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The best lead free bullet for sika deer

Why sika are tougher than their size suggests, which Fox Classic Hunter weight to choose, and the legal minimums that apply.

Last updated 28 July 2026

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Sika have a reputation among stalkers for being harder to put down than their body weight implies. A stag might go 60 to 70kg — between fallow and red — but they are densely built, notoriously tenacious, and have a habit of running on a hit that would drop another species. Treat them as the larger animal.

  • 6.5mm (.264) 139gr — high BC and good penetration, the strongest 6.5mm option.
  • .270 (.277) 145gr — deeper penetration for a tough-bodied animal.
  • .30 (.308) 165gr — the heaviest in the range, and hard to argue with on sika.
  • 6.5mm 123gr and .308 150gr — perfectly capable with good placement.
Err heavier with sika
Where fallow justify one step up from your roe load, sika justify staying there. The extra retained energy and penetration matter on an animal that will run.
Confirm the law where you stalk
Deer legislation is devolved and the minimums differ between England and Wales and Scotland. This is a summary, not legal advice, and the rules change. Check the current position against the sources at the foot of this page before relying on it.
JurisdictionMinimum requirement
England and WalesRifle of at least .240 inches calibre and muzzle energy of at least 2,305 J (1,700 ft-lb), firing an expanding bullet
ScotlandBullet of at least 80 grains (5.3g), muzzle energy at least 1,750 ft-lb, muzzle velocity at least 2,450 ft/s

Summary only. Confirm against the primary sources listed at the foot of this page.

Sika fall under the same Scottish provision as red and fallow, with the minimum bullet weight reduced from 100 to 80 grains on 3 November 2023 to broaden the availability of non-lead ammunition.

Where sika are found

Sika populations in Britain are concentrated in parts of Scotland, the north of England, Dorset and the New Forest, with pockets elsewhere. In much of their Scottish range they overlap and interbreed with red, which is one reason their management attracts particular attention.

Shot placement

Given their tenacity, the case for a bullet that penetrates deeply and reliably rather than one that dumps energy shallowly is stronger with sika than with any other British species. This is precisely the profile of a monolithic: high weight retention, deep penetration, frequent pass-throughs. See terminal performance of lead free bullets.

What is the best bullet for sika deer?

A heavier weight in your diameter — the 6.5mm 139 grain, the .270 145 grain or the .30 calibre 165 grain. Sika are tenacious for their size and reward penetration.

Are sika harder to kill than fallow?

They have a strong reputation for running on hits that would drop other species, despite being lighter than a mature fallow buck. Most experienced stalkers treat them as requiring more bullet rather than less.

What are the legal minimums for sika in Scotland?

Sika fall under the same provision as red and fallow: a bullet of at least 80 grains, muzzle energy of at least 1,750 ft-lb and muzzle velocity of at least 2,450 ft/s.

Oxon Deer stocks the full Fox Classic Hunter range in 6mm, 6.5mm, .270 and .308, in boxes of 50. Browse the shop.