Copper ammos, my 30-30 green rd and impact on deer

Several things for discussion guys. The copper ammos are pricey here in CA. Are they differrent elsewhere? The deer walks away sometimes from being shot by them. A friend shot one at approx. 65ish yrds with 30-06 with expanding copper ammo. I saw several dark blood spats. The buck was nowhere to be found. I shoot 30-30 rem and I tell you guys the copper ammo is terrible. It's like a 45 pistol hollow pt round. How are you suppose to hit a deer at 100 yrds. The rnd is wide open and does not cut through air. Those copper rd for 30-30 should never been put to market! I forgot the name, but probably one brand. It's probably about money and politics. Copper must not expand as good as lead too. What do you guys think?

 

Do you mean as in 100% copper? I am not that familiar, but the few I've seen before were definitely not intended for hunting. The ones I saw were for specialized handgun use, personal defense only at very close range. They were much too light (and not ideal aerodynamically) to be that effective at hunting distances on bigger game.

Edited: After a little Google, I see you probably mean something different than the ones I was thinking of at first.

 

not so sure..all my buddies use them. all the brands..and deer die. alot of deer die.

that barnes X bullet came out a long time ago..Barnes got the jump on everyone. my buddy uses the new one..

another friend uses that winchester e-tip thing.

get used to it, they are here to stay.

me i shoot arrows. OP, you cant remember the brand?

 

I'm a tad confused on what you're trying to acquire for information, typically a game round uses a Copper jacketed configuration most likely a soft point and or a ballistic tip, as for it being a hollow point that's a first for me. As far as Lead law in Ca. only bird shot and where the Ca. Condor ranges are deemed lead free and are usually where a Non-lead projectile is required. I have used all copper rounds and have never had an issue.

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/product/82304

 

Interesting, I just have to look around for better types. I wish they would show the ammo though.

 

I imagine you are talking about the copper solid/ lead free bullets available today. Hornady Monoflex, Barnes Vor-Tx, etc. They aren't actually solid copper. They are a gilding metal, harder than copper, and designed to expand at velocities 2000 fps and faster. In the 30-30, they are loaded to 2200 or 2300 fps for the 130 and 140 gr bullets. They are lighter than a lead core bullet so to have the same weight, the bullet might be too long for the case/chamber. But if you made a good shot on the deer, it should be dead. If it was at a longer distance, where the bullet would have slowed to below the expansion velocities, it very well could have passed clean through with little damage to vitals. The 30-30 Winchester is a fine deer gun, at medium to short ranges. Pick your shots carefully, shoot your gun often and understand its ballistics.

 

I checked, it's a remington. OOps! I just bought bad ammos. I'll get use to it, but with better aerodynamics one. Thanks friend.

 

the barnes Vox-tx and Winchester 95/5 are a hollow point expanding solid, so they will be less aerodynamic. But there are ballistic tip expanding solids as well. I'm not sure if the OP is giving enough information on the scenario.

 

very true indeed. I zeroed it with lead at 100 yrds. Then as i was going to go home from the range. I shot the green round. Everything fell aprt after that change! It was expensive rounds to shoot and the ammo are terrible! I just have to learn as i go. Thanks!

 

Every different bullet and even ammunition brand will have a different point of impact. Zero with the same bullet you intend to hunt with. Always. On a side note, if the lead-free rounds are too pricey, find someone local (friend or shop) who will reload for you for the price of bullets, powder and primers, you already have the cases.

 

But keep in mind, even with the best copper-jacketed-lead soft-nosed (not "hollow points") hunting loads, the 30-30 is more of a short range deer cartridge. 100 to 150 yards max for sure effectiveness. The sacred animals being sacrificed for our nutrition deserve respect and knowledge from the hunter.

That is our true legacy passed down by centuries of hunters, including those from both the Native American or European ancestries.