Today was Md.'s last day of the deer season for firearms in my home state. Things have been kinda slow since opening day. Like everywhere, the deer herd up, and pretty much become nocturnal. Today, they were calling for a skiff of snow in the wee hours. I figured I'd give it a go, as hunting in the snow is absolutely gorgeous. Things seem to really settle down when it snows in the woods. It's something only a hunter can observe and appreciate. It's kinda like being in a life size snow globe of your own little world where you can solve the worlds problems, and your own, through judicious thought. Packing a good sixgun don't hurt things either !
Sunrise was scheduled for 7:27 this morning. Time to sleep in a little, and still have time to watch the world come alive. I was in the woods, and in my spot at 6:50. I was sitting at the base of a large oak tree. As the sun started making day, I could notice the snow ladden trees and shrubs. Beautifull ! While absorbing all this natural beauty, and counting my blessings of family and friends, I could make out the outline of a deer sneaking thru the brush. I knew it was a buck by the way he was slinking along the thick stuff, head low to the ground, as if playing a perpetual game of hide and seek. He was only 35 yards out.
By this time, I was pretty much covered in snow myself, creating a perfect camouflage. I bleated to stop the unsuspecting buck, and raised my already cocked Ruger Bisley Hunter with 7 1/2 " barrel, sporting iron sights. Once good sight alignment was obtained, I snugged them in tight in front of his shoulder, 1/3 the way up from his chest, as he was quartering towards me. Drilling that front sight thru his chest, I started my trigger squeeze. BOOM! I was startled at the shot ! This is a good thing. I heard my buck breaking brush and crash, after about a 2 second panic run.
My load was the time tested 454424 KEITH bullet in solid form, loaded over 20.0 grs. of 2400, ignited by a Win. LPP, housed in Starline nickleplated brass. I know cast bullets aren't supposed to kill, but no one told this buck, or all the other critters I have taken, that. I am a die hard cast bullet aficionado ! I just get immense pleasure from casting and killing with bullets made by my own hand ! It just adds another dimension to hand loading and hunting !
My shot was true ! A quick tracking job of about 30yds found my 3 pt. buck. Not the biggest by any means, but a great tasting trophy for a last day hunt. This Spring, while eating grilled sausage burgers, I'll relive this hunt, with a smug knowledge that I did it Elmers way !
This is what a Keith slug does to a heart. The EPA may be on to something. Lead poisoning is fatal !
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Originally Posted by cast-n-blast
