Deer using 6.5x47 123gr

[favload]

I am asking for a friend about using the Lapua 123 HPBT as a hunting bullet for deer (6.5x47). He is buying a large supply for target shooting and would like to use them to hunt as well if they are a humane way to do the job. Any experience here would be helpful
Jer

 

[Gregg Jacob]

If you know where to shoot the deer I don't think there would be a problem. Went deer hunting with my Aunt in the late 50's and saw her shoot a nice 8 point at about 50yrds and it dropped right there...she shot it with a 22LR..was shot right behind the head in the neck. Don't think the deer cares what you shoot it with as long as you place the round at the right place. Sure you aren't asking for yourself?

 

[SS427]

Why not just buy 100 bullets specifically designed for deer hunting, like a Nosler Ballistic Tip? $25 bucks seems like a reasonable investment to increase the odds of a clean kill over bullets designed for target shooting.

 

[TheSnake]

I shoot the Berger 130 gr VLD hunting bullets for both Deer and X Ring hunting in my 6.5X47. It humanly kills them both.

 

[Chuckhunter]

I agree with Snake, the 130 Berger Hunting VLD's are excellent, built my 6.5X47 two years ago and have taken 5 big game animals so far. Four deer and one antelope at ranges from 75yds. to 500 plus, all were bang flops and on the target they are unbeatable.

 

[Rem06]

I am asking for a friend about using the Lapua 123 HPBT as a hunting bullet for deer (6.5x47).

i HAVE first hand experience shooting deer with the 6.5x47 Lapua 123gr scenars and i say NO! they will pencil right through as they do on the smaller groundhogs. everything i shot with them ran. Yeah, shoot them in the brain they will fall but they have not expanded on game for me,ever! nor will the 139scenars.

i switched to 130 and 140 Breger VLD's and FIRE AWAY! they are awesome hunting bullets and i even shot an antelope at 855yds with them.They are more accurate for me too.

i have a friend who used the 139 scrnar for awhile hunting in a 6.5x284 and says NO to them as a hunting bullet too.

i hunt with SMK's and JLK's , and am not opposed to needing to use a "hunting bullet" for hunting. I prefer to use a more accurate target bullet for long range hunting.

 

[favload]

Thanks, based on the last post I will suggest to my friend he goes with something different.
On another note, I shoot the 123 Lapuas and they are very accuratye for me. It seems most think the Berger 130's are even better. Anyone disagree? I only ask because I just baught 1000 of them (123's) and am not scratching my head.

 

[Erik Cortina]

Thanks, based on the last post I will suggest to my friend he goes with something different.
On another note, I shoot the 123 Lapuas and they are very accuratye for me. It seems most think the Berger 130's are even better. Anyone disagree? I only ask because I just baught 1000 of them (123's) and am not scratching my head.

It depends on your gun and your handloading abilities. I personally don't believe that they are more accurate than the Scenars.

 

[LHSmith]

My good neighbor, Chuckhunter, turned me on to the 130 Berger VLD's for my 6.5x 55 AI. They were so accurate, I never opened the box of 123 Scenars I had. We both shoot/shot short range BR, and are awful fussy about shooting small. No surprise here, we both use the same Smith.

 

[Rem06]

Thanks, based on the last post I will suggest to my friend he goes with something different.
On another note, I shoot the 123 Lapuas and they are very accuratye for me. It seems most think the Berger 130's are even better.

good move, I am not saying none of the scenars are not good for hunting, just the 123/139 6.5's have prooven bad for a few of us.

i use the 90scenar in 243 and have no problem with it! it is faster and lighter,witch may be the difference?

i started with 500 123 scenars and they shot ok for me but everything i shot acted like a "miss" untill i started looking for blood spots,andi i mean a spot here, a spot there and those "misses" were soon ruled out as penciling through!
i switched to 130 bergers and wa-la DRT's all over! then went to 140's and won't go back!