I finally got a deer with my .40 today. He was a small 4 point but I wanted one with the new rifle. I shot him at about 60 yards. The ball hit him right in the center of the sweet spot, right on the crease of the shoulder. He ran about 25-30 yards. The ball did not exit the body. It bulged out under the skin in about the same spot on the off side. I slit the skin and got the ball back. It flattened into the shape of an igloo. A little worried that there was no blood to follow. Anyway, I have two deer this year with flint rifles

Good to hear loper. Nice going!

Good hunting Loper. Sounds like you are doing it right. Enjoy the spoils!

What load did you use on the 4 pointer, WL? I don't see how you could have asked for better performance. I plan to try mine come regular season when .23 caliber is minimum. Blood trail? I've hit them with a 45/70 and couldn't find one. One of the heaviest trails was from a .22 Hornet. He only ran about 40 yards anyway.

Congrats WL! Interested in knowing what your load was also.

The rifle has a 42" swamped barrel. The load I settled on for small game and targets is 30 gr of goex 3f, cotton drill patch bought by the yard at Walmart, home made lube of olive oil/bees wax (feels like vaseline)and a hornady .395 ball. I double the powder to 60 gr for deer (2 measures from the 30 grain antler tip measure I carved). With 30 gr the rifle shoots dead on at 25 yards. 60 gr is dead on at 50 yards. Luck was with me on this hunt. I heard the deer crash into the brush and flop around so I knew he was close. He also flipped onto his back so his white belly was shining for me to see. I may have had trouble finding him if he ran far into the thick stuff.

CONGRATULATIONS WOODS LOPER!

Sounds like a great hunt, and you did your part well.

Spot

Loper, your loads are about the same as what I settled on for mine except for lube & .390 ball.

WP...now I am excited. I have ordered my TVM in .40, and thanks for the load info.

|"aim small, miss small"

Congrats Woods Loper! Someday I may see a buck to shoot but for now I'm happy just to see a deer! Anyway, nice job and may your next hunt be a good one!