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 Re: Which caliber should I get? Read this thread
[Re: spoons]
#3503232
08/23/12 02:35 PM
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 27,091
Nogalus Prairie
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I think the OP pretty much nails it and could be cut and pasted as the answer to all these "Which is the best calber?" threads.
I learned long ago you can't reason someone out of something they don't reason themselves into.
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Re: Which caliber should I get? Read this thread
[Re: Nogalus Prairie]
#3503297
08/23/12 02:52 PM
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 27,091
Nogalus Prairie
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I will say this about the 7mm Rem Mag: I had one and just didn't like how it performed on game. Had a few long recoveries even with well-placed shots. So I got rid of it.
Then I read Boddington's books "Safari Rifles" and "Safari Rifles II". Each book has a detailed survey sent to virtually every PH in Africa on their preferences for one,two,and three gun batteries for Africa. In the first book(1989 or so) the 7mm Mag was on many of the "two gun" battery" lists and virtually all of the "three gun" battery lists. Ten years later it virtually disappeared off of both lists-with many comments lamenting it's in-field performance on game. The .300 WM was dominant as the "medium" rifle in the lists in the second book. This was interesting to me as it mirrored my own limited experiences.
I know there is absolutely no "paper" reason for the 7mm RM to not perform beautifully on everything from medium-sized game on up to larger thinned-skin game. But anecdotally it has been plagued by stories of less-than-stellar performance and had dropped like a rock in popularity while the .300 WM and .300 WSM's popularity have skyrocketed.
My working theory on this is the 7MM RM's recoil. It is much more of a "punch" to me while the .300 WM is more like a "shove". So I think could affect a shooter's accuracy and,consequently, the performance of the cartridge.
This is a head-scratcher for me. Any of y'all have thoughts/experiences good or bad with the 7mm Rem.Mag?
Last edited by Nogalus Prairie; 08/23/12 02:55 PM.
I learned long ago you can't reason someone out of something they don't reason themselves into.
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Re: Which caliber should I get? Read this thread
[Re: Nogalus Prairie]
#3503322
08/23/12 03:00 PM
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 37,484
Big Orn
great white gorilla
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great white gorilla
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 37,484 |
I don't know, NP, but good question.
I use a 300wm and am really not satisfied with it. It's a great round and does what I want, but not that impressive. I would choose the 7MM08 over any caliber...but that's just me.
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Re: Which caliber should I get? Read this thread
[Re: dee]
#3503328
08/23/12 03:02 PM
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 60,603
BOBO the Clown
kind of a big deal
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kind of a big deal
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 60,603 |
For Texas hunting, if the caliber is .243" (6mm) or bigger, and based similar to a 308 Win case or larger, it will work fine (with good shot placement). Calibers like your:
243's (243 Win, 6mm Rem)
25's (25-06, 257 Robert's, 257 Weatherby)
6.5mm (260 Rem, 6.5 Creedmoor, 6.5-06)
270 (270 Win, 270 WSM, 6.8 SPC)
7mm (7mm-08, 280 Rem, 284 Win, 7wsm, 7 Rem Mag)
And anything bigger (.308, .325, .338, etc) will work just fine. Find a rifle that you like and can shoot well, and don't worry to much about the caliber. Worry about how well can I shoot this rifle in field conditions, and GO PRACTICE! I think there's way too many peeing contests about what caliber is better than the next on here. 95% of your Texas hunters will take their shots from 150 yards or less. So trajectory, long range ability, and BC really don't matter that much at this distance.
All these calibers will take Texas game with good shot placement.
P.S. Why haven't I mentioned .22 caliber? Will a 223 Rem or 22-250 take a deer/pig? Sure. BUT, you need the right bullet and good shot placement. I have seen many hogs and several deer not recovered by other hunters after being hit with a 223 Rem and/or 22-250. IMO, it is a little light for hunting Texas game and hogs. If you are a more skilled marksman, and can make good hits with the right bullet, then go for it. You know who you are, and don't need convincing otherwise. But for the beginner hunter trying to decide what caliber to get, 22 caliber is a little too light of a caliber, IMO.
