I have a quantity of very nice FNM 8x57 sS ammo on hand. It is quite accurate in my K-98 Sporter. In my home state on private lands it is legal to hunt w/FMJ bullets. Has anyone had any experience using boattail FMJ bullets on deer-sized game? These particular
rounds are loaded w/196 grain bullets. I read in Olson's book on Mausers that some African hunters used them on plains game because they would tumble and cause broad wound channels.

I would use them for practice, plinking etc and use a good expanding bullet for deer. Why take any chanses?

Bobster,

I have not used FMJ's on deer, but I have used them on game. I spent June/July in Zim on a friends ranch and as luck would have it SAA lost the bag with my ammo in it. I ended up using my friends .308 with FMJ's to shoot camp meat. I shot a nice warthog almost broadside little high on the shoulder and the bullet exited high on the ham. The 2nd shot quarting away went through one lung and killed him. I also shot some impala and they worked just fine. I would only use FMJ's if I could not get softpoints and even then be careful not to hit any bones.

On of my dad freinds back in the 30's and 40's all he ever used was a 30-40 krag and fmj. He said the were the best for shooting deer. I am sure if you shoot them right they well die. No worse no better.

I have used 308 FMJ on Zebra and they worked, but I am inclined to think a good soft would work a whole lot better.

Why not pull the bullets and replace with 196gr Norma Oryx. That way you would have a serious hunting cartridge.

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Regards

Richard

I have some of that FNM 8x57, it's not very accurate in my guns. I've pulled some bullets though, and they look to be of excellent quality.

Thanks to everyone for the input. I think I'll resign the FMJ's to target work.