Thread: 223 on deer

Originally Posted by Tahr

Shot 4 deer with the 60 grain Hammer Hunter last evening. 3100 fps. Ranges 150 - 230 yards. All shoulder/chest shot and all pass throughs. 3 of them big lumps of red spikers. One shot each and only one ran (35 yards). Impressive. Expensive too.

You don't get the petal damage around the exit like you do with the bigger caliber Hammers but I guess that its going on inside 'cos its pretty gooey in there.

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Comparison test?

Originally Posted by TeRei

Comparison test?

Not enough use to truly compare really. But on a price/effectiveness ratio the Targex 69, 74 and 80 win. All less than half the price of the Hammers and all kill well. The Targex leave good wound channels but seldom exit although the 80's sometimes do. The 60 Hammers' all exited (I like that). The best wound channels and killing of all that I use are with the 77 Sierra Tipped but they are a bit spendy too, but not like the Hammers for price.

Overall I dont think the Hammers are worth the cost in the .223 but if you want penetration and ensured kills they are probably right up there - especially on bigger reds. You dont seem to quite get the petal churn with these smaller Hammers like the bigger caliber ones do. Ive still got 80 or so left so will keep using them and keep reporting. Its all interesting and fun.