I find more and more as I travel through time, hunters are under the impression the fastest rifle bulltet advertised makes you infallible in the field. You are about to find out what really hits the hardest and you are going to really be surprised.
Taylor’s Knock Out Rate has been around a long time. It was a mathematical equation for elephant guns, but it works on deer rifles as well telling us what really has the raw power. With the deer rifle, its more than just the whack factor but I used this to set an ethical minimum for the deer hunter in choosing a new rifle.
The minimum TKO is 10 which adds up to the .243 Winchester. Everyone knows I do not recommend this but others think it is the lightning bolt of Thor so for political reasons I will give it the benefit of the doubt. Between 14 and 17 is much better so here is the way it stacks up with your favorite cartage and this is the way it is.
Average Taylor Knock Out Rates
223 6
243 10
7.62×39 14
30-30 16
7mm/08 17
25-06 13
270 16
308 19
30-06 21
7mm mag 19
300 Wmag 25
325 WSM 30
338 Wmag 32
35 Whel 30
375 H&H 39
444 Mar 37
45-70 47
If a shot at a deer is taken at normal ranges 50 to 100 yards this accurately tells the story. A really fast bullet kills with hydrostatic shock when you get up to the 7mm Magnum but unless you use a premium well constructed bullet using it on deer turns it into a meat grenade. This is the general rule once you go over a 308 or 30-06. The slower 444 and 45-70 act differently and may very well be the lightning bolt of Thor at short to medium range. Pass it on.