bullets

[PAULB]

I have been using Fed. Gold Match 168 BTHP out at the range with great results out to 300 yds. My question is weather or not I can use them for deer hunting. Any advice is greatly appreciated since I am fairly new to the hunting seen. Thanks.

 

[ReedG]

Hi Paul:

The info from most manufacturers is NOT to use match bullets for hunting. This is because they are not designed to expand and perform on game like a hunting bullet is.

I have no doubt that a 168-gr. MHPBT bullet would kill a deer very dead with a good hit, but I'll bet you could get a good load with a Nosler 165-gr. BT that would make a much better hunting bullet.

 

[AckleymanII]

my brother shot several large deer in Idaho using the 168's in a 308.

On the other hand, in a 7 Mag, the 150g MK is no good at all.

I think that when it comes to match kings, they have to be tried on a case by case trial. I know of a guy that also shoots the 6.5 120g MK in a wild cat that shoots them at 3600-3650 fps, and they always give him one shot kills.

Of course, when you start talking about MK's that are in the 190g and above range, the sheer weight of the bullet will do the job on deer or it may act like a full metal jacket

Good luck!

 

[JER]

I think that when it comes to match kings, they have to be tried on a case by case trial.

That's a good idea. Using live game to find out if a match bullet will work or not.

How about using bullets designed for the purpose? Why is that SO hard for some to understand?

 

[AckleymanII]

I stay away from match kings on big game due to my experience with the 150g MK exploding on the surface of a big whitetail when shot at 3150 fps out of a 7 Mag. The 150g Sierra BT spt works extremely well along with the 160g Sierra SBT, so why loose a deer because of a fragile bullet...that's me.