To those with actually experience: Is the 120 gr. Hdy. HP strong enough for good penetration on deer? I am putting together some new loads for my Tikka 7-08 using RL-17 and 120's. I have only a few 120 gr. NBT's and lots of Hornady HP and Sierra Pro Hunters.

I have done well with the NBT on deer and javelina but not tried the Hdy. or Sierras on game. How do they stack up against the Nosler BT for deer? Thanks, Merg

I have only taken 2 deer with the HP One was a doe at 140 yds and an 8 pointer at 100 yds.Both were hit just behind the shoulder and both hit the ground at the shot.Bullet hole going in and about the size of a quater out.
Shot one with the hornady SP a couple days before that at 200 yds and it did more damage than I have gotten with a BT.About a quater going in and fist size out.
Both are very accurate in my rem 7/08.The load I use is below but it is over book max so work up if you decide to try it.

Regardless of how well they shoot, I would not use 120 gr SP for game. The 139 gr SP would the minimum I'd use for Deer, and 154 are even bettr.