By michael

November 15, 2013

I was scouting out a new bedding area for my son to hunt in. Of course, I had my trusty marlin with me for safety. As I was exiting the area this fella hobbled out. I saw him walking out along a well traveled trail but he was moving really oddly. The area is pretty heavily wooded so I stalked him for a bit. I got to about 55 yards before it was too open. His left rear leg was broken at the knee pretty badly and I just couldn't leave him to suffer. It was a fresh compound fracture. Still bleeding. Anyway I took the shot. I was loaded with 180 grain hornady xtp's with 16.5 grains of Lil gun. The shot was a little lower than I had anticipated but was still a double lung punch. Blood trail was extremely good. He ran about 100 yards and laid down. The bullet performed perfectly. It went clean through then bounced off the opposing shoulder. Ricocheted off it and up into the neck coming to rest against his trachea halfway to his jawbone. Retained bullet weight was 176.6 grains. Thanks Hornady!