't want to ruin meat, the best solution is not shooting them in the meat.

I think that sums it up. Shot an antelope buck quartering towards me with a 257 Roy and a 100 TSX. Busted and ruined front shoulder with bone fragments everywhere, penetrated straight line and busted opposite hindquarter throwing bone bits all over it. So lost about half that antelope with a Barnes. I am sure a tight behind the shoulder shot broadside would have minimized meat loss with that bullet or any other.

Buts its late February and internet discussions are great. Pass me the 140 vld please.

As a bunch have said....Barnes.

I thought that my deer deserved a premium bullet, so I shot a nice one with a Barnes TSX and he ran away. First one I've ever lost in 50 years of hunting. I use those Barnes left overs to foul the barrel now.

for me 44mag cast bullet of good flat point

or a 35 cal 200 gr cast out of my Whelen

most lead bullets I've used have performed the way you seek.

plus one other recently


25-06 75gr X bullet at warp speed.

Barnes is my vote, caliber would be 9.3x62

You want maximum meat? .264/6.5mm 130gr Copper Safari Solid

I bet you know all about getting maximum meat.