04-09-2011, 03:19 AM
I hunt deer with folks from two schools of thought. Some of the better shots are head shot hunters. They want the meat undamaged. They don't take a shot unless its a "gimme". They get deer every year. The other group which I'm among, go for the "boiler room". We get deer also. There are a lot of deer where we hunt in northern Minnesota. Too many for their own good. In the first case, 100s are fine. One of the guys uses a .22-250 with 55gr spire points. He's patient and waits for the high percentage head shot. No running. No trotting. No bounding. For the latter group, I would agree with warped. 120 at a minimum. Neither would be my first choice for brushy shots, but the 120 will have a better chance of penetrating light cover and stay on course. A lot depends upon the terrain you hunt in. How far you are from your quarry. Are you a stealthy, stand sitter, a walk around, or a little of both depending upon conditions? If the only deer you see are moving on to a better location, possibly in a hurry and you can't snort stop them, stay with heavier rounds. Think it through, plan accordingly and stick with your plan. I take two calibers with me and switch depending upon my mode. They don't run away from a 450 Bushmaster hit. Great brush gun. For more open parts, I'll either take my .300 OSSM pushing 150gr or the Grendel with 120gr. You catch 'em sneaking around and they're pretty easy to get the drop on.
Hoot
Hoot