Heavy vs. light bullets for hunting.

[JeffreyDeGraff]

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?


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[GaryS]

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.


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[Wes Sage]

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

[CritterGitter]

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]

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[Muddydawg75]

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.

[Cncmachinist]

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


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[WVHillbilly]

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.

[SAWMAN]

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