08-14-2013, 07:54 PM
I would consider the lighter hunting bullets for velocity and shock force on smaller game like coyotes, but then have a good understanding of where my effective range is now limited to based on BC. To me, a lighter bullet going fast from the .264" bore AR15 might be more ideal for close-range game.
Sneakyone has done a lot of experimental work with cut-down premium and cup & core bullets to get 2800-2900fps + velocities safely from a 20" gun, using the Hornady 120gr GMX, Hornady IB, and others as starting points. In his region, he encounters mostly close-range shots on medium game like deer, and likes the shock effect approach. His results with the 120gr GMX cut down to 95gr have been gruesome.
![[Image: SneakytheButcher.jpg]](http://i1085.photobucket.com/albums/j422/LRRPF52/SneakytheButcher.jpg)
We even had a forum member take a deer at 300yds with an 85gr Sierra Hollow Point with a through-and-through shoulder shot, and I think it performed that way because at 300yds, it wasn't expanding rapidly like it would at a higher velocity. Who knows what it would have done at 100yds, but I'm wagering it would have been messy.
Bob Stokes will tell you that the basic cup & core bullets are all you need for medium game, and he has had great results with shoulder shots on hogs using the 123gr SST. From what I've seen of the 123gr A-MAX, I would have zero issues hunting with it as well. There are scores of deer and hogs that have been slain with the 123gr A-MAX, even though it is considered a target bullet. It has great expansion compared to many open-tipped match bullets.
Sneakyone has done a lot of experimental work with cut-down premium and cup & core bullets to get 2800-2900fps + velocities safely from a 20" gun, using the Hornady 120gr GMX, Hornady IB, and others as starting points. In his region, he encounters mostly close-range shots on medium game like deer, and likes the shock effect approach. His results with the 120gr GMX cut down to 95gr have been gruesome.
We even had a forum member take a deer at 300yds with an 85gr Sierra Hollow Point with a through-and-through shoulder shot, and I think it performed that way because at 300yds, it wasn't expanding rapidly like it would at a higher velocity. Who knows what it would have done at 100yds, but I'm wagering it would have been messy.
Bob Stokes will tell you that the basic cup & core bullets are all you need for medium game, and he has had great results with shoulder shots on hogs using the 123gr SST. From what I've seen of the 123gr A-MAX, I would have zero issues hunting with it as well. There are scores of deer and hogs that have been slain with the 123gr A-MAX, even though it is considered a target bullet. It has great expansion compared to many open-tipped match bullets.