6.5 creedmoor blood trail

[dogbuster0006]

Shoot them in the shoulder/shoulder blade they'll drop 99% of the time. If you've lost confidence in that particular load try the 129sst, 130 or 140 eldm. The eldm have preformed exactly like the older hornady a-max which are my favorite deer/target bullet in a 308.

 

[FireFlyFishing]

Anchor deer = high shoulder shot.

 

[Critter Picker]

When I first got my .260 there were no decent bullets in. 264 then I discovered the 125 Nosler Partition. They are great! I'm sure the 140's would get you there also. Over the years better bullets have come along. I'm thinking about dragging the .260 back out again and I know there are bullets that will work as well.

 

[Northkill]

Agreed. Not the cartridge. It's well capable of deer sized game. I've some pretty dramatic deer takedowns with the Creed. My experience with Hammers and 135 Bergers in mine has been remarkable. Works very well. A better projectile or adjusting your shot placement should resolve this. Hard to say what all you got going there when we can't make a personal observation of all factors involved in your case. I've seen minimal blood trails from insides plugging holes, and all kinds of funny stuff with any cartridge big and small...

 

[VinceMule]

If you don't break them down, expect runners. Put on a muzzle break to see which direction they run.