MThuntr
Well-known member
Finally got a chance to put my 280AI to task. After spotting a large herd bedded down from about 2 miles away, I found an approach to sneak and managed to get into about 150 yards. For some reason these antelope chose to bed where I could approach through sparse Doug Fir and Limber Pine encroachment. I appreciate that they felt comfortable in a spot at 8000 feet elevation and well above the typical sagebrush antelope spots below in the valley. I thought I got busted by a standing buck to my left so I chose the closest doe and made the shot. Turns out that the buck probably only stood up to stretch and the herd had no idea that I was there. In a rush I chose a doe that was bedded and turned almost facing me but she was looking away from me. The shot hit high with the bullet traveling high missing the scapula but hit the spine, upper lungs, diaphragm, and liver. A large exit at the back of the ribs. Looks like the bullet did what it was designed, petals dispersed on impact and the base pushed through. Very happy given my poor shooting. Surprisingly, I did recover the bullet (102 grains) and 1 petal (3.8 grains) under the hide even though there was a huge exit hole. Bullet was moving approximately 3030fps at the muzzle. I gutted her and carried her out whole in my Mystery Ranch Beartooth about 1200 yards and 500 feet elevation up to my truck.