If you want to know more about a caliber, google it, and wikipedia can be your friend. Chad: I agree with what you have said, but would add that even with the cartridges you mentioned, it's important to chose the correct bullet for the task (just as you recommended for the 224 cals). There are varmint bullets offered in 243, 6.5, 277, 284, and 30 cals that would not be recommended for deer. ^ Very important on your crossover rounds. The 257 stuff has crossover bullets as well, one of my biggest complaints with Nosler BT's is that there is no differential marks between large game and varmint. X3
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Re: Which caliber should I get? Read this thread
[Re: Big Orn]
#3503346
08/23/12 03:08 PM
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 60,603
BOBO the Clown
kind of a big deal
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kind of a big deal
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 60,603 |
I don't know, NP, but good question.
I use a 300wm and am really not satisfied with it. It's a great round and does what I want, but not that impressive. I would choose the 7MM08 over any caliber...but that's just me. I have a 300mag that was gifted to me, so not something I can sale, I grab it when I lone out my 25's. 7-08 is next on my list due to its overall length and light recoil. For me I've found that the .25 bore is just all around best for me. Only dislike I have is their long barrels in a small blind
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Re: Which caliber should I get? Read this thread
[Re: Big Orn]
#3503368
08/23/12 03:17 PM
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 27,091
Nogalus Prairie
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I don't know, NP, but good question.
I use a 300wm and am really not satisfied with it. It's a great round and does what I want, but not that impressive. I would choose the 7MM08 over any caliber...but that's just me. Orn 90% of my deer killing is with a Sako .270 WM I bought with all my summer job money when I was 15. My Daddy thought I was crazy to spend $750 on a rifle.  But I have a pre-64 Winchester .300 WM that goes with me out west and up north. I love that gun so much I had it Cerakoted to hunt with which basically ruined it's collector value. Y'all have made me buy a a little Wichester 70 7MM-08 but I haven't tried it yet.My thoughts are it is really for one of my future grandkids if I am so blessed one day.
I learned long ago you can't reason someone out of something they don't reason themselves into.
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Re: Which caliber should I get? Read this thread
[Re: Nogalus Prairie]
#3503477
08/23/12 03:43 PM
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 44,461
rifleman
Sparkly Pants
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Sparkly Pants
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The lack of popularity in the 7mag is hard to explain, think its the Indians and not the arrow.
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Re: Which caliber should I get? Read this thread
[Re: rifleman]
#3503586
08/23/12 04:08 PM
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 6,219
dee
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
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Seen a few poor results in 7mm REM mag and both had to do with the bullet being used, 150gr Nosler Ballistic Tips bullets came apart just at the shoulder still caused enough trauma to kill but not as fast as one would like. Never saw another failure when it was switched over to the partitions.
"A vote is like a rifle; it's usefulness depends on the character of the user" Theodore Roosevelt
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Re: Which caliber should I get? Read this thread
[Re: spoons]
#3503594
08/23/12 04:10 PM
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 19,296
pokerj2
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President of American Entitlements LLC
Health insurance agency focusing in all ages from ACA plans all the way through Medicare.
Office is based in Wylie, TX
We have local agents in both Texas and Louisiana
469-814-0289
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Re: Which caliber should I get? Read this thread
[Re: pokerj2]
#3505522
08/24/12 01:45 AM
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 11,124
LandPirate
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I've killed many deer with a 7mm Rem Mag and never had to track any of them. Then one day I picked up a .270 and looked back. Still have one 7 mag that was my dad's. He used it and only it his entire adult life. He never lost a deer.
I think everyone has different experiences and may prove that people need to figure out which caliber is right for them. Personally, I don't see much need the magnums in the majority of Texas hunting. Just my opinion.
Mike
Buda, Tx
Hunt near Freer
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Re: Which caliber should I get? Read this thread
[Re: LandPirate]
#3505536
08/24/12 01:49 AM
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 44,461
rifleman
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Im curious is folks go with cheap ammo in the magnums (bc they see $50+ for premium loads) and the old cup & cores don't give them exits and their tracking ability is less than stellar.
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Re: Which caliber should I get? Read this thread
[Re: rifleman]
#3505818
08/24/12 02:50 AM
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 5,271
Palehorse
THF Trophy Hunter
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I shoot a 7 mag and I have had very good results. Every time I have pulled the trigger on a deer resulted in a dead deer on the spot or within a few dozen yards. My only concern with it is I very rarely get an exit wound and very little blood trail. The bullets usually end up under the hide on the far side. I could use stouter bullets but I do like the idea of depositing all the bullets energy into the animal instead of the dirt on the other side. I guess it's hard to have your cake and eat it too.
