Stevens 25.06 and 117gr sst and Deer

[Emptypockets]

I found a factory round that my rifle really likes--Hornady 117gr sst custom. It will tack drive these loads. What can I expect for results on whitetail with these? I've read that some of the lighter sst's come apart on impact. Will the 117's stay together any better? Like 'em or hate 'em?

[snowgetter1]

I would think they would be very good and they will be explosive at very short ranges, but will get the job done. I used Sierra 117gr SP last year in my 25-06 and it was great performance at 80 yards and great at 150. Both deer were complete pass throughs with large exit holes. This year I have the 25-06AI pushing the 117gr at 3275fps. Just shot a buck at 30 yards Saturday and it was very explosive. 2" hole going in 4" hole going out in the lungs. I was going to use 120gr Speer grand slams but they would not shoot at all for me. I need to find a stronger bullet, may try the nosler partition next year.

[Emptypockets]

Thanks Snowgetter, so I guess neck shot if it's real close. I've really got no choice in terms of accuracy right now so that's good!

[keeki]

try the 110gr accubond

[CJ in WY]

I would think they would be very good and they will be explosive at very short ranges
The Amax MAYBE but unless that SST hits bone its penciling through like a FMJ

[teebirdhyzer]

I have used the 130grain sst in .270 on deer with great results. The 117 grain in your rifle should perform very similarly.

[darkker]

The SST's are a little violent at close ranges, but are fine longer out.
My 308 which I load stout, hit a Muley in the lungs only right at 200 yards(laser ranged). Found the bullet just under the skin; far side.

That being said, Between my 2 25-06's somewhere in the 10 deer( Muley's out west) range have fallen to 117's. Mostly soft point Hornady's. I personally don't care for their 120 HP's. A little unreliable on opening.

[Emptypockets]

I took a doe with the 117 sst's and it really was flawless. Had to look hard to find the impact point and left a golfball sized hole on the exit side. Just behind the shoulder on a downhill shot at about 80 yards. Lungs were gone. She stumbled downhill about 30 yards,but it was a 30-40 percent incline. I really don't believe she would have taken more than one step if she had been on the level. She dropped to her knees on impact and kinda forward flopped her way to where she came to rest. I really like these rounds. The stock M200 Stevens puts them where I point them. I swear. In the '70s I owned a Remington custom grade M700 25.06 with a free floated, glass bedded Douglass match grade barrel. This cheap price Stevens is on the same level in preformance. It's all good!! ;D