{"id":214214,"date":"2026-03-02T15:37:02","date_gmt":"2026-03-02T21:37:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/?p=214214"},"modified":"2026-03-02T17:12:47","modified_gmt":"2026-03-02T23:12:47","slug":"hunt365-cutting-edge-bullets-tribute","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/hunt365-cutting-edge-bullets-tribute\/","title":{"rendered":"Cutting Edge Bullets: A Tribute to Mark Hampton"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-estimated-reading-time yoast-reading-time__wrapper\"><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__icon\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\" data-icon=\"clock\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" style=\"display:inline-block;vertical-align:-0.1em\" role=\"img\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" stroke-width=\"2\" d=\"M12 8v4l3 3m6-3a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__spacer\" style=\"display:inline-block;width:1em\"><\/span><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__descriptive-text\">Estimated reading time: <\/span><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__reading-time\">10<\/span><span class=\"yoast-reading-time__time-unit\"> minutes<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This story starts with some members of a shooting forum who wanted to pay tribute to one of the greats in handgun hunting, Mark Hampton. To protect their privacy, I\u2019ll refer to them by their forum aliases. These men are all good friends and ones I deeply respect. Thank you, Mark, for your efforts\u2014and thank you, Cutting Edge Bullets, for your contribution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"377\" src=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_4622.jpeg\" alt=\"mark hampton standing outside near a 4 wheeler wearing camo\" class=\"wp-image-214215\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_4622.jpeg 640w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_4622-400x236.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_4622-150x88.jpeg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Mr. Mark Hampton, RIP.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><h2>Table of contents<\/h2><ul><li><a href=\"#h-using-cutting-edge-bullets-as-a-tribute\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hunt365-cutting-edge-bullets-tribute\" title=\"Cutting Edge Bullets: A Tribute to Mark Hampton\" data-level=\"2\">Using Cutting Edge Bullets as a Tribute<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-cutting-edge-bullet-round-1\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hunt365-cutting-edge-bullets-tribute\" title=\"Cutting Edge Bullets: A Tribute to Mark Hampton\" data-level=\"2\">Cutting Edge Bullet Round 1<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-cutting-edge-bullet-round-2\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hunt365-cutting-edge-bullets-tribute\" title=\"Cutting Edge Bullets: A Tribute to Mark Hampton\" data-level=\"2\">Cutting Edge Bullet Round 2<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-pursuit-of-the-buck\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hunt365-cutting-edge-bullets-tribute\" title=\"Cutting Edge Bullets: A Tribute to Mark Hampton\" data-level=\"2\">Pursuit of the Buck<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-it-s-done\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hunt365-cutting-edge-bullets-tribute\" title=\"Cutting Edge Bullets: A Tribute to Mark Hampton\" data-level=\"2\">It\u2019s Done<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-retrospective-reconstruction-european-buck-mount\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hunt365-cutting-edge-bullets-tribute\" title=\"Cutting Edge Bullets: A Tribute to Mark Hampton\" data-level=\"2\">Retrospective Reconstruction &#8211; European Buck Mount<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-cutting-edge-bullet-round-3\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hunt365-cutting-edge-bullets-tribute\" title=\"Cutting Edge Bullets: A Tribute to Mark Hampton\" data-level=\"2\">Cutting Edge Bullet Round 3<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"599\" height=\"578\" src=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_4621.jpeg\" alt=\"cutting edge bullets in a case\" class=\"wp-image-214216\" style=\"width:426px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_4621.jpeg 599w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_4621-311x300.jpeg 311w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_4621-150x145.jpeg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 599px) 100vw, 599px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Cutting Edge bullets Mark Hampton gave to &#8220;Sixshot&#8221;.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-using-cutting-edge-bullets-as-a-tribute\">Using Cutting Edge Bullets as a Tribute<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cSixshot\u201d had some bullets that Mark Hampton had sent him. He came up with a meaningful way to extend Mark\u2019s hunting legacy after his passing. His idea: send the bullets to people who would hunt with them in Mark\u2019s honor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>My friend \u201cKRal\u201d was among the first to receive some of the Cutting Edge 200gr .44 caliber bullets. When he posted about his tribute hunt, I was moved by the gesture. I reached out to \u201cKRal\u201d and asked if he had any to spare. He said he\u2019d already loaded all of them. I trust very few people with their handloads\u2014but \u201cKRal\u201d is one of them. I asked if he could send six rounds. I planned to shoot two or three to test velocity and accuracy, then save the rest for hunting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cKRal\u201d agreed and sent six. He mentioned the load was similar to his regular Hornady 240gr XTP load. As it turned out, my XTP load was nearly identical\u2014just half a grain lighter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"325\" src=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_4470.jpeg\" alt=\"6 rounds of ammo using cutting edge bullets\" class=\"wp-image-214217\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_4470.jpeg 640w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_4470-400x203.