What’s your go-to for “Straight Wall” season?

[Rich M]

350 legend with Barnes ammo. With a long and liberal season, crop damage permits, and mentor hunts, I've taken a large number of deer without any issue. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

How do the animals react? Do they run or just drop? Shot placement? Etc.

Always looking for something better - shooting FTX 165s and 50% drop, 50% run w rib shots.

 

[oldskool67]

45-70

 

[Andycap]

I’ve always used the 450 Bushmaster with great success but this year I tried a 350 Legend for the first time. Buck dropped and flopped around for maybe 10-15 seconds. Pretty much perfect performance from the 140 HV Bear Creek.

 

[Bobrunner06]

I picked up a Henry 360 buckhammer and really like it so far. I’ve only shot one doe, but she died right there

I was hearing that there's some sort of scope issue (position). Did you experience that? I really want to see the round take off before I get on board. Something cool about a lever action

 

[bhhad25]

I was hearing that there's some sort of scope issue (position). Did you experience that? I really want to see the round take off before I get on board. Something cool about a lever action

I put an older 2-7 Nikon with Talley rings on it and have had zero problems. I did read that some were having an issue with the iron sights. Either the front post was too high or too low and ran out of adjustment. I never plan on shooting it without a scope, so it’s a nonissue for me

 

[Brian Fahs]

Left hand ruger ranch rifle 450 Bushmaster. First day ohio buck 2025.