By Chris Hickman

January 28, 2013

It was 2nd season here in Colorado and we were hunting an area not far from Ordway. It was just after sun-up when my buddy and I spotted a spike buck bouncing along right at us. He was just ahead so I told him to take it. Unfortunately his rifle/scope had a malfunction and he missed cleanly. The buck ran about 25 yards to the side and stopped broadside at about 125 yards away. He said for me to take him and I swung and fired. I was using a Ruger 77 in 7mm RM with Hornady 154 grn SST handloads. I lost him in the recoil but my buddy exclaimed I had hit him. I said, "No way" in total disbelief. We waited a little and then went to check out my "trophy." He dropped so fast he didn't move an inch. The bullet had taken out 3" of spine for an instant "Dead right there." I couldn't have been happier with my first antelope. Thanks Hornady.