Double-tapping with a .243 vs one shot with 30-06?

[DoveEater]

So, I was thinking that, especially in places that require copper bullets, since a lot of times a powerful 30-06 will pass through the animal leaving a small hole and dumping a lot of the energy into the ground after exiting the animal.....

Why not hunt with something like a semi-auto Browning BAR in a light recoiling cartridge like .243 and practice double tapping, so you get two holes in the chest instead of just one?

What are your thoughts of using a light recoiling lower caliber semi to "double tap" an animal instead of trying to just do a one shot stop with a bigger cartridge?

 

[WapitiBob]

I'd probably use an appropriate bullet in the 30-06 before I tried to "double tap" with something else.

 

[brymoore]

I don’t think you necessarily have to double tap with a smaller caliber.

My family has killed a bunch of animals with a 257 Roberts. Everything except elk were shot once - mule deer, white tail deer, antelope and bear. Most move quickly after the shot making second shot at a running animal.

Elk are shot multiple times however, I shoot elk multiple times with all calibers until they are on the ground. Elk tend to stand after being shot offering a still target. I average 3 shots with my 280ai on elk. First shot is double lungs but the elk doesn’t normally fall until I’m pulling the trigger on shot 3.

If you want to reduce recoil, add a suppressor.

 

[DoveEater]

I'd probably use an appropriate bullet in the 30-06 before I tried to "double tap" with something else.

What do you think is an appropriate lead free bullet for hunting in California? I was very disappointed with the performance of a Winchester "Copper Impact" 30-06 on a ram I shot last weekend, took multiple shots to the chest with the 30-06, and then some more finishing shots from a sidearm to finally take it down.

 

[Jbotto]

What do you think is an appropriate lead free bullet for hunting in California? I was very disappointed with the performance of a Winchester "Copper Impact" 30-06 on a ram I shot last weekend, took multiple shots to the chest with the 30-06, and then some more finishing shots from a sidearm to finally take it down.

What bullet weight did you try in your .30-06?

 

[mevertsen]

The animal reacts before you can truly double tap. This isn't self defense, contact distance we are talking about.

My family has used the .243 and .3006 on deer, antelope and sheep.

Monos and cup and core.

Stuff dies with one shot to the chest. That's all.

 

[elkduds]

The animal reacts before you can truly double tap. This isn't self defense, contact distance we are talking about.

My family has used the .243 and .3006 on deer, antelope and sheep.

Monos and cup and core.

Stuff dies with one shot to the chest. That's all.

Don't assume your target will wait around for your 2nd shot, no matter how quick. Shooting to wound is not listed in anyone's book of ethical hunting.

 

[WapitiBob]

What do you think is an appropriate lead free bullet for hunting in California? I was very disappointed with the performance of a Winchester "Copper Impact" 30-06 on a ram I shot last weekend, took multiple shots to the chest with the 30-06, and then some more finishing shots from a sidearm to finally take it down.

Hammer Hunter or Barnes TSX going about 3400 from the muzzle. Zero issues with 1 shot kills in Elk and Deer.

 

[LIK2HNT]

For CA hunting the 243 with a 80 gr Barnes TTSX-BT. Should be running about 3200 fps to 3300fps. Plenty to get the job done on anything in CA.

Was running 168 gr TTSX in a 308. Problem was if you hit both shoulders it made a mess. All deer hit in shoulder were pass through. Copper holds together and penetrates better than lead in my opinion.

 

[brymoore]

What do you think is an appropriate lead free bullet for hunting in California? I was very disappointed with the performance of a Winchester "Copper Impact" 30-06 on a ram I shot last weekend, took multiple shots to the chest with the 30-06, and then some more finishing shots from a sidearm to finally take it down.

Lung shots?

I used first generation copper bullets and was severely disappointed. Pass through shots, no blood trails and long tracks. However, they did kill the animals.

Copper has been refined since I’ve used them. Do research on what is working today for copper. You might need to reload.

I wouldn’t expect a better performance from 243 if you don’t change the main problem - either the bullet or shot placement.

 

[Wind Gypsy]

Keep velocity up and use a copper bullet that disrupts most easily and go forth. I wouldn't plan on double tapping anything but being back on target quick for follow ups is a benefit.

 

[cahunter805]

The 88gr hammer hunter have been outstanding in my 243win on game. McGuire bullets is another good option.

 

[Bambistew]

I shot a few dozen deer and antelope with a 243, can't really think of many that needed a double tap. Even a couple elk, that died with one shot.

 

[Dakota79]

I would never shoot at an animal with the thinking damn I hope he stays around so I can shoot him twice because I know one shot isn't going to do it. Put the right bullet in the right place and be done with it the first time.

 

[brymoore]

I would never shoot at an animal with the thinking damn I hope he stays around so I can shoot him twice because I know one shot isn't going to do it. Put the right bullet in the right place and be done with it the first time.

Do you hunt elk?

 

[Laelkhunter]

Unless you practice that regularly and become really proficient at it, you would probably anticipate the first shot (jerk it), and miss or wound with the second shot trying to quickly shoot again so my answer would be- No

 

[Redmt]

It's been one and done as long as I can remember from 5.56-6.5 and a few in-between. It's shot placement that counts. I've seen 270# hogs dropped with a single .17 hmr in the ear. It's not how many, it's where you put it. I tend to favor Barnes over others I have tried.

 

[Jnasa]

My wife has taken a handful of deer with a 243 using Barnes TSX 85 grain. All were 1 shot kills. 100-250 yards.

In the recent years I have taken several white tails, a mule deer, and elk with a 270 using Hornady CX or Barnes TTSX 130 grain. I used 2 shots for the elk. Wasn’t needed but I don’t take chances. All deer were 1 shot.

I’ve had great luck with copper bullets. You need to ensure you have the velocity needed for expansion.

In your case I am not sure what happened. However, I would never hunt expecting to have to “double tap” regardless of caliber.

 

[longbow51]

Picked up a nice older Sako in .243 for my wife. Steve at Hammer Bullets said 75 gr HHTs, so that's what we'll try. They've had lots of success in Africa with incredibly tiny bullets.