Short distance deergun DRT

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rangesafe

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This coming whitetail season I may still be limited to shots of 50 to 75 yards. I need the deer to be DRT after my shot due to health issues. Of a .222 shooting 50gr bullet at 3000 fps mv or a 44magnum +P 240 grain bullet from a rifle barrel at 1700 fps. Which one is more likely to drop the deer in it's tracks. Both are highly accurate and planning on a neck shot. Thanks.
 
or a 44magnum +P 240 grain bullet from a rifle barrel at 1700 fps. Which one is more likely to drop the deer in it's tracks. Both are highly accurate and planning on a neck shot. .

Alright, first, you don't need a "+P" load. Any 240 grain hollow point or soft tip, doing about 1300 fps or faster (as listed on the box) will work fine. Remember the speeds listed for the ammo since it's a famous handgun round, are for either a 4" or 6" revolver barrel (whichever the manufacturer used as a test-bed). You with a rifle and no cylinder gap, and that longer barrel, will capture and use all of the gas pressure that's possible to capture so will get plenty of velocity. Find the brand and load that shoots the best. ;)

As for a "neck shot" if you want DRT, then I'd suggest a shoulder shot instead. The problem with the classic neck shot, while when done without problem they work very well, it's easier for the animal to move the neck and thus you get a real tracking problem on your hands, sometimes. The shoulder shot pretty much pole-axes them, especially with that large slug.
DEER QUARTERING.jpg

My .530, 225 grain soft lead round ball comes from my rifle at just over 1500 fps... and although it's larger than your slug will be, it's lighter and has a crappy ballistic coefficient so it drops below supersonic at around 80 yards...so if mine when it hits where indicated above literally drops the deer in their tracks at 100 yards, your slug will definitely do the same, as it will likely still be super sonic on impact, especially if you get that deer in at 75 yards or less. Don't plan on any second shots, just as I mentioned, get a very accurate load and put the bullet in right spot. :thumbup:

LD
 
Of the choices, .44. But, you COULD get you a new gun in .308 or something, you know. I have stoppers up to 7mm Rem Mag and my .308 is my fave for deer, stops 'em right now with limited meat damage. I shoot a 150 grain Ballistic Tip. There's more choices than THAT, though, everything from .243 up to anything above that. There's no such thing as "overkill" on a deer.

Lots of folks claim the .223 is enough and I've taken one deer with my M4. Yeah, it worked, but he went 20 yards before dropping with a hole in its heart. But that was a sample size of one, so I was impressed enough. But, I see no reason to routinely play with pop guns when one can use a DEER RIFLE. And, I'm not that crazy over MSRs. I don't mind my bolt guns. Deer hunting is not a contest of firepower and what you're wanting is HORSE power. :D I have traditional Savage 110 and two Remington bolt guns, may not be tacticool, but it sure gets the job done. I still hunt with that M4, makes a GREAT turkey gun and I could get a more appropriate caliber upper for it, but why? .308 is a pretty awesome deer getter.

But, sounds like you're not wanting to buy something, just playing with what you have. So, yeah, .44. :D
 
My property is relatively small, with a few stands fairly close to a road and public land (no hunting allowed there). To keep the deer from crossing the road or onto the surrounding public land, I tend to take high shoulder shots whenever possible. Consistently DRT. Regarding your caliber choices, I am partial to the 44 mag.

Be well
 
The longest I've ever had a deer run was hit with a 165 gr 30-06 load through both lungs. He ran over 100 yards, fortunately in a semi-circle and was never out of sight. Until he turned and I could see the exit wound just before falling over I thought I had missed. You couldn't have asked for a better shot or bullet performance, but that deer just didn't want to die.

Only shot one with a 223 and he stumbled and crawled 15-20 yards. Pretty typical with what I've seen from any other cartridge. The only DRT I've ever had was one that I almost missed and broke his spine with a shot from a 30-06.

Neither of your choices would be anything I'd specifically go out and buy for deer hunting. But if either were my only options I wouldn't stay home. With quality bullets and proper shot placement I think either has about the same ability to give you a DRT shot. Bullet choice and shot placement however are more critical with the 222. But then it is probably more accurate making shot placement easier.
 
I’ve had deer run after being shot with my 44 mag. I’ve had deer run off after being shot with every caliber I’ve ever taken in the woods. But I’ve never had one run more than probably 30-40 yards. Where I hunt, a deer running after being shot is a good thing. They typically run down hill which creates less dragging for me.

But I’ve also had them DRT with every caliber. If you and your rifle are good enough, you can DRT ANY animal where it stands. It’s just not a shot I personally like to take.
 
in the thick brush-woods I use a 45-70 with a 300 gr bullet at 1900 fps, short tracking if ever needed and ray Charles could find the deer.
 

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My property is relatively small, with a few stands fairly close to a road and public land (no hunting allowed there). To keep the deer from crossing the road or onto the surrounding public land, I tend to take high shoulder shots whenever possible. Consistently DRT. Regarding your caliber choices, I am partial to the 44 mag.

Be well

^^^^

This.

highshouldershot.jpg
 
44 mag as well.

DRTs are not guaranteed and I have tried long to maximize my chances of DRT on any given shot.

If you don’t hit them perfect for DRT, bit still make a good shot, the 44 will ensure a larger entrance and exit wound which usually makes death faster and recovery shorter and easier with a larger blood trail.
 
44 mag and nix on the neck shot unless you are of exemplary ability in the accuracy department.
 
,44 mag. I assume your rifle is a lever gun. If another rifle is a possibility, a Marlin or Henry .30-30, or even a BLR in a high velocity caliber from .243 and up would be a better option. I also favor the neck shot, with a caveat. My aim point is about 8" to the right of Flintknappers point on the anatomical diagram. Heavy muscle here, generates severe shock with a high powered rifle (I have shot them here also with a Ruger .44 carbine and a .41 Mag blackhawk, all DRT with extreme prejudice). FKs spot will kill them right there, no doubt, but I prefer my backstrap and top shoulder un-shredded.
 
In my experience I would go with the. 222. I have shot deer with a .223 expanding bullet and saw the insides turned to mush. .44 mag works ok too but shot placement has to be more precise but the wound channel will be smaller. Not a fan of neck shots because no deer survives a heart shot. But if you know what you're doing they drop right there. Probably not dead though.
 
At 50 to 75 yards both will work fine. If I had to drop a deer in its tracks I would shoot it in the head. Anywhere in the spine will work too but it ruins some very good meat.
 
I’m bias on this... I’ve shot plenty with both 222 and 44 and have good results with both. As stated before things don’t always work as planned and thats hunting. If you want guaranteed DRT’S you have to put them where it shuts them down.
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That's my go to also. I prefer aiming at the base of the ear.
OP, if you truly neck and head shoot, either will get it done.
If you're an inexperienced hunter, use the 44. It gives you more options on shot placement with exceptional results.
 

50 - 75 yards is also excellent slug distance. A Remington 870 and some hard cast slugs will be great at that distance and deliver DRT with a decent broadside shot.​
 
I’ve had deer run after being shot with my 44 mag. I’ve had deer run off after being shot with every caliber I’ve ever taken in the woods. But I’ve never had one run more than probably 30-40 yards. Where I hunt, a deer running after being shot is a good thing. They typically run down hill which creates less dragging for me.

But I’ve also had them DRT with every caliber. If you and your rifle are good enough, you can DRT ANY animal where it stands. It’s just not a shot I personally like to take.

Agree.

I'd rather have run 20-40 yards DOA than a riskier DRT shot and miss.
 
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