Regardless of what bullet you use in .223 the possibility of a blood trail is very random, but less likely with the 77TMK. There is no .223 bullet that Ive used (most of the bullets mentioned in this thread and more) that will reliably leave a good blood trail. Ive shot 56 deer this year and...
Another .223 perspective. Ordinary cup and core lead tipped 62 grn Norma projectile. MV 3180. 200 yards. Projectile exited and left vicious in and out holes. Plenty of blood and dropped inside 5 yards. 20" Savage lightweight, 1:8 barrel.
Loving mine. I take the bag off for day hunts and just use the load sling (coat goes under that). The load sling has a pocket on it (small bits and pieces goes in that). And the lid for larger items.
Pack bag on or not without a load, the stiff frame isn't very tactile especially if you don't do...
If you are saying that Talleys are unreliable you are over thinking the whole thing.
Isn't that the case for every mounting system that relies on weaver type mounting blocks for standard rings?? Just 2 screws holding the block.
Looks like it's never been used. Pristine.
Apart from the failure, what was the pack actually like to carry a load with?
With your experience what was it that attracted you to the Kobuk over other packs in the same top tier price range?
No problem at all. Adequate penetration. With frontal shots an understanding of the animals anatomy is as important as the bullet selected. A low chest shot with the bullet striking above the heart and not high enough to destroy the lungs can result in a runner.
Here: I shot this with a 77TMK...
I processed the larger of the 2 deer (above) today.
As said the bullet was a 60 grn Hammer Hunter at 3280fps from a 20" barrel .223, the range was about 200 yards and she was quartering towards me. The bullet struck her through the bottom joint of her leading shoulder. It split the heart. Impact...
The first shot dropped it instantly but it was thrashing so I gave it a quick follow up. The angle and slope made the top of the shoulder shot the only one available. I was in a sitting position.
Different perspective. .223
60 grn Hammer Hunter. 3280fps. About 200 yards.
Broadside lung shot and quartering front on heart shot.
Lung shot ran 15 yds. Front on one tipped straight over.
Not better or worse than the 77 TMK. Just different. More likely to leave a blood trail.
Lung shot...
People seem to like to post up the "one offs" and "hardly ever" examples to make a point. Exceptions have never persuaded me. It's the norm that Im convinced by. Ive never met a bullet that hasn't been claimed to have failed at some time, but more often than not its the shooter failing it.
I biff my 223 brass when the primer pockets get loose-like the primer might drop out. Max loads in bolt guns and they seem to last forever. Never anneal or trim for length. Multiple loads but don’t count them. Mixed brands - no particular preference. Fire maybe 500 a year and only recall a...
I was a commercial hunter here. .222: deadly accurate with easily mountable 'scope and easy to shoot. Mainly neck and head shooting to minimise meat damage. Pocket full of ammo weighed nothing. Firing them didn't beat me up. The Sako Vixen was a beautiful light cult rifle (but I actually used a...
77 TMK at 259 yards. Quartering towards me and down hill. Struck slightly off centre at the base of the neck (front of the withers). This was a big animal.
Pics: Entry hole in skin and the penetration down into the engine room. Stag dropped on the spot.