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Axis Deer Hunt
#7496189
04/25/19 02:54 AM
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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 5,660
erathar
OP
THF Trophy Hunter
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OP
THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 5,660 |
Planning on my first Axis hunt next month. What caliber and ammo have yall used with success? Thanks
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Re: Axis Deer Hunt
[Re: erathar]
#7496319
04/25/19 12:16 PM
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Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 588
DavidC.
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 588 |
.30 caliber should be the standard, stay with the proven winners such as 30.06, .270, .308, stay in that family and you can't go wrong. Stay away from the modernized military rounds such as the 6.5, .223, and .22 call. Ammo you'll only get into problems with these on axis deer. After almost forty years of shooting, guiding, and tracking wounded game I can tell you what works, use good quality hunting ammo and shoot straight. Unless you're meat hunting where head shots would actually make sense, stay away from the gimmicks and fads going around in the shooting world lately. Shoot straight DC
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Re: Axis Deer Hunt
[Re: erathar]
#7496324
04/25/19 12:21 PM
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 31,902
txtrophy85
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 31,902 |
I like something in the middle of the road caliber wise- .270, 7mm-08, etc.
They are heavier boned than whitetail and I like having a little extra horsepower for them
For it is not the quarry that we truly seek, but the adventure.
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Re: Axis Deer Hunt
[Re: erathar]
#7496329
04/25/19 12:30 PM
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Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 7,759
snake oil
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 7,759 |
Doesn't take any thing big just WT calibers, .260, 6.5, .243 etc.
"You may all go to hell and I will go to Texas".
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Re: Axis Deer Hunt
[Re: snake oil]
#7496332
04/25/19 12:37 PM
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Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 877
therock
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 877 |
I use my 270 with 130 grain or my 308 with 150s. Biggest thing is to shoot lower behind the shoulder than on a whitetail.
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Re: Axis Deer Hunt
[Re: erathar]
#7496370
04/25/19 01:15 PM
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Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 8,311
Herbie Hancock
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 8,311 |
Not a problem with a 150 grain .300wsm
It takes beer to make thirst worthwhile - J. Fred Schmidt
The internet is an I.Q. Test, people post their scores in the comment section.
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Re: Axis Deer Hunt
[Re: erathar]
#7496373
04/25/19 01:18 PM
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 11,095
kwrhuntinglab
"The Guardian"
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"The Guardian"
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 11,095 |
killed many with 7mm-08 and 25-06 with absolutely NO issues....
Spend time with the ones you love. Time is not guaranteed.
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Re: Axis Deer Hunt
[Re: erathar]
#7496377
04/25/19 01:22 PM
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Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,837
Adchunts
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,837 |
Have taken several so far with 6.5 CM using Hornady 143 grain ELD-X. No tracking required on any. Distances from 100-268 yards.
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Re: Axis Deer Hunt
[Re: erathar]
#7496400
04/25/19 01:39 PM
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Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 8,311
Herbie Hancock
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 8,311 |
A buddy of mine also uses a .243 regularly on them.
It takes beer to make thirst worthwhile - J. Fred Schmidt
The internet is an I.Q. Test, people post their scores in the comment section.
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Re: Axis Deer Hunt
[Re: DavidC.]
#7496458
04/25/19 02:32 PM
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Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,918
Jgraider
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,918 |
.30 caliber should be the standard, stay with the proven winners such as 30.06, .270, .308, stay in that family and you can't go wrong. Stay away from the modernized military rounds such as the 6.5, .223, and .22 call. Ammo you'll only get into problems with these on axis deer. After almost forty years of shooting, guiding, and tracking wounded game I can tell you what works, use good quality hunting ammo and shoot straight. Unless you're meat hunting where head shots would actually make sense, stay away from the gimmicks and fads going around in the shooting world lately. Shoot straight DC
I'm no expert on axis but I've killed probably 200+ deer that includes whitetail and mule deer. This advice above couldn't be further from reality. There is no better deer cartridge than a basic 243, 7mm08, or 6.5 CM, given you're using good bullets. My kills have included partition, accubond, and ballistic tip bullets primarily, with a scattering of Barnes TTSX and Hornday IL's. I can guarantee a 7mm08 teamed with a 120 ballistic tip is a deer killing machine.....culled over 50 whitetail does with that combo, and killed a couple of axis bucks with it as well. Put good bullets in the right place and you'll kill 'em dead with any decent deer cartridge, IME.
