Which Rifle for Antelope

[mac1]

I was invited to go on a Wyoming antelope hunt next October. I have shot dozens of coyotes in the 400 and 500 yard ranges with the .243. I dropped this buck in his tracks @300. I doubt that I would risk any shots further than this on the larger game with this rifle. Can any antelope hunters recommend a good long range rifle? I was considering a 25-06.

[royinidaho]

mac1

I'd take whatever you shot the yotes and that buck with. If you already own the 25 and can do it with it also, I'd take both, just in case?

Just my 2c.

[toxic111]

The antelope is much smaller than a WT, and much thinner skinned, so the .243 will be good to about 300, a .25-06 might get you to 400.

I would say bring what you shoot well, and keep your range to the effective range of your rifle.

If you do your part well, you won't be taking 500yrd shots anyway. (The one I took last fall was 170yrds)

[mac1]

Thanks for the feedback. I'll just spend a lot of time practicing 3 and 4 hundred yards with the .243.

[ol_spark]

Don't be surprised after all that practice that you only get a 100 yard shot. No need to worry though Hornady and Sierra love people who practice. If you get the chance, practice shooting in windy conditions as much as you can.

[model 70]

I may be speaking out of line here but the 25/06 seems more capable at longer ranges than the .243 but I guess like the others said, take what you shoot the best.

[Evan03]

but if want to get new rifle theres some good calibers that make great long range antelope rilfes.

223wsm(300 yd goat gun), 243wssm, 2506, 257rob, 257roy, 25wssm(its difrent), 25wsm(wildcat), 270win, 270wsm, 7mmwsm, 280rem.

anyone of these would work on our local antelope. ive had shot opurtunitys from 10yds to 700. but i wouldnt want to take one much past 300.

all these calibers will work to 300yds some further. i stayed away from everything biger than 7mm, but the 30 cals would be just as at home punchn yotes and they could do it at alittle farther if the shooter is capable.

[Hi Ball]

Mac-1, Young man I don't mind tellling you that I am pleased to see somebody from Kennet, Missouri on this forum.

I would take my .243 caliber using a 100 grain bullet and never look back as far as hunting speed goats goes. It should be good to 350 yards. The biggest problem is being able to dope the wind and sometimes that wind can really start to gusting upwards of 20 and 30 miles an hour. No big deal though, that's hunting plain and simple.

If you have a .270 caliber, it would be a better choice taking a 400 plus yard shot. However, I doubt you will have to worry about shooting that far really. No need to go out and buy a new rifle (expensive) just for a speed goat hunt. I use my 25-06 in a model 70 Winchester and Nosler's 115 grain Ballistic Tip (solid base) bullets going 3070fps, very good BC for down range energy & Sectional Density for penetration. Antelope, like whitetail deer have very thin skin, it doesn't take an armor shell to penetrate deep.

PS, an old friend of mine used to go to highschool at Kennet, his name was Jim Bankhead......A track star and state champ and former record holder in the 1/4 mile (48.6 in 1963) he ran the 220 yard dash in 20.2 seconds back in those days.

[highthrill]

Keep considering the 25.06.
Great caliber and has a good range of bullets for reloading.
All three of mine are extremely accurate even with factory loads. Factory loads shooting less than an inch group and reloads shooting less than a 1/2 inch group. When and if you do decide to get the 25.06, buy several different brands of ammunition and bullet weights. One of mine loves the 90 grain, the other loves the 120 grain. Once you find out what your gun likes then concentrate on that one for sure.
SC

[skeet]

Heck man...shoot what ya brung. The ol 243 is ok for deer and it'll be ok for Antelope. I usually used the 270...but that is what I had at the time and shot pretty well with it. Practice practice practice

[rem 700]

25-06 all the way for antelope. You'll be able to down an antelope at 500 yards if you're a good shot. 243 has a good trajectory like the 25-06, but not quite as powerful as I'd use for long shots because of the lighter bullets.

[Headhunter]

I sure like the .280 Remington for Antelope. The 160 Grain class bullets do quite well on them and shoot good WAY out there.

I built myself a .280 with a 30" Hart barrel for just the purpose.

Headhunter