I'm looking for some input. The last 4 years, I've used a 240gr 44cal XTP with 130gr 777 pellets and always shot sub 3 inch groups at 100yds. I've always wondered, due to the damage done, if I was pushing that bullet too fast for close range (less than 50yds). Last year I think I found out. I lost a nice 11 point that should have either dropped in it's tracks or not gone far. It was quartering toward me at 40 yds, with the crosshairs just in front of the shoulder, I let her rip. The deer dropped 3 times before it got out of sight (75 yds) and I lost the blood trail after 300 yds. A week later, the neighbor found the deer within 150yds of where I stopped. Needless to say my confidence dropped for that particular setup at close range.
While looking for a bullet for my Dad to use in his CVA Kodiak he bought last year, I came across the 270gr Speer FN. He has always liked Hornady or Speer bullets. Hornady's (.430) are extremely tight in his ML, and since the Speers are .429, I picked up some for him to try. Knowing that the 270gr would have more energy than the 240gr, I thought I'd try them as well.
Needless to say, at the range anyway, they performed better than the XTP's. I was shooting at a 1/2" dot ... 2 were touching the dot, while the 3rd made a ragged hole of one of the others (13/16" at 100yds and I pulled on the 2nd shot). SO, I'm going to try them this year.
My questions is.... Using 130gr of 777 pellets, how do you think the flat nose would perform at +150yds. I'm not familiar with the expansion rates of FN bullets.
While looking for a bullet for my Dad to use in his CVA Kodiak he bought last year, I came across the 270gr Speer FN. He has always liked Hornady or Speer bullets. Hornady's (.430) are extremely tight in his ML, and since the Speers are .429, I picked up some for him to try. Knowing that the 270gr would have more energy than the 240gr, I thought I'd try them as well.
Needless to say, at the range anyway, they performed better than the XTP's. I was shooting at a 1/2" dot ... 2 were touching the dot, while the 3rd made a ragged hole of one of the others (13/16" at 100yds and I pulled on the 2nd shot). SO, I'm going to try them this year.
My questions is.... Using 130gr of 777 pellets, how do you think the flat nose would perform at +150yds. I'm not familiar with the expansion rates of FN bullets.