Thread: SO, THE SIERRA TMK DO KILL DEER?

I have been using the new 69 grn Sierra green tipped Match King bullets for a wee while on rabbits now, and have been impressed, Extremely accurate without any fiddling around with loads to get there.

Loaded at 3040 fps they match the point of impact for the 55 grn tipped Barnes I use on deer. So the one sight in really suits and adds great versatility.

Anyway, I've had a hankering to try the Sierras' on a deer, and took my opportunity last night. My theory was that they might be useful for a longer shot for the .223 (being softer than the Barnes?).

I spotted the stag at 340 yards grazing on the edge of the scrub, and with a bit of stealth I closed the gap to 184 yards. He was broad side on and I aimed for the back of the shoulder, just in front of the crease. At the shot he dropped on the spot, rolled and then tried to get up. Then he disappeared. An unseen hind came bolting down the ridge too, but she was quite safe (especially at the speed she was doing) - I hadn't even bothered to eject the fired case. One was enough.

Tilly found him in the scrub 15 yards down hill from where he was shot, and he was quite dead.
The bullet had gone right through the rear of both shoulder blades but didn't appear to have exited. But maybe it did. if you have a look at how broad the stag was in its girth (in the first pic), that was a pretty good effort. Brian has got the shoulders and he is going to have a look for the projectile when he bones them.

The wound channel was very impressive (Im happy to email in and out pics if anyone wants them, but I wont post them here).

So, I'm very happy with the bullet's performance. They are certainly hard enough for good penetration and leave a good wound channel. Maybe just a little bit harder in their construction than my experience with AMax, which is probably a good thing.

Its only one shot on one deer, but I was quite impressed. The rifle leaning on the deer is a Savage .223 Lightweight. Its accounted for a few deer now. Its a great little spring hunting rifle.