Hornady 125gr SST for Deer?

[Rick R2]

Has anyone used the 125gr SST for large game? I bought a couple boxes and the accuracy is great but when I shot a row of gallon water jugs at 100 yards the bullet pretty much exploded. The biggest portion I found was the bottom of the core weighing 44 grains and another section weighing 20 grains. The only jacket fragments I found were barely visible slivers. The 44 grain section did make it into the fifth water jug so penetration is adequate.

I'm only running it with 17.5gr W296 from a 16" barrel, guessing at @2,100 fps?

[smustian]

There have been many reports, with pictures attached, of SST performance on deer and pig. Take a look in the Hunting section. I would not hesitate to use them.

[firedavis]

Look up my posts I have put up many kill pics with the SST. I shot a doe at 60 yards saw blood fly in my scope and she dropped like a rock. Every hog I have shot with one has died with in 30 yards most DRT! I load 18 gr of W296 and it is accurate in all my blackouts.


viewtopic.php?f=128&t=91609

[randyrucker]

The SST is great for deer.

[blaster]

125 gr. SST and 18.3gr of H-110/W-296 is my deer & hog load. I have tried several other bullet weights and designs with mixed results. the 125 gr. SST consistently gives 1 shot kills with a chest shot. the few deer or hogs that did not drop in their tracks never went farther than 20 yds before dropping.

[rebel]

Sst 125. 18 gr. Of 296. Col of 2.11. 100 yards through shoulder bones. No exit, recovered bullet weighed around 78 grs. Buck ran about 20 yards.

[Rick R2]

OK, maybe my jugs were filled with "hard water".

I'll try them on deer this fall. No hogs to speak of in WV so that leaves deer and black bear.

The little rifle is a joy to shoot.

Thanks for the input.

[drayks]

Took my deer through heart/lung with 125 SST. If you want to see a bullet hand grenade, try the 110 V-Max.

[just_me_mongo]

Ive taken deer with the 125sst. It works just fine.