Hollow Point .308 for deer in Missouri?

[Hammerhead6814]

I can't find a list of restrictions w/ Google.

Basically, I've been buying some Prvi Partizan 168 gr PPU Match ammo. It's the best stuff I've shot through my Savage 11 and tomorrow I was going to take it deer hunting. I just noticed though that it also says "HP" on the box, meaning Hollow Point.

Is it legal to hunt deer in Missouri with Hollow Points?

 

[NCsmitty]

This is from the Missouri Department of Conservation. Under "METHODS ALLOWED".

centerfire pistol, revolver or rifle using expanding-type bullets. Legal ammunition includes lead bullets, copper bullets and bullets made of other material designed to expand.

It looks like you cannot use FMJ bullets, they need to be expanding bullets, like soft points or hollow points.

Here's the link to the MDC site.

http://mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/regulations/deer-regulations/2010-firearms-deer-hunting



NCsmitty

 

[Jorg Nysgerrig]

http://mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/regulations/deer-regulations/2010-firearms-deer-hunting

Methods allowed
Methods allowed during all portions of the firearms deer season, except the muzzleloader portion.

* centerfire pistol, revolver or rifle using expanding-type bullets. Legal ammunition includes lead bullets, copper bullets and bullets made of other material designed to expand.

If it expands, it appears to be legal.

 

[bubba15301]

match bullets usually dont expand
i wouldnt use them for deer

 

[Deanimator]

match bullets usually dont expand
i wouldnt use them for deer

In fact, they've been ruled legal for use by military snipers.

BTHPs are drawn from base to tip to ensure the consistency of the base, NOT to promote expansion.

 

[Freedom_fighter_in_IL]

Hammerhead, Match grade HP's are not for hunting. It is usually stated on the box or in the ads for them. They are not constructed for penetration but for flight. While they do perform very well for paper, a deer's shoulder is just a touch tougher than that target. They tend to blow up and just injure deer. I would go back to the range and find a bullet that is constructed for hunting that shoots well from your weapon.

As a side note, they are GREAT for varmint

 

[bamawrx]

I use sierra match king 168 grn .308 loads for deer. They are devastating. What tends to blow up are ballistic tips and in some cases soft points (hornady's 150's comes to mind). I have used both types on deer, and the poor results made the change to the bthp. High front shoulder hits will produce immediate incapacitation and about a 2" exit wound.

 

[natman]

Considering how many good deer bullets there are on the market today there is no reason to use match bullets, varmint bullets or anything else on deer. The extra 1/4 MOA accuracy you might get with a match bullet isn't relevant and doesn't make up for the unpredictable expansion characteristics.

Use a bullet that's designed for the job. Core lokt, Power point, Nosler Partitions if you want to get fancy.

 

[pikid89]

+1 on plain jane remington core lokts

 

[redneckdan]

Really depends on the bullet. I have had good luck and know of several others who have used the Berger VLDs on game with excellent results. The heavy SMKs in the 300 whisper do a good job on deer. I would say that shot placement is orders of magnitude more important than the bullet used. I have taken deer with GI M2 ball and had no issues with making a clean kill.

 

[Deanimator]

What tends to blow up are ballistic tips and in some cases soft points (hornady's 150's comes to mind).

Three years ago, my best friend shot a large whitetail with a 150gr. A-Max. From his Remington 700 in .30-06. It was like it had been hit with a bolt of lighting. I don't think it went a body length from where it was shot.

 

[jlrhiner]

I do know if you have military surplus ammo when deer hunting in Missouri you will get a ticket.