johnf Posted November 14, 2007 Report Share Posted November 14, 2007 I'm shooting 95gr. winchester power power point plus out of my 243. I bought them about 5 years ago. They have always shot just a hair higher than the power points but the cost about 2x's as much so I've been sighting my gun in with the cheap power points then checking the good stuff for accuracy. Here's the question. I've shot two deer this year with my 243 this year. Both were broadside shots, but neither deer left any blood trail at all. I shot a doe with them when I got them and they were great. Could these have lost their fizz, or is this just a case of "Pilot error"? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Strut10 Posted November 14, 2007 Report Share Posted November 14, 2007 Functionally, they don't "go bad". If improperly stored, jacketed bullets can corrode. But I think you're on the right track with your "pilot error" hypothesis. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnf Posted November 14, 2007 Author Report Share Posted November 14, 2007 After looking at some deer anatomy charts, I think I've shot too high. I may have put the bullet between that back bone and the lungs. I would have been better off if I had missed high or low a couple inches. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OJR Posted November 14, 2007 Report Share Posted November 14, 2007 Not The Bullet After looking at some deer anatomy charts, I think I've shot too high. I may have put the bullet between that back bone and the lungs. I would have been better off if I had missed high or low a couple inches. The only thing that can go "bad" with the bullet is if they get corroded! If they are kept dry, they will last forever! I agree with what you said "pilot error" and aim higher or lower next time! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhunt Posted November 14, 2007 Report Share Posted November 14, 2007 John, I gave up on the winchester power point plus when I lost the only deer that I ever lost with a rifle shooting them. Kind of like you I had a deer broadside at close range, hit the deer good, I was shooting 130 grain power point plus from a .270. Unlike you though I did have good blood though and also had a chunk of bone. For whatever reason the blood thinned out and after tracking and following blood for about 200 yards, got to a point that it looked like the deer went off my property and we never found it despite looking on the property behind us for a good ways and in the river. I had killed 4 deer using the same winchesters just the year before. Shooting core lokts, I never had one go more than 50-60 yards. I switched back to the core lokts immediately following losing that deer. Dont think they lose any "fiz" so long as you keep your ammo dry in a dark place or in the box it should last for a very long time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leo Posted November 15, 2007 Report Share Posted November 15, 2007 If the brass on the cartridge gets that dark oxidized look it will effect the consistency of the load. But not enough under 150yds at game animals to make a significant difference. Usually guys who have old shells that "shoot funny" haven't sighted in with those particular shells or checked their zero lately. Scopes zeros do get knocked off. And folks get out of practice. That's a more likely cause than old ammo. Go to the range and determine if it was equipment related or pilot error. I'll be real surprised if you still conclude it was due to old shells. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tominator Posted November 15, 2007 Report Share Posted November 15, 2007 In 1983 I shot a few blank 30-30 rounds that we used to fire a line throwing projectile with when I was in the Coast Guard. Those blanks (crimped end with no bullets), were marked 1917 on the box. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnf Posted November 16, 2007 Author Report Share Posted November 16, 2007 If the brass on the cartridge gets that dark oxidized look it will effect the consistency of the load. But not enough under 150yds at game animals to make a significant difference. Usually guys who have old shells that "shoot funny" haven't sighted in with those particular shells or checked their zero lately. Scopes zeros do get knocked off. And folks get out of practice. That's a more likely cause than old ammo. Go to the range and determine if it was equipment related or pilot error. I'll be real surprised if you still conclude it was due to old shells. I sighted the gun in the week before. My last two shots were 1.5" high at 100 yards both were about 1/4" to the right and they were touching each other. I'm fairly certain it's not the gun. I think it was poor shot placement. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leo Posted November 16, 2007 Report Share Posted November 16, 2007 Well then as a consolation. Admitting you know you yourself was the cause then it's something you can fix. A little humility is an admirable thing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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