Tha data is already done by a 3 party
Copper and blood trails
- Thread starter Siggy
- Start date
Even a 25 meter run can mean hours of searching, if you're in something like sitka restock, nasty clear fell or deep bracken.
I fully expect heart and/or lung shot deer to run, and plan accordingly. Open ground, plenty of daylight, dog available - meat saver shot behind the line of the leg. Thick cover, short on daylight, dog not available - high shoulder shot, preferably involving the spine. Copper or lead, doesn't seem to make much difference.
As I get more experience shooting sika deer, I'm inclined to think that the single most important determinant of whether or not there's a blood trail is species. As a friend says: sika deer don't bleed!
bobthenailer
Well-Known Member
This Sika Calf that I culled on Saturday morning certainly left a blood trail.
Ran about 15M leaking all the way…
6.5 Vertus Merlin 110GN.
Impact velocity approx 2050fps.
Ran about 15M leaking all the way…
6.5 Vertus Merlin 110GN.
Impact velocity approx 2050fps.
bobthenailer
Well-Known Member
Mmmm photos won’t upload 
bobthenailer
Well-Known Member
bobthenailer
Well-Known Member
bobthenailer
Well-Known Member
Exit wound.
I’m extremely satisfied with the Vertus projectiles in both 6.5 & .30 cals.
I was 100% against non lead projectiles as I was previously involved in an extended trial carried out culling over 600+ Sika using all brands on non lead projectiles that were available at the time… Extremely poor results to say the least.
However, things and technology has advanced and now I’m 100% confident using Non lead projectiles and I would encourage anyone to try the Vertus Precision projectiles.
The owner of Vertus Precision is a SD trade member.
I’m extremely satisfied with the Vertus projectiles in both 6.5 & .30 cals.
I was 100% against non lead projectiles as I was previously involved in an extended trial carried out culling over 600+ Sika using all brands on non lead projectiles that were available at the time… Extremely poor results to say the least.
However, things and technology has advanced and now I’m 100% confident using Non lead projectiles and I would encourage anyone to try the Vertus Precision projectiles.
The owner of Vertus Precision is a SD trade member.
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I really like the look of Virtus, and Yew Tree. Smart designs.
I'm also interested to see the above quote. When was this and can you be specific about what type of projectiles were tested? Type as in design - swaged solids, hollow points, tipped, segmented etc.
I'm sick to the back teeth of the copper zealots and those that preach "don't think" when the evidence in front of me from direct experience and that of my colleagues / family / mates / others screams BE CAREFUL with how you use the swaged solids. It's mental that the concerns of those with these experiences are so flippantly dismissed by those that (for the most part I suspect) shoot little deer at close range.
We're closer now to having non-lead bullets that are suitable for use at all ranges on all sizes of animal likely to be encountered. One rifle, one load, all game and all ranges up to a point. For me, I want a bullet that can deal to a red stag at 25m and 600m and anywhere in between. Having found out the hard way that Barnes types are not capable of doing this reliably - even when driven hard out of magnum cartridges, the progress with Virtus and Yew Tree and some of the American offerings is encouraging. At some point I hope that kind of testing on these designs will eventuate if we can get our sh1t together.
Given that we have had a good many robust discussions regarding the effectiveness of Lead Free bullets I feel some of this tirade is likely directed at me.
As someone who does only shoot a few deer at close range...rarely above 150 metres....I am careful to acknowledge this, and that the swaged solids are not appropriate for those, like you, who rarely shoot below 150metres.
I have found the lead free bullets I have used to be effective at the range I shoot them, so have been consistently sharing that experience....which I see as perfectly valid.
If that makes me a "copper zealot" in your terms then so be it. I have certainly never "flippantly dismissed" the experiences of those that have either less or more experience than I.
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Nope
Good, glad to hear that.
Having found and excellent load (with Richard's guidance) of his hunting rifle bullet, my next reloading project is to find an equally good load for his new Yew Tree TLR as I have an opportunity for me to extend my range maximum on a new permission. With my 308W I will not be able to make the most use of the design range wise, simply not enough puff to get them up to full speed.
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Good, glad to hear that.
Having found and excellent load (with Richard's guidance) of his hunting rifle bullet, my next reloading project is to find an equally good load for his new Yew Tree TLR as I have an opportunity for me to extend my range maximum on a new permission. With my 308W I will not be able to make the most use of the design range wise, simply not enough puff to get them up to full speed.
You just edited your post while I was busy quoting it @Alantoo. It’s 4 o’clock in the farkin’ morning in December for chrissake. Go to bed!
Rarely shoot <150m? Bollocks!
At this time of year it’s sneaky sneaky season, as the yearlings are looking at these little spotty fawns and wondering why mum isn’t paying then any attention. They don’t venture far, but you won’t find them in the open country. Time to thin ‘em out.
I’d be surprised if I shoot a red farther than 50m anytime in the next few weeks. Guess what I’m using?
Barnes? No. Definitely not.
285gr of pure lead! Hurrah!
Don’t worry, come late Jan / Feb I’ll be out with the long range tools chasing big fat summer stags. Ghillie suit, spotter, devices with screens, air support and definitely, definitely no bloody copper bullets.
Norfolk Deer Search
Well-Known Member
If there weren’t, you wouldn’t of replied.
Norfolk Deer Search
Well-Known Member
No really there isn’t any fuks given!
What you have to understand with me is I’m not your average Internet forum member who plays silly little games I just say it how it is!
You crack on and New Zealand doing whatever you do, and I’ll crack on away here doing what I do.
Like I have said before, you don’t like what I write, scroll on by, press the ignore button, or complain to admin and get me banned either or it bothers me not!
Dunwaters
Well-Known Member
I’m a bit biased against heart shots after a horrible weekend in October, I posted an account on here and it generated a fair bit of discussion. In my case I don’t want the deer moving anywhere except straight down after the shot, but I appreciate that your opinion may vary. I’m shooting sika with replant and thicket stage Sitka planted on drills, unless youv’e got the dog along a runner doesn’t have to go far to be lost.
That is a very generous offer my friend
, I’d love to take you up, but not until I’m in a position to reciprocate, thanks again and keep in touch.
robfromcumbria
Well-Known Member
1 year on, 100 rounds later and my custom 138gr Hasler Arietes (.308 at 2900fps) are still doing the business. Bang flop - everytime.
Closest shot 20m, furthest 281m. That’s big reds down to young roe.
I’d never ignore experience, ever, but I just haven’t experienced first hand any downsides to my change to copper.
Hopefully long may it continue.
Closest shot 20m, furthest 281m. That’s big reds down to young roe.
I’d never ignore experience, ever, but I just haven’t experienced first hand any downsides to my change to copper.
Hopefully long may it continue.
82 Euros a box of 50 in Italy
robfromcumbria
Well-Known Member
82 Euros a box of 50 in Italy
Brave Echo Niner
Well-Known Member
Blood trail left from a large red hind that was heart shot my myself a few days ago, this was at an estimated impact velocity of 2385 FPS (based on Applied ballistics) with a .30 175 LRX. It made it 13m downhill (including the distance it rolled down to the base of that tree seen in that picture).
The bullet had taken out a fist sized hole from the bottom of the heart (shot was very downhill) and left a roughly 1/2-3/4” exit hole on the carcass.
I certainly didn’t have any issue finding it nor following the blood trail.
Ben
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