6.8 SPCII - Non-Lead Loads for Deer/Pigs

[Drivedabizness]

That time of year is coming fast.

I've been using the Hornady 120-gr SST's - no complaints with results.

Any other non-lead loads that work as well or better? I'm in CA so the deer are not huge.

[deckhandmike]

Anything in 6.8 I’ve used on hogs has worked fine. I use either ttsx or the Hornady gmx lead free. Never recovered a bullet but everything has died quickish.

I usually keep it around 100 grains or less for more speed and expansion but 120 could be a sweet spot I haven’t explored. Copper does pencil a bit and lacks the energy transfer of lead. So a slower bullet might give a better thwack to the critter.

I’m always shocked more folks don’t hunt with an AR. It’s cheap, very light and I like the pistol grip when using shooting sticks.

[1970gmc]

I’ve always had good luck with Barnes 85gr TSX and 95gr TTSX bullets. I’m still shooting through all of the Silver State Armory ammo I bought before they got bought out so I can’t help a lot with what’s available nowadays.

[deckhandmike]

Damn, that’s some vintage 6.8 ammo, lol.

[1970gmc]

Yep but still works well. I even have a couple hundred rounds of frangible from them that I use for shooting steel.

[MJB]

Look into Hammer bullets

[SigSauerP226]

I ended up buying some Hornady 100gr CX, pretty weak so it will work in the SPC I chamber. On 68 forum they found that the tips were too tough for the slow round. They basically chopped, filed and punched the tip (my pic linked) and it works much better at lower velocities.

On the other hand, I plan on buying from Cavity Back Bullets who make ammo for SPC II chambers only. They have a 105gr MKZ (2750fps from 16?) and 120gr MKZ (2550fps from 16?).

https://www.cavitybackbullets.com/category-s/135.htm

[Fieldbredhandler]

For hogs, I have been using Barnes 110 gr TSX BT over 29 grs. Hodgdon H322; decent expansion and exit wound.

[deckhandmike]

For hogs, I have been using Barnes 110 gr TSX BT over 29 grs. Hodgdon H322; decent expansion and exit wound.

Have you ever managed to recover one? Or just judging by exit wound?

[Fieldbredhandler]

Have you ever managed to recover one? Or just judging by exit wound?

Yes, I recovered one in the dirt after it exited the hog, which I shot broadside. The hog was on a hill, so basically there was a dirt backstop behind the hog. I kept it, so if I can find it, I will post a picture and/or measurements.