Lapua Scenar for Deer?!

fathersymes

I'm just starting out in deer stalking and in a rush recently I bought some 6.5x55 139g lapua scenar bullets for stalking from a well know midlands firearms dealer, I questioned their suitability for deer and was told they are perfectly effective, I doubt this, they are hollow points and will not expand and delivery energy as would a soft point.

What is the best round for deer?

Clare gunner

Kind of saying to a carpenter whats better for building a table,A hammer or a saw?
What species of deer are you hunting ?Sika Fallow or Red? What terrain woodland or open field?Also how does your rifle handle them for accuracy?
My advice would buy a few brands and find out which one your rifle likes the most.Then maybe if you find one bullet type that drops deer to your satisfaction,consider maybe reloading the bullet tips to your powder load.Or try and buy the load matched to your bullet type.if that makes sense.
My fav brand is Hirtenberger,dont know if you can get that here,but usually Federal,Remington or Winchester will do me.It's more up to your gun than you in some cases.

Sparks

Kind of saying to a carpenter whats better for building a table,A hammer or a saw?

Hmmm. Well, you can build a table without driving a single nail, but not without cutting wood, so...

jaycee

Sparks wrote:

Hmmm. Well, you can build a table without driving a single nail, but not without cutting wood, so...

Unless your unconcerned about the shape , in which case you don't need the saw.. (If you use windfalls )

Rovi

The Lapua Scenar is a target bullet, specifically designed for punching holes in paper very far away.
Here's Lapua's bullet list- http://www.lapua.com/bullets.html.
While the Scenar is technically a hollow point, controlled expansion and mass retention were not high in its design specification, and I'd consider it a very poor choice for the humane hunting of live prey.

If you want to stay with Lapua ammo, their Naturalis and MEGA offerings are much more suitable.
More info here- http://www.lapua.com/hunting.html.

All the ammunition manufacturers make a suitable round for your calibre, using either soft point or ballistic tipped bullets.
CG mentioned Hirtenberger, which are certainly available here. I've used their ammo in .243 Win, tipped with a 95 grain Nosler bullet.
Federal, Winchester, Remington, etc, etc; they all do proper deer ammunition for the 6.5x55.

.

fathersymes

Thanks for the replys, it seems amazing to me that I was recommended to use target rounds on deer.

I'll check out a variety of brands and see what suits the Sako best.

BTW. If I wanted to reload, where is best to buy the powder/primers, up the North or across the water. Can I buy in the North without a license over the counter or get it couriered from one of the UK suppliers?

Clare gunner

fathersymes wrote:

Thanks for the replys, it seems amazing to me that I was recommended to use target rounds on deer.

Were they expensive in relation to other ammo?That might answer your question:D
.

BTW. If I wanted to reload, where is best to buy the powder/primers, up the North or across the water. Can I buy in the North without a license over the counter or get it couriered from one of the UK suppliers?

Hold out to March next year.It is supposed to be going "legal" under the CJB.There is nothing to stop you ordering your press,taps &dies at the moment.Or customising your ammo by pulling the bullets and reseating different ones,[in the same calibre of course].
Frankly,this is one field I would suggest folks take instruction in.it is not just a question of stuffing bullets on top of relaoded shells to put it crudely.There is a bit of science and math involved.Not to mind the consequences of screwing up by blowing up your gun with a bit too hot a load.
And there is now a question of product liability[dont laugh].If somone uses one of your reloaded shells, and they are standing there like Wil E Coyote with a black face and a peeled back gun,after his latest Road Runner capture gadget misfired on him,after they pulled their trigger,whose ass are they going to come after???There have been already a couple of lawsuits about this in the US.

fathersymes

28.50 a box, didn't price soft points, just rushed in and asked for some deer rounds, got home and wondered where was the soft point. I guess the soft points are around the same price and those using scenars for target are probably loading there own so maybe the scenars were sitting on the shelf for a while!

I'll be returning and swapping for federals etc. and asking for a proper explanation why inhumane bullets were recommended.

I'm aware of the precise element of reloading, working up a load etc.and wouldn't fiddle around or use someone elses load, thanks for the advise.

skellig

I am astounded to hear that a well known dealer in the midlands sold and told that the bullets he gave you were ok to shoot deer with .
For a start you paid way over the odds .I have shopped in all the dealers in the midlands and never seen this price!!did you buy your gun in the same place?
For Gods sake please get advice from a deer hunter before you go shooting deer.
I would recommend a deer competency course for any beginner.

The dealers in the midlands that I have had dealings with are well aware of a deer shooters needs especially as many of them are involved in deer hunting also
Im not saying I dont believe you but for Gods sake ,for safety and humane reasons seek profesional advice and give whatever dealer you dealt with a good telling off!!!!!!


ps ---be careful what you read about deer shooting in magazines its not always accurate ---for example one writer has claimed that a shot up the back passage is an ok shot to take unbelievable!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Clare gunner

ps ---be careful what you read about deer shooting in magazines its not always accurate ---for example one writer has claimed that a shot up the back passage is an ok shot to take unbelievable!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[/QUOTE]

I havent read that article,but I think what the author sounds like he is trying to describe is a rear spine shot.Which doesnt go anywhere near the back passage you are aiming for the base of the neck above the shoulders.
Either that or a crippling shot to try and take out the pelvis.Why the Hell you would wnt to do that is beyond me as you will have a lovely job when gutting the deer dealing with ruptured intestines and contents.A really appetiseing job,and one that makes the meat taste really foul as well.
Either which way it is a stupid and very unsportsmanlike shot to take as the chances of it going wrong are great indeed.

MP

Clare gunner wrote:

Either which way it is a stupid and very unsportsmanlike shot to take as the chances of it going wrong are great indeed.[/QUOTE]
Unless you practice. (See pic):D