I used my first handload on a deer today! It was a 75yd shot with the marlin 1894. This 240gr Hornaday xtp did all I could want. Estimated velocity was 1700fps. Such a great feeling knowing that I made the round that will now fill my freezer and belly! She went about 8 yards from poi to point of death. She's a decent size...not tiny but not a cornfed hoss either. I hunt big woods, not ag land. Guts getting ready to come out and blood getting bottled for dog training!
Not yet but that's the goal. I've got a lab with a heck of a nose so I don't think it'll be too hard to get him on blood. He already trails live deer and is deer obsessed. Favorite toys are sheds too.
I shot a doe but must have hit that dead spot just above the vitals. Bled like crazy then the trail stopped. Never seen anything like it.
I shot at a buck 15 yards away and missed. When I climbed back up in the stand I lined up the sights again and saw the thumb sized branch it clipped. Not a good day hunting. Try it again tomorrow.
I shot a small buck like that years ago twice. Tracked that deer a looooong ways after waiting a while to look. Never did find him.
So do I. Makes your stomach turn. It was my fault the darn deer was so close I did not take that into consideration.