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_4470-150x76.jpeg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The 6 rounds received from &#8220;KRal&#8221;, with his load info.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>When the rounds arrived, I fired three of my XTP loads, then three of the Cutting Edge rounds. The CEBs hit 2 inches high at 50 yards. My XTPs hit 2.5 inches high. \u201cKRal\u201d said his loads clocked 1500 fps from his 10\u201d MagnaPort Stalker. My 7.5\u201d Super Blackhawk Hunter averaged 1475 fps. Close enough. I loaded the revolver with three CEB rounds followed by three XTPs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"512\" src=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_0570.jpeg\" alt=\"handwritten notes with information about cutting edge bullet performance\" class=\"wp-image-214218\" style=\"width:470px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_0570.jpeg 640w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_0570-375x300.jpeg 375w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_0570-150x120.jpeg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">My notes from the three rounds of Hornady XTP and Cutting Edge bullets used to check sights and chrono.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-cutting-edge-bullet-round-1\">Cutting Edge Bullet Round 1<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The rut was on, and bucks were chasing does. I had my eye on a wide 10-point, but the closest I got was 300 yards. I switched plans and hunted a tight-cover stand where bucks sometimes cruise while scent-checking does.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That morning, deer moved steadily through. Then, I spotted dark, heavy antlers weaving through the brush. I saw him clearly as he crossed an opening. I cocked my Ruger and waited. He paused behind the brush\u2014his legs still visible. I gently placed my thumb between the hammer and the frame and held.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He approached a doe at my feeder. She wasn\u2019t in heat, but he needed to check. As he stepped into the open, he quartered toward me more than I liked. The doe saw me level the gun and stared, ready to bolt. I glanced at her. She was locked on me. Time was up. I aimed my <a href=\"https:\/\/ruger.com\/products\/newModelSuperBlackhawkHunter\/models.html\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hunt365-cutting-edge-bullets-tribute\" title=\"Cutting Edge Bullets: A Tribute to Mark Hampton\">Ruger Super Blackhawk Hunter<\/a> handgun at the front of his shoulder and squeezed the trigger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_4517.jpeg\" alt=\"buck and ruger super blackhawk hunter pistol and cutting edge bullet in the woods\" class=\"wp-image-214220\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_4517.jpeg 640w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_4517-400x250.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_4517-150x94.jpeg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A nice heavy-horned 8pt. taken cleanly with Ruger Super Blackhawk Hunter and Cutting Edge bullet.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The Cutting Edge bullet hit. He jumped and ran. I called the shot good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Next, I climbed down and followed his trail. Seventy-five yards from the shot, he lay dead. A respectful deer, taken with a handgun, in honor of Mark Hampton.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"424\" src=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_4520.jpeg\" alt=\"cutting edge bullet on a brown leaf\" class=\"wp-image-214221\" style=\"width:486px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_4520.jpeg 640w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_4520-400x265.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_4520-150x99.jpeg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Cutting Edge 44 cal. bullet performed as designed, petals folded and broken off after only inches of penetration.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-cutting-edge-bullet-round-2\">Cutting Edge Bullet Round 2<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This part of the story brings sadness, anger, and gratitude.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I was searching for a boar to use the remaining rounds. At daylight, I walked into the pasture with tall shooting sticks and my Blackhawk Hunter. I skirted the brush near open grazing areas\u2014prime spots for spotting pigs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I stopped at a concrete cistern filled with water and sat on the edge, wind in my face. A barbed wire fence divided the cistern, letting cattle from two pastures drink.