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Re: Axis Deer Hunt
[Re: Jgraider]
#7496587
04/25/19 04:34 PM
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Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 588
DavidC.
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 588 |
Here's reality, the question was relating to success, assuming clean one shot kills, even if its marginal, there simply is no comparison to the .30 calibers, and ill bite, sure I can go hunting with a 125 or 60, or 145 grain bullet, and they will all do the job, if the shot is good, if the shot is placed correctly, if the deer isn't walking, too many variables to have fun with , at the expense at loosing your deer or upsetting a guide that's busting his but to get you that shot, did I forget the real kicker, energy and foot pounds. Use enough gun. DC
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Re: Axis Deer Hunt
[Re: erathar]
#7496599
04/25/19 04:40 PM
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Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 1,177
DH3
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 1,177 |
It all depends on the skill of the shooter. Pictured is my grandsons girlfriend. 143 yard head shot with a .223.
Old age and treachery beats youth and stupid every time!
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Re: Axis Deer Hunt
[Re: DH3]
#7496608
04/25/19 04:45 PM
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Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 588
DavidC.
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 588 |
Outstanding!
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Re: Axis Deer Hunt
[Re: erathar]
#7496623
04/25/19 05:05 PM
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Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 15,564
TexFlip
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 15,564 |
Any whitetail caliber will work.
Just to make sure that it is done thoroughly, I go both ways.
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Re: Axis Deer Hunt
[Re: DavidC.]
#7496697
04/25/19 06:24 PM
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Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,918
Jgraider
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 5,918 |
Here's reality, the question was relating to success, assuming clean one shot kills, even if its marginal, there simply is no comparison to the .30 calibers, and ill bite, sure I can go hunting with a 125 or 60, or 145 grain bullet, and they will all do the job, if the shot is good, if the shot is placed correctly, if the deer isn't walking, too many variables to have fun with , at the expense at loosing your deer or upsetting a guide that's busting his but to get you that shot, did I forget the real kicker, energy and foot pounds. Use enough gun. DC
Make a poor shot with a .30 cal and you'll get the same result as you will with a poor shot from a 6mm,6.5mm, or 7mm bullet Heavier calibers don't make up for bad bullet placement, ever. Besides all of that, lighter recoiling calibers are easier to shoot more accurately than heavier recoiling calibers. Recommending a .30 cal as minimum for deer is a joke, IMO.
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Re: Axis Deer Hunt
[Re: TexFlip]
#7496707
04/25/19 06:33 PM
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 65,517
SnakeWrangler
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 65,517 |
Any whitetail caliber will work.
I believe in science and I’m an insufferable [censored] Actually, BBC is pretty damn good "You Cannot Simultaneously Be Politically Correct And Intellectually Honest!"
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Re: Axis Deer Hunt
[Re: erathar]
#7496792
04/25/19 08:06 PM
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Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 118
OneShotDrop
Woodsman
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Woodsman
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 118 |
Yeah the only axis I have ever lost was with a 300 and was a decent shot. My 6.5 cm only has four kills on it 3 being axis and a 250 lb boar. Any whitetail caliber that you are comfortable and accurate shooting with will do the trick. Have killed axis using .243 up to 45-70 so I don’t know about the whole 30 caliber only comment.
Last edited by OneShotDrop; 04/25/19 08:08 PM.
If some animals are good at hunting and others are suitable for hunting, then the Gods must clearly smile on hunting. Aristotle
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Re: Axis Deer Hunt
[Re: erathar]
#7497156
04/26/19 02:55 AM
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Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 978
el_cazador713
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 978 |
6.5 Creedmoor, 7-08, etc will all work. Good shot placement with a good bullet will kill any axis. Take what you can shoot most accurately with.
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Re: Axis Deer Hunt
[Re: erathar]
#7497223
04/26/19 04:29 AM
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Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,233
JCO
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,233 |
6.5 through the front shoulder. Anchored him, no tracking required. Same result with an Axis doe on the same hunt. 143 grain Hornady ELDX.
