Got a chance to get out this afternoon for the late doe season here in Kansas. Took the Marlin 336 that JES rebored to 38-55 for me a year or so ago. Load was 32-3031 under a home cast Accurate 38-250B, plain base, PC, about 12Bhn. 1600 fps in the carbine barrel. Got a 25 yard broadside shot in the timber, ran the bullet through the rear of both shoulders. The doe did a mule kick and after 3 jumps started stumbling, and dropped in under 30 yards. The entrance side had more bloodshot than I expected, the exit side was fine. I might throttle back some for this close cover hunting.
This is the 2nd doe I've taken, the first was last fall with the same bullet over 21-4198 for 1400 fps in my gun. I may go back to that load for general deer hunting, I don't think the 1600 fps load is needed for the heavy timber I'll be using it in.
Neither doe slowed the bullet down much, the slower load last year penetrated over 2 feet diagonally and exited after breaking shoulder bone on the entrance.
I'm sure enjoying this old timer, it just seems to match the hunting I do more of than the high velocity rifles I've used in the past.
This is the 2nd doe I've taken, the first was last fall with the same bullet over 21-4198 for 1400 fps in my gun. I may go back to that load for general deer hunting, I don't think the 1600 fps load is needed for the heavy timber I'll be using it in.
Neither doe slowed the bullet down much, the slower load last year penetrated over 2 feet diagonally and exited after breaking shoulder bone on the entrance.
I'm sure enjoying this old timer, it just seems to match the hunting I do more of than the high velocity rifles I've used in the past.