Gonna try the Winchester PDX 120gr X39 on deer.

[Rebel_Rider1969]

We'll see how good the SD round does, hopefully! Zeroed the rifle with 123gr fmj. Had misplaced the ammo on range day. Thinking that it should be close enough for hunting. We'll see

 

[boondoggle]

Interested to see the terminal performance. I have a good load with the 123 SST but have only used it on hog head shot so far. Just ordered some of the Cavity Back MKZ 125s to work up a load for whitetail.

 

[Rebel_Rider1969]

Interested to see the terminal performance. I have a good load with the 123 SST but have only used it on hog head shot so far. Just ordered some of the Cavity Back MKZ 125s to work up a load for whitetail.

Are they going thru or stopping??

 

[.22 cents]

cant wait to get a report. Goodluck sir Rebel

 

[boondoggle]

The head shot was a little quartering and the bullet deflected a bit and ended up at the base of the neck.

 

[Bowhntr6pt]

Looking forward to the field report.

 

[Rebel_Rider1969]

Here's a gel test. Definitely good penetration. Gel broke the table. Curious to see if a shoulder shot takes out the deers wheels.

 

[Rebel_Rider1969]

Took it out today. Passed on 3. Next time. Love this rifle btw, short and handy.

 

[Rebel_Rider1969]

Trying, deer aren't cooperating.

 

[boondoggle]

Got the Cavity Back Bullets in and ran a velocity test with my RAR. Got to book max for SW BLK at 2447 fps with no significant pressure signs. Going to do a mini OCW around max for accuracy. The group of 10 shots at .5gr increments was only a little over inch so there may be an easy node to find.

 

[Rebel_Rider1969]

Got the Cavity Back Bullets in and ran a velocity test with my RAR. Got to book max for SW BLK at 2447 fps with no significant pressure signs. Going to do a mini OCW around max for accuracy. The group of 10 shots at .5gr increments was only a little over inch so there may be an easy node to find.

Lol, I understood about half of that but sounds good! Accuracy is better to me than magnum power!!

 

[Rebel_Rider1969]

Headed out in the rain to give it a shot. At least using a 30 cal bullet I don't have to worry about the rain screwing up a shot.

 

[boondoggle]

Lol, I understood about half of that but sounds good! Accuracy is better to me than magnum power!!

Lol. I guess I should throw a few bucks in the acronym jar. The RAR in 7.62x39 is the least expensive and most fun rifle I own. I don't know why I don't hunt with it more.

Running the 123 SST at 2587fps which has plenty of velocity (2014fps) and energy (1108 lb ft) at 200 yards and is very accurate. Plus it's super handy with the 16" barrel and very light at 7lbs scoped.

Why I have in my head that when I'm in thicker woods where a 100 yards is on the edge of the trees and I still think I need something good to 500 just in case is beyond me.

 

[Rebel_Rider1969]

Lol. I guess I should throw a few bucks in the acronym jar. The RAR in 7.62x39 is the least expensive and most fun rifle I own. I don't know why I don't hunt with it more.

Running the 123 SST at 2587fps which has plenty of velocity (2014fps) and energy (1108 lb ft) at 200 yards and is very accurate. Plus it's super handy with the 16" barrel and very light at 7lbs scoped.

Why I have in my head that when I'm in thicker woods where a 100 yards is on the edge of the trees and I still think I need something good to 500 just in case is beyond me.
View attachment 207558

Great shooting. I'm in a house right now trying to get one.
Some have said the sst dosent go thru? Dumps all the energy into the target? I'd prefer one that goes thru, 2 holes for blood to fly out +++
I would like this to be my -150 yd only deer rifle because like you said, light and handy. 80% of my shooting is at 100yds or less.
I'm typing this the bottom just fell out. Pouring now. Lol.

 

[hunter01]

That bullet should work good, I'd stay away from the sst or any polymer tip bullet if your wanting good energy release and pass through. The only polymer tip bullet I've had both and good luck with is the bonded bullets or the Barnes bullets. All the others seem to just blow apart inside. That's just been my experiences anyhow.

 

[Rebel_Rider1969]

That bullet should work good, I'd stay away from the sst or any polymer tip bullet if your wanting good energy release and pass through. The only polymer tip bullet I've had both and good luck with is the bonded bullets or the Barnes bullets. All the others seem to just blow apart inside. That's just been my experiences anyhow.

Crap, that's all I could find and bought locally. Powder is for my 10mm. Bought the cfe black for the x39. No reloading yet all stuff is packed. Need primers too lrp. Got dies and plenty of brass.

 

[boondoggle]

With every rifle I have save the RAR I run Bergers. I prefer the high shoulder shot, straight up the leg halfway up the body. With bullets that are designed to dump all their energy in the animal that's the off switch DRT most of the time. Even if I miss a bit back it turns all the internals into jelly and they don't run far. I haven't had an animal run more than 50 yards before piling up.

I do also appreciate expansion and pass through bullets particularly for saving meat. The Bergers were just so accurate in my target rifles I just kept using them in my hunting rifles.

 

[Rebel_Rider1969]

No luck. Crazy baby dillo and birds.

 

[Rebel_Rider1969]

Almost forgot, big thanks to Rackinray for the ammo!! Always a pleasure to deal with. Makes change with 22 wmr, gotta love that!

@RackinRay

 

[Rebel_Rider1969]

Got one. Boy howdy. Bullet made it to the other side but did not go thru. I believe it broke into a few pieces but did not recover any. Massive damage inside. Was going for a pump shot but was slightly ahead. Buck was chasing and only had enough time to push the safety off and snap shot em. Deer made it about 14 feet on a jump and fell stone dead. 80 yard shot from tripod 20 feet up with the Rarr x39. 120gr PDX. 16 inch barrel. Old tasco 2x7 $20 wideview scope, lol. I believe it was on 4x. Kaw valley linear comp, ears did not ring after the shot. Forgot my electronic ears.
Looks like the round dumped all of its energy into the deer.
Now I gotta find more of this ammo!