Last edited by Palehorse; 08/24/12 02:52 AM. Reason: Grammer
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Re: Which caliber should I get? Read this thread
[Re: Palehorse]
#3505840
08/24/12 02:57 AM
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 44,461
rifleman
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at some point you'll want that exit. I've had a cpl bucks make it almost 150yds into the thickest, nastiest mess possible with hearts FUBAR. Those gushing blood trails make the tracking so much easier.
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Re: Which caliber should I get? Read this thread
[Re: Palehorse]
#3505853
08/24/12 03:00 AM
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 15,765
603Country
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I've used a 270 for maybe 30ish years, and it has done a darn fine job from 50 yards to 450 yards. Lately though I've gone to a 260 in a Ruger Compact. So light and easy to carry and easy to handle in a box blind. Not much kick. I've used it on deer, coyote, and pigs from about 50 yards to right at 400 yards. Seems crazy to say it, but it seems to be just as effective as the 270, if not more so. I highly recommend the 260 caliber.
Not my monkeys, not my circus...
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Re: Which caliber should I get? Read this thread
[Re: 603Country]
#3506505
08/24/12 12:48 PM
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Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 552
gollygee
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 552 |
Shoot the biggest caliber/case you are comfortable with. I have never walked up to any down animal and thought "this would have been better with a smaller gun". Wiggle room is the name of the game, Murphy's law is alive and well.
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Re: Which caliber should I get? Read this thread
[Re: pokerj2]
#3506517
08/24/12 12:54 PM
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Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,225
Red D
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
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^^^ that. And chances are you would not have to gut and skin your deer, because the bullet will take care of all those chores. 
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Re: Which caliber should I get? Read this thread
[Re: ejj005]
#3506526
08/24/12 12:58 PM
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,478
huntnguide83
Veteran Tracker
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Veteran Tracker
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I have been a fan of a .243 for many years, I have recently switched to a .308. Both are very nice calibers Same here. Never lost a deer with either and more so recently I enjoy those long range head shots with my .308
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Re: Which caliber should I get? Read this thread
[Re: Palehorse]
#3506632
08/24/12 01:34 PM
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 11,124
LandPirate
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I shoot a 7 mag and I have had very good results. Every time I have pulled the trigger on a deer resulted in a dead deer on the spot or within a few dozen yards. My only concern with it is I very rarely get an exit wound and very little blood trail. The bullets usually end up under the hide on the far side. I could use stouter bullets but I do like the idea of depositing all the bullets energy into the animal instead of the dirt on the other side. I guess it's hard to have your cake and eat it too. Wound channels, blood loss, and tissue destruction is what kills. Not energy. I'd much rather have complete pass through, large exit wounds which equate to large wound channels and massive tissue destruction. I spent years as a homicide detective. I've read gobs of medical and forensic reports on this topic. Many a survivor of automobile collisions suffer greater energy than being shot, yet they survive. Just something to consider.
Mike
Buda, Tx
Hunt near Freer
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Re: Which caliber should I get? Read this thread
[Re: huntnguide83]
#3506668
08/24/12 01:45 PM
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 6,219
dee
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
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I have been a fan of a .243 for many years, I have recently switched to a .308. Both are very nice calibers Same here. Never lost a deer with either and more so recently I enjoy those long range head shots with my .308 243 is a better long range round than the 308.
"A vote is like a rifle; it's usefulness depends on the character of the user" Theodore Roosevelt
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Re: Which caliber should I get? Read this thread
[Re: LandPirate]
#3506672
08/24/12 01:47 PM
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 6,219
dee
THF Trophy Hunter
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I shoot a 7 mag and I have had very good results. Every time I have pulled the trigger on a deer resulted in a dead deer on the spot or within a few dozen yards. My only concern with it is I very rarely get an exit wound and very little blood trail. The bullets usually end up under the hide on the far side. I could use stouter bullets but I do like the idea of depositing all the bullets energy into the animal instead of the dirt on the other side. I guess it's hard to have your cake and eat it too. Wound channels, blood loss, and tissue destruction is what kills. Not energy. I'd much rather have complete pass through, large exit wounds which equate to large wound channels and massive tissue destruction. I spent years as a homicide detective. I've read gobs of medical and forensic reports on this topic. Many a survivor of automobile collisions suffer greater energy than being shot, yet they survive. Just something to consider. I agree, energy dump is a neat theory but nothing else.
