30/06 165s

[dakotah]

Rev

You were shooting 150-200 yards. I was about 10 yards. My loads was probably 2750 - 2800 fps. I am not sure what velocity your load would be at 150-200 yards but like Rocky said. The bullet is more likely to blow up at higher velocities.

I am not totally against Sierras, it is just that I like other bullets much better. IMO, if you shoot the Sierras at lower velocities and/or you have a heavy bullet for the game they should work. For me I don't have to use them and I think there are better bullets for big game out there.

Although I spend a lot of time on the prairie hunting, the range for shooting deer, antelope, elk varies greatly for me. I would hate to say the longest range -- but I shot a fine antelope at 20 yards the last time out. I suspect that there was a lot of luck being able to intercept his movement by following creek bottoms etc. But when he appeared he was sling shot range.

I was using a 280 on that hunt. Antelope have very strong leg bones. If I had placed the bullet through the front leg with that 280 it would have had to be a tough bullet to keep on going. And when he saw me when he topped the raise he was running and fast. I did not have a 'perfect' shot.

I always hunt deer while I am on the ground (never in a blind) - same with antelope and elk. In these instances I can not wait for the deer or whatever to stand broadside for me. I need to take the shot when it presents itself. Sometimes that is when a game animal is just going over a ridge. Sometimes it is when they are almost spitting range. I can't afford to use anything but top notch bullets.