Heavy vs. light bullets for hunting.

I’ve always been a fan of heavier bullets in most calibers. I like to know that my bullets are going to penetrate no matter what angle I shoot from. I’ve had three successful “Texas heart shots” , on white tail, where the bullet entered the ass, and exited the chest or neck. What do you guys prefer, and why?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

For deer I generally go on the light side for awesome impact energy shedding. For lighter calibers (.223) I use ~65 grain so a little heavier to ensure penetration.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

All depends on the size of the animal in the area.
For most deer, the nominal caliber weights are just fine.
Elk, Moose, Hogs, etc a little heavier is better

I'm starting to pay more attention to ballistic coefficient which tends to lead to heavier bullets. I'm in Eastern Montana where the shots can get pretty long and there's always a breeze so trajectory and retained energy get a bit more attention. The only thing I've ever given the Texas Heart shot to are coyotes [emoji6]

Sent from my Moto Z (2) using Tapatalk

I like lighter big bore bullets.....

i.e. I black bear hunt with 225gr from my .338 Win Mag.... People argue with me, but it's my hunt.

Energy and expansion are the two most important things.
Doesn’t matter what caliber.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I generally shoot lighter than average pills. I am in WV. Deer are thin skinned and average size. Shots are generally under 150 and many times under 100. Loads work for coyote and other things as well. If I intended to shoot long, as can be done in some cases, then I use a different rig setup to do such things. Blessed I have choices I suppose. I kinda choose the bullet based on where and how I will be hunting. Probably the reason I prep at least four rifles before season gets here.

Lighter than the "norm" for me also. A couple reasons are . . . * little better trajectory at the (my) normal hunting ranges (<400yds). * better quality of bullets to hit the market as of late. I am a big fan of the "no lead" types. You can drive these fast with NO jacket to shed.
50-55 in 223/5.56
<151 in 308Win
<100 in 6.8SPC
<90 in 243Win
BUT . . . somewhat heavy and WFNGC in my .430" and above including 44Mag,454Casull,45-70,and 500S&W. Also 45-90Express and 444Marlin. --- SAWMAN