11/23/14 (11 point buck) and 11/25/14 (5 point buck).
(11 Point)
(5 point)
I purchased 51 acres with a log cabin last year and I did not have much time to hunt in 2013. I have remedied that situation this year. I have hunted with the 450 Bushmaster exclusively during the gun season. Both were shot with Hornady factory ammo, as I have not had the time to continue my reloading.
The 11 point buck was an estimated 120 yard level shot, with him broadside at a slight angle toward me. Entrance was through the upper left front leg, furrowing the heart and making liquid of the lungs. Exit was low, just below the stomach, and the hole was about 1” in diameter. Did not hit the stomach and very little meat was damaged. He did manage to stumble about 75 yards downhill.
The 5 point buck was an estimated 80 yards and about 100 feet below me (yes it is steep on my property). He was facing me at a slight angle. This one was a bang flop. The entrance was about 1.5 inches just my side of the spine, angling down through the lungs. Exit was just below the rib cage at the sternum. Exit was also only about 1” diameter, with a small amount of tissue carried with the bullet. Very minimal meat damage.
I love my property, and the 450 Bushmaster. In Tennessee you are limited to 3 bucks per year. I also shot a 4 point with my muzzleloader, so I have limited out on bucks for 2014.