Hunting & Fishing Hornady American Gunner for hunting?

[Bart]

Hello all!!
Been shooting the American Gunner in 6.5 creed....shoots super well in my rifles on paper....has anyone used it for hunting? Or is this a paper/metal only proposition? Going to use it on axis deer, if that matters....
Many thanks for your thoughts/experiences!

 

[308Gunner]

I have shot a lot of the 140 BTHP that is used in American Gunner and they do great for hogs, as long as you aren’t shooting 1000 with them they should be just fine.

 

[lash]

A quick search turned up a number of comments regarding you specific question. In general, the consensus is that these loads, Hornady AG, are primarily target and small game loads, not for bigger game. The issue is that these bullets and their thin jackets are not designed to hold up to large game.

That said, there will be people that can probably tell you of successful kills using these and other primarily target rounds.

Here’s a short write up that discusses the subject in general:

Best 6.5 Creedmoor Ammo For Hunting Elk & Deer (2024)

First designed for long range target shooting, the 6.5 Creedmoor has recently come into its own as a hunting cartridge. Not all 6.5 Creedmoor ammo is created equal though. Fortunately, these brands of 6.5 Creedmoor ammo will serve you well in the field if you plan on using your 6.5 Creedmoor for...

thebiggamehuntingblog.com

Bottom line is to know the limitations of the bullet you are using and stay within them.

 

[deersniper]

I would stick with the Amax/eld or one of the Hunting loads.

 

[Bart]

Thank you all!
I knew, in my heart of hearts, what the answer probably was....but after this am, I allowed a little hope to enter my heart!

 

[Bart]

Should have explained further! That was not to show off my meager shooting skills, but to showcase how good a COTS ammo choice-for my gun- could be; if it was a good choice for paper, steel AND meat, AND resonablely priced, that would have been awesome!!!
Sometimes, 3 out of 4 ain't bad.
I can be happy with that.
I will look for a meat load.
Thanks again!
Jordan

 

[deersniper]

Needless to say it would be fine for neck or head or possibly heart shots. Or culling varmints. But I think you would be disappointed with it as a standard hunting round. It is accurate and cheap for sure

 

[stello1001]

A lot of people will say the ELDM/ ELDX line of hornady bullets is better. Many use the ELDM for hunting and claim it to be a great bullet for putting down game.

One member here used the BTHP on a pronghorn and claimed that the bullet pancaked on the animal. Thus, having to re-shoot as the it did no damage.

My experiences are the complete opposite. I have used the 140 BTHP on deer with great success. The exit wound is fairly large and seems to do quite some damage to put the animal down quickly.

Last season I finally tried a 140 ELDM to shoot a deer. While the deer only ran a very minimal distance of 30 yards, give or take, the bullet seemed to pencil through. Upon opening up the buck, the wound was clearly different to my experiences using bonded hunting bullets as well as the 140 BTHP.

I'm not telling you to pick one over the other. I'm telling you my experience so you can decide for yourself.

I'll try and post some pics if I can

**EDIT**

Found them, first two pics are the same first deer, don't have pics after it was skinned.

Third pic is a different deer. Both of these with 140 BTHP...

 

[Bart]

Thank you all for the advice, and thank you, Stello for the pics!!
Appreciate you all,
Jordan

 

[deersniper]

Here’s a decent deal on nosler hunting 6.5cm

Nosler BT 6.5 Creedmoor Ammo 140 Grain Nosler Ballistic Tip Polymer

Nosler Ballistic Tip ammunition is loaded using premium Nosler components to ensure optimum accuracy and deadly performance in the field. Bullet weights...

www.midwayusa.com