77 gr. Lapua Scenar for deer?

[TZaun]

I have an 11 year old daughter that will be able to shoot her first doe this fall. She currently shoots precision air rifle and 3-P smallbore. I DO NOT want her to develop any kind of a flinch from shooting a big gun as she is doing very well shooting right now. I have a 22-250 AI with a 4-gill brake on it. I throated it for 80 gr. bullets and currently have a dandy fireforming load using 77 gr. Scenar-L bullets. She has custom molded ear plugs she uses for her shooting and when she is going to shoot my 22-250 AI I will have her wear earmuffs in addition. I think this combination would be the best for her. The only question I have is whether or not the Lapua Scenar would be a good hunting bullet. I'm not at all worried about shot placement. She will put it exactly where she is supposed to. I just fear that bullet might not expand at all and act like a FMJ. That would not be good for a few reasons. I've never heard of Lapua bullets being used for hunting so I had to reach out and find out why. Any experiences?

 

[KevinThomas]

FT,

Your concerns are well founded, and no, the Scenars are not designed with terminal performance (i.e., expansion) in mind. Should be no problem given perfect placement and an ideal shot, but the chances are that it will behave in a manner very similaar to an FMJ. I think for this particular application, I'd take a look at one of the similar bullets by Berger. If you use one of their Hunting style bullets, the jacket is likely thin enough to give very explosive performance, which should more than do the job if the placement is correct. I'd specifically go for the hunting design, though, as their Target bullets (same weight, style, and BC) have a thicker jacket. There, you'd most likely see FMJ style performance like you would with the Scenar. Not really here to recommend the competition's bullets, but in this particular case, I think they'll do a better job for you.

 

[TZaun]

Kevin,

Gosh, thanks a lot for the honesty and prompt response. As far as the Berger bullet lineup, to my knowledge, they don't offer a hunting bullet in .22 cal. They do have their varmint hunting lineup, which does include a 64 gr. bullet, but, I'm a little leary of that one on the opposite end of the spectrum. They are so explosive that I'd hate to have one surface blow if it hit a rib. Hahaha, I suppose this is why .22 cal. rifles aren't the best choice for deer hunting.

 

[13red56]

I shoot a 22-243AI and I have killed doe here in MS with 80gr SMK and Nosler CC. These loads are running a muzzle velocity of 3500-3550. I am probably still going to continue to use those loads but I have looked at the Swift Sirrocco bullets. They make a 75gr 22cal bullet. I know the 90gr 6mm bullets are a really tough bullet and I believe the 22caos will be as well.

 

[TZaun]

I was just looking at those Sciroccos and ordered a couple of boxes. I highly doubt they'll shoot as good as those 77 gr. Lapua Scenar-Ls but hopefully they'll be in the ball park. I wouldn't let her shoot if it's over 200 yards but I really want them to shoot an inch or less at 200 so she can put them right where they need to be. Thanks for the input.

 

[Lightload]

The Barnes TSX 62 gr is a dandy little deer load. Mushrooms well and loses none of its weight. And it's very accurate.....

 

[Geno C]

80gr amax is what my boy will be using in his 22-250ai for deer. They have killed plenty of deer for me. The Barnes is a close comparison for performance on game. The amax is just more accurate in my guns

 

[jonbearman]

+1 on the barnes tsx!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[MrMajestic]

80gr amax is what my boy will be using in his 22-250ai for deer. They have killed plenty of deer for me. The Barnes is a close comparison for performance on game. The amax is just more accurate in my guns

Mirrors my results in the .223AI

 

[JASmith]

The Barnes TSX 62 gr is a dandy little deer load. Mushrooms well and loses none of its weight. And it's very accurate.....

+1

You can also try the 75gr Swift Scirocco.

You can also get a deeper picture about how the bullet weight relates to the intended game weight: Ideal Bullet Weight

 

[alintx]

Try the sierra 65 gr spbt. Deadly on hogs and deer, and half price of the bullets mentioned above. At last count, a freind had 26 1shot kills on hogs from a 222mag. Cant argue with that!