6x6.8 with 95gr SST Vs Mule Deer at 287 yards.

[BiggerHammer]

Seeing this year was the first year I had opted to do some hunting with the 6x6.8 SPC. I had used the 90gr Accubond for the first deer of the year. So not being one to rehash anything if I can help it, I opted for a magazine loaded with 95gr SST's for my antlerless tag.

A Freind and I had glassed a group of deer from quite a ways out feeding along the edge of a large winter wheat field. After a short drive and a quick stalk up a coulée at close to last light. I figured would put us in position for a 325 yard shot or so. I was shooting a 22" BHW 6x6.8 with 95gr SST's and my friend was shooting a 24" BHW .243 LBC with 95gr Berger VLD's.

The deer crossed in some knee high dry CRP grass about where we expected them to. My friends was the designated shooter for this one and I would back him up. We both had solid rests from the prone with a bipod. My reticle locked solid on the front shoulder. Little bit of left to right breeze, not enough to matter. My friend whispered 280 yards, I reached up and dialed 3 MOA of dope past my 300 yard zero on my M1 knob, then rolled it back down to my 300 zero and waited. With a solid sight picture came the "Snap" from my right of the 95gr VLD being sent.

I watched for the hit/reaction and nothing, the ears didn't even twitch. So I sent the 95gr SST. The impact was quite audible, and she dropped right where she stood out of sight in the CRP grass.

We later ranged from the deer to where I shot from, the final range was 287 yards. The 95gr SST Entered almost tip of the left shoulder and exited the off side, destroying the lungs. I was impressed by how hard she went down.

The load:

22" standard contour,9 twist, 6x6.8 SPC
CH4D 6x6.8 SPC FL Dies
Hornady cases
Hornady 95gr SST
27gr 8208
CCI BR-4
2.290

A few photos. I apologize for the field photo, last light.



Impact side



Exit side



Inside entrance and exit, the 95gr SST broke a rib on impact and another on exit.

[gaberelli]

Great! From what I recall loading my 6x6.8, that's a fairly mild load. Accuracy mode there or just prefer saving your brass?

It's a great round, isn't it?

[BiggerHammer]

It's a mild accurate load, I worked up to it and found that 27gr of 8208 shot very well, close to half MOA on the average at 300 yards. I never felt the need to take it any further, I may in the future when time permits. So far I am very pleased with the chamberings accuracy and performance on game. I've been debating the thought of using it here in a week or so for Elk.

[gaberelli]

I'd love to see how something like the accubond performs on elk. I wonder how slow it can moveable still open up. Range might be the limiting factor on an animal of that size.

[BiggerHammer]

Nosler claims a minimum Velocity of 1300fps for reliable expansion when it comes to the Accubonds. I would be hard pressed to even recall the number of big game animals I have snatched from this planet with a variety of Accubonds in assorted weights and diameters. They are by far my bullet of choice across the board.

[gaberelli]

That seems really low. Certainly extends the range of that bullet. I also exclusively use the accubond for game. Give it a whirl on elk and post the results!!

[BiggerHammer]

Oct 25, 2015 9:59:05 GMT -8 gaberelli said:

I'd love to see how something like the accubond performs on elk. I wonder how slow it can moveable still open up. Range might be the limiting factor on an animal of that size.

My younger brother killed a bull elk last year with a 16" 6.5 Grendel and 120 Nosler Ballistic tips at 411 yards, it took several but the end result was the same.

[geepee3]

Gee willikers Batman that's amazing!!!
With pictures like this and the other Mule deer you took. I might have to think about doing a 6x6.8 instead of the 25x6.8.
The distance of the shot, shot placement, You did real good there Sir!
Congratulations and thank you for sharing.

Glenn 

[BiggerHammer]

Life is good!

[geepee3]

Had to edit the picture to make it even more "Yummy" looking!  

I had a teacher who would say... Did you bring enough for every one in the class.   
Looking at both your Mule Deer posts, I'm still on the fence about whether to do the 6x6.8 or the 25x6.8. 

Bon appetit,
Glenn

[BiggerHammer]

i have no experience with the 25x6.8 but I am contemplating doing one. The only reason I haven't yet is that they are so closely comparable that it doesn't really matter. Of course the 6mm bullet selection is stellar and the BC's are better. But in the real world of the average shot distance on game it Isn't going to matter unless your planning on Rockchucks, Yotes or Prairie Dogs at extended ranges, then I would opt for the 6x6.8.

Either would be fine for hunting, I like the .257 Roberts chambering and a deer within the average shot distance isn't going to notice the difference between getting hit with the Bob or the 25x6.8.

[lawdog]

I have a T/C Encore that I'm very fond of. I have one barrel chambered for 6.5-06 Ackley and I shoot the Accubond bullet as well. It is truly a deer slaying machine and from what I've read, does well on elk too. Nice shot and you saved the bulk of the meat...