The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - What is the most painless way of killing a heavily wounded mammal?

Powderman · February 28, 2012, 03:06 AM

Well, drat. Always a wrench in the works....

If you HAVE to do a frontal shot, you have a problem. The skull is thickest in the front. If you have to take a shot through the skull, then I would opt for penetration as opposed to expansion.

For most instances, I'd take a look at a high speed full patch (jacketed) bullet. A 9mm Parabellum--probably a 124 grain or better--would get the nod. Barring that, a .45 ACP loaded to standard ball ammo specs (850 fps or better) will do; so will a .357 with full jacketed loads--or even something shooting a HARD cast bullet.

February 28, 2012, 03:06 AM	#4
Powderman Senior Member Join Date: September 7, 2001 Location: Washington State Posts: 2,166	Well, drat. Always a wrench in the works.... If you HAVE to do a frontal shot, you have a problem. The skull is thickest in the front. If you have to take a shot through the skull, then I would opt for penetration as opposed to expansion. For most instances, I'd take a look at a high speed full patch (jacketed) bullet. A 9mm Parabellum--probably a 124 grain or better--would get the nod. Barring that, a .45 ACP loaded to standard ball ammo specs (850 fps or better) will do; so will a .357 with full jacketed loads--or even something shooting a HARD cast bullet. __________________ Hiding in plain sight...