Solids vs. Soft-Points

by
posted on March 28, 2014
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

Q: Is a solid bullet just as effective on heavy-boned animals as a soft-point, all other things being equal?

A: Driving a solid bullet through both shoulders or the spine of a large game animal can have as much, or more, terminal effect as a soft-point through tissue. The solid will typically produce a smaller (in diameter) wound channel than an expanded soft-point bullet, but will more likely produce a longer wound channel as it will often penetrate more deeply. The result is less peripheral damage but a possibly deeper wound channel. On large, dangerous game like elephant and buffalo, a solid may also break bones that a soft-point will not.

Latest

Practice Shooting Clays From A Variety Of Positions With Friends Smaller File
Practice Shooting Clays From A Variety Of Positions With Friends Smaller File

Are You Ready for Dove Season?

Dove season is upon us. Are you going to be the butt of the jokes on the dove field or the one ribbing your buddies?

Range Review: The Next Generation 2-Tone Taurus Judge Revolver

The latest version of the Taurus Judge incorporates features from the Raging Hunter series with a few unique touches of its own.

Mossberg 590S Shockwave X Federal Shorty Shells: A Backpacking Combo?

This Mossberg and Federal gun and ammunition combination is about as compact as you can get but can it do the job in the great outdoors?

First Look: Excalibur Crossbow Suppressor CRT

Excalibur Crossbow has expanded its Micro Series with the Suppressor CRT. A hunt-ready recurve crossbow, the Suppressor CRT promises ultra-quiet technology, compact maneuverability for utility in treestands and blinds, and durable simplicity without compromising performance.

Field Tested: BOSS Copper Shotshells

With bismuth and tungsten now being in short supply and extra-expensive, BOSS Shotshells switched to copper pellets for its waterfowl loads. What can you expect performance-wise from this new shot type? Read on.

Savings Aimed at Waterfowlers

Some of the industry’s finest are offering special promotions on shotshells designed for waterfowl season. Opening day arrives in a few short weeks, which makes the timing of these rebates ideal for hunters whose ammo inventory is a little light.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.