Bullet for deer ??

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Bullet for deer ??

Postby randyf » Mon Aug 21, 2017 2:45 pm

Okay, Ohio finally said it is okay for me to take my 450 B into the woods for deer hunting.

I would like your opinion on what bullet to use........here is what I have.

Top Picture 240gr XTP Mag - 250gr XTP

Bottom Picture 300gr SST ML - 250gr SST ML - 250gr FTX - 225gr

Most shots are from 50-100 yds , 150 max



Also what's the difference between the 250gr SST and the 250gr FTX ??
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Re: Bullet for deer ??

Postby Texas Sheepdawg » Mon Aug 21, 2017 6:31 pm

Don't use the XTPs. Jackets are not really designed to withstand the velocities. They are meant for pistol bullets with slower speeds (FPS) under 1800FPS.
I think the difference between the FTX and the SST is one of them is a softer point designed for tubular mags in lever action style rifles. The 250 grain FTX is certainly fine for Whitetails. 300 should be fine too. Just a slower freight train.
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Re: Bullet for deer ??

Postby Hoot » Tue Aug 22, 2017 4:55 am

Randy;

Whitetails are not hard to kill, even the big'uns we grow up here. I'm no fan of lead in my venison that I eat. The Barnes 200gr XPB is an excellent choice for them. Faster and flatter shooting than those big bullets, more appropriate for dangerous game. They're my go-to bullets for whitetails in my AR platform, 450b.

wait for it... Hoots favorite 450b bullet porn...

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Re: Bullet for deer ??

Postby mcb » Tue Aug 22, 2017 8:29 am

I wouldn't be afraid to use any of those bullets. The only one I might not use would be the regular 240gr HP/XTP, as other have already said 450BM might push it faster than it is designed for, but I bet it would probably still kill a deer. The XTP/MAG is made for 450BM velocities unless you're really pushing your 450BM laods. I have shot several deer with the 300gr 45 cal XTP/MAG (from my 58 cal muzzle loader) and the 200gr 40 cal XTP/MAG (from my revolver) and I have never recovered a bullet as they have always passed through the deer I shot including one that passed through a shoulder blade and spine. That said this year I will be hunting with my 450BM loaded with Barnes TSX 275gr. I like heavy bullets but I have no doubt that the 200gr Barnes PBX Hoot recommend would work just fine too. Which every of those bullet you can shoot most accurate would be the one I would choose.
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Re: Bullet for deer ??

Postby Handgunner » Wed Aug 30, 2017 8:47 am

Hoot wrote:Randy;

Whitetails are not hard to kill, even the big'uns we grow up here. I'm no fan of lead in my venison that I eat. The Barnes 200gr XPB is an excellent choice for them. Faster and flatter shooting than those big bullets, more appropriate for dangerous game. They're my go-to bullets for whitetails in my AR platform, 450b.

wait for it... Hoots favorite 450b bullet porn...

Image

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I can't find your starting and max load for the Hornady 200 FTX. Will be using the Lee factory crimp die. Don't have the skills or tools to make a Legendre crimp. I just bought a Ruger #1 in 450. Should be a great platform for nice handloads. I killed several deer here in Mi. with the Smith 460 revolver using that bullet. It turned the insides to tiny pieces, like an explosion occured. Want to try in the Bushmaster.
Thanks Hoot
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Re: Bullet for deer ??

Postby Hoot » Wed Aug 30, 2017 9:20 am

Handgunner wrote:I can't find your starting and max load for the Hornady 200 FTX. Will be using the Lee factory crimp die. Don't have the skills or tools to make a Legendre crimp. I just bought a Ruger #1 in 450. Should be a great platform for nice handloads. I killed several deer here in Mi. with the Smith 460 revolver using that bullet. It turned the insides to tiny pieces, like an explosion occured. Want to try in the Bushmaster.
Thanks Hoot
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Given the twist rate in the #1, start with 36gr of Lil Gun (plenty lethal) and work up in 1 grain increments until the case tells you to stop.

36gr will penetrate 5 milk jugs of water:

Image

and end up looking like this:

Image

Retained weight: 140gr, Diameter: nickel

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Re: Bullet for deer ??

Postby plant_one » Thu Aug 31, 2017 8:36 am

emailed hornady regarding the .452 250gr hp/xtp (hornady #45200) and i asked them about the limitations when using it as a potential hunting bullet in a rifle

i did not mention specifically using it in the 450 bm, and this is what they kicked back to me

Image

so it would probably be a decent bullet to use for subsonic loads, but otherwise it looks like one to avoid in the 450 due to safety concerns

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Re: Bullet for deer ??

Postby randyf » Sat Sep 02, 2017 2:16 pm

planet_one

Thanks for the info on the 250 XTP
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