High lung shots often don't bleed alot, by the time the blood in the lungs reaches the holes the deer is about bled out and drops. Low lung shots leave a better trail. If you don't want them to run, shoot through both shoulders, that 300 gr XTP probably won't ruin alot of meat. Spine and brain shots...

I was going to suggest the same thing. Find a local farmer who has a varmint problem and he'd probably welcome you on his place. I shoot woodchucks on two farms a short drive from my house. I also belong to two gun clubs within easy driving distance. One has an indoor pistol range thats available 24...

I used spar varnish on stocks quite a bit 30 years ago. Strip the wood of all finish. Sand as smooth as you want it. Mix 50-50 varnish and thinner and heat as hot as you can stand to touch. Apply generously with a cloth pad and then work well into the wood with your hand. When it seems to have absor...

My 1962 edition of Ackley's Handbook lists two loads for 3031 and 150 gr bullets. 36 grs for 2535 fps and 38 grs for 2700 fps. No mention of barrel length. I'm sure these are way over factory pressures. Ackley says" With its minimum body taper design it can be loaded relatively "hot" ...