I only deal with two calibers at .308 and below, 223, and use the 50 Raptor for my loads. 308 caliber I have 300 BLK, 30/30, 7.62X40, 308 Winchester and 300 Winchester, I use exclusively 100 FB Raptors in those guns...... I have had a couple of friends and one of my sons use the 50 Raptor in 223 on deer and it was very successful in all cases, all one round and down, and from what I am told about as devastating as it gets for the caliber.
This 100 Flat Base Raptor on the other hand has been responsible for at least 125 deer over the years. I don't hunt deer, but I introduced 5-6 of my pals to this bullet and load in 300 BLK, 7.62X40, and 308 Winchester. I have never had a report back of a deer taking more than 5 steps. In 300 BLK and 7.62X40 it is an incredible cartridge/bullet for young hunters, I know of several that have been very successful using this. We had one 10 yr old in NC that took a decent black bear with 300 BLK and the 100 Raptor, bang flop DRT on the spot, that was a happy young hunter for sure. I had 3 buddies a couple of years ago go to TX on one of the big expensive deer hunts, all three used loads I did for them in 308 Winchester with the 100 Raptors, all took their Trophy deer, then shot a lot of does, and even some pigs as well..... all DRT......... For anything I would use 308 calibers for, the 100 Raptors more than do the job and do it very well.......... I really have no other need for another bullet in that caliber. I also buy in bulk both 50 Raptor for 223 and 100 Raptor for all .308 caliber needs........
My last batch of 100 Raptors for 308 caliber;
And 223..........
Smaller caliber Raptors enhance terminal performance to another level over conventionals, the same as with the big bores. If not, I would not invest in them. With smaller caliber Raptors the "Blades" do not travel as far from center as with larger calibers, they remain closer to center, but still slice and dice tissue in a star pattern around center. Center bullet still continues to penetrate same as larger calibers. There have been no recovered 50 Raptors from deer and no 100 Raptors from deer or even the bear, those exited....... Now, I am sure some of these guys did frontal shots, and those would not exit of course, but most of my guys are not bullet diggers...... all broadsides that I have been told about exited....... or even severe angled shot.........
My Son used his Winchester M70 308 last fall for this deer on our farm here in SC........His shot was not great, little far back, but none the less it was one and down..........
These boys have not learned the fine art of photos with their rifles....... The rifle must be prominent in the shots............. Kids...... I swear............And no field photos, had to bring it home and in the back of the damn truck ...................
My Daughter also loves to hunt, When SSK was still in business, I had Brian build her a nice little Winchester M70 7.62X40 for her use in the field....... This is a 300 BLK on Steroids if you are not familiar with it, and in its 18 inch barrel it shoots 100 Raptors at over 2800 fps........ She has yet to tag out with it, but has taken it out several times..............