As I wrote about in my Mule Deer Hunt article, the .338 Lapua Magnum is complete overkill for close range. As I say, "Learning what not to do is a big part of the learning process", so I figured others can learn from my mistakes.
Be warned, there are plenty of graphic pictures ahead, click at your own risk if you are squeamish.
Be warned, there are plenty of graphic pictures ahead, click at your own risk if you are squeamish.
the .338 lapua magnums aftermath
I placed my shot right behind the deers left front shoulder, but the deer was angling away from me. This resulted in the bullet passing through the deers front right shoulder upon exit. As soon as we walked up to the deer, Melissa exclaimed "OH MY GOD". To say that there was one helluva mess is an understatement. The pictures will explain it better than words could possibly do.
Gizzy performing her analysis of the exit wound
According to Knights Bulletflight, the 250 Grain Lapua Scenar with a muzzle velocity of 2,872 feet per second, and 4,612 foot pounds of kinetic energy, was still moving at 2,837 feet per second with 4,468 foot pounds of kinetic energy when it reached its target. This resulted in the entire right front shoulder of the deer being obliterated. After getting the deer hung, I took a few close ups of the exit, with the hide still on.
After being skinned, the damage was even more apparent. To say that I was shocked, and a bit down on myself was an understatement.
The exit wound was over seven inches in diameter. Having seeing deer shot with everything from a 22-250 Remington, all the way up to this, this was the most damage I have ever seen inflicted upon a deer.
It goes without saying that shooting a deer at a range as close as this with a .338 Lapua Magnum is nothing more than complete overkill, and a mistake I will not make again.
EZ
It goes without saying that shooting a deer at a range as close as this with a .338 Lapua Magnum is nothing more than complete overkill, and a mistake I will not make again.
EZ
