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.

 

[Blacklab1]

Ok, thanks for everyone's input. It sounds like the Winchester's aren't the best choice, the only reason I was using them was because of the 3 or 4 different brands I tried the gun liked the Winchester the best and shot sub MOA. When I get a chance I'll pick up some 147gr.

 

[txaggie1]

There's nothing wrong with the winny ammo - many moons ago the ole corelockt bullet was killing animals just fine as yours is doing also. The "change" is expectation of the ammo, it's doing what it's always done, if your a behind the shoulder guy maybe you were a little low/high/back etc and your blood trail reflected that. Sounds like it all worked out just fine in the end - the blood didn't reach expectation. That probably happens more often than not.

If your expectation is they don't run, better shoot to anchor them high shoulder shots to break them down and that would require a well built bullet to knock out both shoulders and exit.

Congrats on a successful hunt, I think when it doesn't go down like we dreamed it up (i'm guilty of that myself) we start questioning things. Shot a doe the other day with a 150 grain partition out of a 270 weatherby mag at under 100 yards for meat didn't realize she was a slight quarter too hit shoulder on entry not on exit. She took off like she was hit, but she took off had me scratching my head. Took about 15 or so yards before i would pickup the blood trail she made it about 45-50 yards i could smell her well before i found her. It ended well just didn't live up to expectation - don't let expectations ruin the fun out of it.

Happy new year;

 

[FlGunner]

Shot placement. I've seen quite a few shot with a 6.5 Creedmoor and never a problem of finding the deer (most died close to where they were standing) and plenty of blood. Last couple were from my 11 year old son. And I'll add this, as a guy who tracks wounded deer weekly, it is never the cartridge. I see more deer wounded that I find from bigger cartridges than the smaller ones. It always shot placement. And at the end of the day, some deer are just tight and their will to live is strong.

 

[HRM Johnny]

many moons ago the ole corelockt bullet was killing animals just fine

Also, many moons ago, Winchester had a great expanding bullet. I think they were called silver tips. Does anyone remember if that is right?

 

[HRM Johnny]

I agree with all of the people who have said high shoulder shot.

 

[birddog 68]

Also, many moons ago, Winchester had a great expanding bullet. I think they were called silver tips. Does anyone remember if that is right?

These are Nosler combined technology ballistic silver tips.
The ballistic tips are my favorite deer bullets.

There's nothing wrong with the winny ammo - many moons ago the ole corelockt bullet was killing animals just fine as yours is doing also

I don't think the new Winchester ammo that he is using can be compared to the core lokt or even the older Winchester power points.

 

[Bang4theBuck]

Not the cartridge.

Agree, not the cartridge for sure.

 

[Bang4theBuck]

High shoulder shots can be hard to convince yourself to take if you've been a double ling shooter your whole hunting life. But, if you can discipline yourself to try it, it will change your approach forever.

As I tell my two sons, the drama should be over when the rifle barks, we want it to be immediately over at that point. Meaning DRT, or watch it fall within 30 or 40 yds.

 

[Stugots]

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