"A vote is like a rifle; it's usefulness depends on the character of the user" Theodore Roosevelt
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Re: Which caliber should I get? Read this thread
[Re: ChadTRG42]
#3506676
08/24/12 01:49 PM
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Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 23
xmedicmanx
Light Foot
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Light Foot
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 23 |
I've been hunting and shooting for over 20 yrs and my favorite caliber is whatever I'm grouping best with that possesses just enough "ummph" to get the job done; I've realized that comfort plays the biggest part in this, as shot placement is key.
My favorite medium sized game calibers and my personal best groups are:
.243 (6mm) -personal best 3-shot grp @ 100yd-.2" (keyhole)
.260 (6.5) -personal best 3-shot grp @ 100yd-.3"
(Both groups were handloads)
People can have their favorites, but these two calibers also have the data in their ballistic coefficients (BC) that seem to back up my "paper preference." Combine that with the terminal ballistics and you've got some ringers! Note also that both calibers are actually necked down from a .308 casing
I own a beautiful Browning A-Bolt Medallion .308 that I killed four deer with last year, and none of them ran. With that said, The recoil that beats the [censored] out of my shoulder because of the light weight of that rifle makes me want to move to a lighter caliber.
I've been hunting hogs off-season, to keep the blood lust at bay, and I dropper a 350lb hog in Pleasanton with a 6.8 SPC to his neck... Bottom line- Shot placement is key!
Last edited by xmedicmanx; 08/24/12 01:53 PM.
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Re: Which caliber should I get? Read this thread
[Re: dee]
#3506813
08/24/12 02:28 PM
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 44,461
rifleman
Sparkly Pants
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Sparkly Pants
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I shoot a 7 mag and I have had very good results. Every time I have pulled the trigger on a deer resulted in a dead deer on the spot or within a few dozen yards. My only concern with it is I very rarely get an exit wound and very little blood trail. The bullets usually end up under the hide on the far side. I could use stouter bullets but I do like the idea of depositing all the bullets energy into the animal instead of the dirt on the other side. I guess it's hard to have your cake and eat it too. Wound channels, blood loss, and tissue destruction is what kills. Not energy. I'd much rather have complete pass through, large exit wounds which equate to large wound channels and massive tissue destruction. I spent years as a homicide detective. I've read gobs of medical and forensic reports on this topic. Many a survivor of automobile collisions suffer greater energy than being shot, yet they survive. Just something to consider. I agree, energy dump is a neat theory but nothing else. It's a little more than theory.... Do not try this as home, but if you were to hold a 4" thick steel plate up to your chest to act as body armor, would you rather it get smacked by a 223 or a 30-378... All energy will get dumped into the plate and transferred to you.  * seriously, do not try this at home, at school or any private or public place.
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Re: Which caliber should I get? Read this thread
[Re: rifleman]
#3507007
08/24/12 03:36 PM
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 6,219
dee
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 6,219 |
You'd still be alive it may hurt more but that's it.
"A vote is like a rifle; it's usefulness depends on the character of the user" Theodore Roosevelt
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Re: Which caliber should I get? Read this thread
[Re: spoons]
#3507016
08/24/12 03:38 PM
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 7,947
Curtis
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
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Posts: 7,947 |
To me this issue always brings up the thought of what ranges I feel comfortable shooting at a deer size animal and how variable the caliber is for my reloading. I really try to keep it under 300 and I prefer closer to 200 for deer size game. So for me I like the 7mm-08 or something like the .270 or 25-06. The 120-150 grain weights of bullets seem to perform to my liking and that is was I prefer to shoot.
Double Arrow Bow Hunting www.doublearrowbowhunting.comBow hunters welcome! Whitetail-Axis-Blackbuck-Fallow-Barasingha-Scimitar Oryx Located in Gonzales County. Visit our Facebook page for current updates!
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Re: Which caliber should I get? Read this thread
[Re: dee]
#3507098
08/24/12 04:00 PM
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 44,461
rifleman
Sparkly Pants
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Sparkly Pants
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You'd still be alive it may hurt more but that's it. one might shove your sternum through your spine.
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