minimum energy for deer

[jpm2953]

I'm planning on using my 1894 marlin in 45 colt for deer this year. I load a 250gr xtp around 1200fps. should be right at 800ft/lb energy. That should be plenty right?

I've shot a few with my 357 1894. 158gr xtp around 1550fps. Deer all died pretty quick. Thats right at 800ft/lb too

 

[ColdBore44]

You'll be fine at 800ft/lbs. Georgia DNR used to specify which handgun calibers could be used. Now the law reads handgun calibers must make a minimum of 500ft/lbs of energy at the muzzle. And I'm a huge fan of pistol caliber lever guns for the deep woods, hence my username. And XTPs are awesome deer medicine!

 

[Jack Rabbit]

I think my crossbow puts out about 86/lbs of kinetic energy.

The trouble with any minimum energy suggestion is that deer don't read ballistics tables.

 

[GAgunLAWbooklet]

I agree 800 ft/lbs should be plenty.

Especially with a big bore gun that throws a heavy bullet.

I might not be comfortable with a varmint rifle caliber
that pushes a tiny bullet at very high velocities
and reaches 800 foot-pounds that way.

(Example: a 55 gr. bullet at 2550 ft. /sec. is 800 foot-lbs. of energy).

 

[ColdBore44]

I agree 800 ft/lbs should be plenty.

Especially with a big bore gun that throws a heavy bullet.

I might not be comfortable with a varmint rifle caliber
that pushes a tiny bullet at very high velocities
and reaches 800 foot-pounds that way.

Amen and amen. In the woods, I'll take a big and slow over light and fast, all day.

 

[Smiley]

I’m big and slow in the woods. Always thought of deer hunting as minimum energy, sometimes even downright good sleep.

 

[Glorfindel]

250 gr. XTP at 1200fps will kill the crap out of a deer

 

[jpm2953]

I’ve always been a H110 guy when loading my
Lever guns. Thought I would do a max charge of unique and have a load I enjoy shooting.