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"383\" src=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_4650.jpeg\" alt=\"a cistern full of water near a pasture\" class=\"wp-image-214474\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_4650.jpeg 640w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_4650-400x239.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_4650-150x90.jpeg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The cistern where I sat and first observed the buck walking across the pasture. The red \u201cdeer\u201d was his relative position when he stopped 150-175 yards away.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>On impulse, I glanced behind me into the other pasture. Movement caught my eye. I raised my binoculars. A buck walked with purpose, likely trailing a doe. He was 150\u2013175 yards away. But something dangled from his mouth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I looked closer\u2026 and my stomach turned. It was his lower jaw.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I have never wanted a rifle or specialty handgun more. I cursed myself for not grabbing my XP100 in .243 Win. If I\u2019d known the drop of the Cutting Edge Bullet load at 200 yards, I would\u2019ve taken the shot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"237\" src=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_4472.jpeg\" alt=\"xp in 243 win. outside on a tailgate rack\" class=\"wp-image-214233\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_4472.jpeg 640w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_4472-400x148.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_4472-150x56.jpeg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The XP in 243win. that was left behind, would have ended the buck&#8217;s ordeal an hour sooner.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-pursuit-of-the-buck\">Pursuit of the Buck<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>He approached another fence. I moved quickly, using brush for cover. He stopped at the cross-fence, looked both ways. I had a 50\/50 chance he\u2019d come my way. I ranged him\u2014230 yards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He looked miserable. He tried to go through the fence but failed repeatedly. It was as if he knew the jaw would catch or drag. He didn\u2019t want to jump either. I prayed he\u2019d head my way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"270\" src=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_4652.jpeg\" alt=\"a pasture with a tree and fnece\" class=\"wp-image-214475\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_4652.jpeg 640w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_4652-400x169.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_4652-150x63.jpeg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">My view from the cross-fence gates, where he decided to turn and walk away from me. The small red \u201cdeer\u201d was his position 230 yards away.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>When he turned and walked away, I slipped through the gates, entering the pasture he aimed for. I jogged to stay low and out of sight, hoping to get in front of him. If he got through, he\u2019d be gone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Anger built. Whoever shot this buck had left him to suffer. I got ahead of his likely path, glassed the pasture, and saw nothing. I hoped he\u2019d be bedded near the fence. Easing back, I glassed the line\u2014and finally spotted him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"457\" src=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_4718.jpeg\" alt=\"man wearing camo shirt and cowboy hat standing outside at a tripod holding and aiming a pistol\" class=\"wp-image-214476\" style=\"width:445px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_4718.jpeg 640w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_4718-400x286.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_4718-150x107.jpeg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A reenactment pic of my shooting position for the shot that would end the suffering.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-it-s-done\">It\u2019s Done<br \/><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>He was farther down the fence line, coming toward me\u2014150 yards out. I set up the sticks and waited.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He struggled to figure out how to cross. He lowered his head, lifted his legs, and stepped toward me instead. I prayed he\u2019d give me a clean shot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At 65 yards, he stepped into the open. I aimed just right of the base of his neck. The shot broke clean. He ran 40 yards and dropped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Thank you, Jesus. And thank you, Cutting Edge Bullets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_0641-1-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"buck with a pistol\" class=\"wp-image-214226\" style=\"width:493px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_0641-1-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_0641-1-400x300.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_0641-1-150x113.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_0641-1-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_0641-1.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A nice buck and one worthy of better last days than he received.