Hey Guys,
Just thought I�d give an update on this year�s deer season. Although there�s only one more week left in the regular season, it�s been VERY fun, thus far. Opening weekend I shot a button buck (was supposed to have been a doe, but wasn�t, despite doing everything I could to avoid harvesting a BB�.) w/ my 257 JDJ. Shot was only 35 yards. Deer ran about 50 yards before going down in sight of the stand. Just as I walked up to the deer, a HEAVY thunderstorm commenced. Consequently, don�t know whether or not there was a blood trail. Was satisfied w/ the load (Sierra 90 gr BTHP/36.0 gr RL 15/2650 fps) as it mad a �� entrance hole and a 1 � X 1� exit hole, taking out 2 ribs. Need to take more deer before deciding on the capabilities of this bullet.

I�ve previously said on this forum that I was committed to taking some game this year w/ my 308 Striker to develop some good "karma" w/ it. Although the gun shoots great, I�ve never taken any game w/ it. Well, that has changed...'sorta. Was sitting in a large tower stand in the middle of a big power line (80 X 400 yards) when a gray fox came across the power line about 120 yards away. Took a few moments to point it out to my 9 y/o son hunting w/ me. First time I stopped it, it�s chest was behind a limb. The next time I stopped it, I had a clear shot. It dropped immediately. The bullet (Hornady 150 gr SST) hit the spine right at the diaphragm. I �d never seen a gray fox before so didn�t realize how pretty they are. They taxidermist said he was rather big, measuring 24� long, nose to base of tail. It�ll make a very nice mount. He didn�t anticipate too much trouble repairing the exit hole.

Nevertheless, the highlight of my hunting season came yesterday when my aforementioned son killed his first deer, a small spike at 35 yards. He made good shot w/ deer quartering toward him. Deer ran about 80 yards before piling up. Left a VERY good blood trail. I was very happy and proud. Needless to say, he was ECSTATIC. I�ll never forget his joy when we found the deer. Looks like we have brought another hunter into the fold! I was impressed by the damage done by the load, one I developed for kids. It uses the Hornady 150 RN bullet w/ a reduced charge of IMR 4320 for a velocity of 2300 fps. Entered at the 9th rib, damaged one lung, destroyed the liver, went though the intestines, and exited at the last rib.

I still hope to get a deer w/ the 308 and hopefully one more w/ the 257 JDJ. �Ya know, it�d be good if I could also kill my a deer w/ my 50 cal Contender muzzleloader barrel. On the other hand, once my son�s 300/221 Contender carbine barrel comes in, we�ll want to try it out on a deer�.. I sure wish deer season was a little longer, although I bet my wife wishes not!

Hope everyone�s having a good season.

Gary T.

[ 11-30-2003, 10:26: Message edited by: Gary T ]