What type of ammunition is generally recommended for deer hunting?

For deer hunting, soft-point bullets are generally recommended because they are designed to expand upon impact, creating a larger wound channel. This can lead to more effective energy transfer and devastation of vital organs, increasing the chances of a quick and humane kill. The expansion helps ensure that the bullet performs well at various ranges, which is essential in hunting scenarios where shots may be taken at varying distances.

In contrast, lead shot is typically used for smaller game birds and does not provide the necessary penetration or expansion required for larger game like deer. Hollow-point bullets, while effective for self-defense and some types of game hunting, can often fragment and may not penetrate deeply enough for a clean kill on larger animals. Full metal jacket bullets are primarily designed for target shooting or military use; they do not expand upon impact, which makes them less suitable for hunting where humane, effective kills are critical.

Therefore, soft-point bullets strike the ideal balance of impact and expansion, making them the preferred choice for deer hunting.