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"480\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_0644-2.jpeg\" alt=\"buck with a broken jaw laying on the ground\" class=\"wp-image-214227\" style=\"width:278px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_0644-2.jpeg 480w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_0644-2-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_0644-2-113x150.jpeg 113w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">My first view of him was from this side, with jaw and tongue hanging down.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>READ MORE HERE: <a href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/handgun-bullets-an-expanding-alternative\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hunt365-cutting-edge-bullets-tribute\" title=\"Cutting Edge Bullets: A Tribute to Mark Hampton\">Hunting Handgun Bullet Alternative<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-retrospective-reconstruction-european-buck-mount\">Retrospective Reconstruction &#8211; European Buck Mount<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>I\u2019ll never know how that deer lost its jaw. Maybe a bullet deflected off brush. But I\u2019ve seen deliberate \u201chead shots\u201d before. Some shooters think it\u2019s smart to save meat that way. When the track job turns up bone, teeth, and no blood, they walk away in disgust. Those deer rarely survive or get recovered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When I euro-mounted the head, I kept the jaw and rebuilt it with JB Weld. The bullet had shattered the lower jaw, fractured parts of the upper nose, sinuses, and destroyed an eye internally. That buck was blind on one side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"612\" src=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_4632.jpeg\" alt=\"European mount of a buck\" class=\"wp-image-214229\" style=\"width:439px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_4632.jpeg 640w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_4632-314x300.jpeg 314w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_4632-150x143.jpeg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The lower jaw, rebuilt with JB Weld, visibly shows the amount of jaw damage done. The flat bony parts of the snout above the reconstructed jaw were all displaced. I was able to glue them back in place.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"588\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_4633.jpeg\" alt=\"European mount of a buck\" class=\"wp-image-214231\" style=\"width:385px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_4633.jpeg 588w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_4633-276x300.jpeg 276w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_4633-138x150.jpeg 138w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 588px) 100vw, 588px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The unseen damage included an internally punctured eye on his right side.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>I don\u2019t care how skilled a shooter someone claims to be\u2014every animal deserves a quick, humane death. We must take the shot with the highest chance of success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I hope Mark knows his Cutting Edge bullets are still doing good work in his honor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-cutting-edge-bullet-round-3\">Cutting Edge Bullet Round 3<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>My third and final round sits and waits. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"450\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_4636.jpeg\" alt=\"handgun resting on a rock with cutting edge bullets\" class=\"wp-image-214232\" style=\"width:291px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_4636.jpeg 450w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_4636-211x300.jpeg 211w, https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\/digest\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/IMG_4636-105x150.jpeg 105w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><strong><em>*** <a href=\"https:\/\/gunsamerica.com\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"clickTracking\" campaign=\"hunt365-cutting-edge-bullets-tribute\" title=\"Cutting Edge Bullets: A Tribute to Mark Hampton\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Buy and Sell on GunsAmerica!<\/a> ***<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In a tribute to handgun hunter Mark Hampton, I use Cutting Edge Bullets to hunt in Mark&#8217;s honor. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":126,"featured_media":214215,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_specdata_upc":"","_specdata_placement":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1220,1258,282,4305,4322,1217],"tags":[299,213,2900,1209,621],"featured":[],"hunt365":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-214214","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-huntgear","8":"category-ammo","9":"category-columns-ammo-tests","10":"category-expert-guides","11":"category-gear-optics","12":"category-hunt365","13":"tag-ammo-2","14":"tag-ammunition","15":"tag-handgun-hunting","16":"tag-hunt365","17":"tag-pistol"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.3 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Honoring Mark Hampton with Cutting Edge Bullets<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"A tribute to Mark Hampton through hunts using Cutting Edge Bullets. 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