I'm wanting to get my rifle started but undicided about the caliber. Will a .224 80 gr bullet pushed @ 3600 drop small to med WT deer any better (or not) than a .257 100 gr @ 3400?? Most shots will be about 100-200 yards.
The .224 bullets are "HAMMERS". I found them on www.rifle-barrels.com . They have a bonded core that are supposed to hold up at that vel. Thanks guys. I figured these kind of responses are what I'd get. The 25x284 may get the nod.
In many instances the 22 will kill deer as if they were electrocuted, but sometimes they will run a 100 yds or so even with a lethal hit, and they will not leave much if any blood trail on many ocassions....Go with the bigger bore....
I have read that the 257-284 is suppose to be one of the best of the .25cal cartridges. Effeciant and potent! That would be my choice and good luck with the project.
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Posts: 358 | Location: Stafford, Virginia | Registered: 14 August 2001
Definitely go with the .25-284. I built one a couple of months ago and I have 500 rounds through it. I have two loads that really shine. One launches a 100 grain Hornady flat base spire point at a tich under 3,400 fps. The other launches a 75 grain Hornady Vmax at 3,750 fps. Either bullet flat out drops deer on the spot. Contrary to what is believed, the Vmax in this caliber is very well constructed and doesn't blow up like ballistic tips. I LOVE it! Flinch
Even the .257 is a third rate choice! I am not going to wait for a perfect shot. Where I hunt and just seeing a legal deer is a big deal.
Visualize a deer standing in cover and looking at you. It's quite possible than the deers rump is facing you. I have killed deer standing like that. A .257 may not penetrate.
"If you don't know what to use get a 30-06, load the 180 gr. bullet and sight it in at 200 yds. This is all you need to know about big game rifles."