NRA Life Member (Master of Poor Decisions)
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Re: Axis Deer Hunt
[Re: JCO]
#7497934
04/27/19 02:40 AM
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,522
Reloder28
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,522 |
6.5 through the front shoulder. Anchored him, no tracking required. Same result with an Axis doe on the same hunt. 143 grain Hornady ELDX. What is your ELD-X opinion?
[b][/b]
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Re: Axis Deer Hunt
[Re: Reloder28]
#7497950
04/27/19 02:56 AM
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Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,233
JCO
Pro Tracker
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Pro Tracker
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,233 |
What is your ELD-X opinion?[/quote]
5 shot group consistently has one flyer but the rest are usually within 1/2 MOA. Flyer always “close enough” for hunting. Could be me. Not a bench shooter or reloader. I use the Hornady Precision Hunter and have been happy with the results
NRA Life Member (Master of Poor Decisions)
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Re: Axis Deer Hunt
[Re: erathar]
#7497967
04/27/19 03:10 AM
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Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 978
el_cazador713
Tracker
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Tracker
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 978 |
I think the ELD-X is an excellent round. It’s basically an Amax and I’ve killed a ton of stuff with that round, only a few have even taken a step. Complete pass thru every time from 50-250.
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Re: Axis Deer Hunt
[Re: erathar]
#7498838
04/28/19 03:20 PM
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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 5,660
erathar
OP
THF Trophy Hunter
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OP
THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 5,660 |
Looks like I'll use a .308
Or maybe my .450
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Re: Axis Deer Hunt
[Re: Jgraider]
#7499085
04/29/19 12:40 AM
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Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 5,081
Elkhunter49
THF Trophy Hunter
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THF Trophy Hunter
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 5,081 |
[quote=DavidC.]Here's reality, the question was relating to success, assuming clean one shot kills, even if its marginal, there simply is no comparison to the .30 calibers, and ill bite, sure I can go hunting with a 125 or 60, or 145 grain bullet, and they will all do the job, if the shot is good, if the shot is placed correctly, if the deer isn't walking, too many variables to have fun with , at the expense at loosing your deer or upsetting a guide that's busting his but to get you that shot, did I forget the real kicker, energy and foot pounds. Use enough gun. DC
Make a poor shot with a .30 cal and you'll get the same result as you will with a poor shot from a 6mm,6.5mm, or 7mm bullet Heavier calibers don't make up for bad bullet placement, ever. Besides all of that, lighter recoiling calibers are easier to shoot more accurately than heavier recoiling calibers. Recommending a .30 cal as minimum for deer is a joke, IMO. I agree with Mr. Raider, make a poor shot with 300WM or 7mm and you still have a problem. Learn to shoot any WT round and you will be successful. Both of these were DRT kills with the much maligned 6.5 Creedmoor and Hornady factory 143 grain ELD-X ammo.
A true friend reaches for your hand but touches your heart.
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Re: Axis Deer Hunt
[Re: DavidC.]
#7499138
04/29/19 01:28 AM
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Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 29,603
Sneaky
THF Celebrity
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THF Celebrity
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 29,603 |
.30 caliber should be the standard, stay with the proven winners such as 30.06, .270, .308, stay in that family and you can't go wrong. Stay away from the modernized military rounds such as the 6.5, .223, and .22 call. Ammo you'll only get into problems with these on axis deer. After almost forty years of shooting, guiding, and tracking wounded game I can tell you what works, use good quality hunting ammo and shoot straight. Unless you're meat hunting where head shots would actually make sense, stay away from the gimmicks and fads going around in the shooting world lately. Shoot straight DC
Here's reality, the question was relating to success, assuming clean one shot kills, even if its marginal, there simply is no comparison to the .30 calibers, and ill bite, sure I can go hunting with a 125 or 60, or 145 grain bullet, and they will all do the job, if the shot is good, if the shot is placed correctly, if the deer isn't walking, too many variables to have fun with , at the expense at loosing your deer or upsetting a guide that's busting his but to get you that shot, did I forget the real kicker, energy and foot pounds. Use enough gun. DC
I feel like there’s a valid point in there somewhere. Finding it is just a matter of sifting through the nonsense. I feel bad for the greenhorn that has to do it. Thankfully, I won’t have to.
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