Antelope gun choice

[midwesthunter]

I'm sure I'm not only one who runs into this problem. But starting to plan on antelope hunt for next year. One of my tuff decisions is what gun to take? I have narrowed it down to 3 choices. My Rem .243. Ar15 in 6.5 grendal or a jap 6.5x284 that grandpa built way back in the day before that round was cool. Now I don't own a gun that won't shoot so they are all good there. Weight wise grendal is heaviest and jap is lightest. I plan on shots being 200-600 yards. One thing I have thought about it reliability. Have not had a prob with any of them but jap then AR would be hardest to fix in field. What would u choose n why?

 

[WildRose]

I'm sure I'm not only one who runs into this problem. But starting to plan on antelope hunt for next year. One of my tuff decisions is what gun to take? I have narrowed it down to 3 choices. My Rem .243. Ar15 in 6.5 grendal or a jap 6.5x284 that grandpa built way back in the day before that round was cool. Now I don't own a gun that won't shoot so they are all good there. Weight wise grendal is heaviest and jap is lightest. I plan on shots being 200-600 yards. One thing I have thought about it reliability. Have not had a prob with any of them but jap then AR would be hardest to fix in field. What would u choose n why?

Whichever of the 6.5's is the most accurate.

Why? Shot placement is the most critical aspect of shooting and the 6.5 High BC bullets in the 120-130gr range will give you great performance on Antelope/deer sized game at those ranges.

If there's really no difference in the accuracy of the 6.5's I'd go with the 6.5x284 for the the higher velocity/flatter trajectory.

 

[trebark]

All three of your rifles are capable of killing an antelope at 600 yards (although I would want to runt he ballistics on the grendal to be sure). Knowing that, it comes down to which rifle are you most confident with? that is the one to take.

As an example, this past October a buddy and me went to Wyoming for our first antelope hunt. I had intended to take two rifles:

http://www.longrangehunting.com/forums/f53/my-260-mcr-59628/

http://www.longrangehunting.com/forums/f53/my-280-updated-32771/

As a result of some packing issues, I was forced to take only one rifle. While I wasn't happy about not having a back up rifle with me, I made the choice based on confidence. That meant taking the 260 as I had been shooting it all summer and fall in various shooting scenarios. It served me well...

http://www.longrangehunting.com/forums/f17/2-va-lrhers-eastern-wy-78874/

If it were me, based on cartridge alone, I would go with the 6.5x284 as it will send a heavier/better BC bullet faster and farther than the other two. The wind is ALWAYS blowing where the antelope play!

That said though, it's really all about confidence. take the rifle that if an antelope steps out at 600 yards in a 12mph wind, you would be surprised if you missed!

 

[6mm Remington]

I would take both the 243 and the 6.5-284 so that if heaven forbid something happens to one, you have a back-up with you. Especially important if you are traveling a long ways from home possibly.

Either the 243 or the 6.5-284 will work very well for what you are doing. The 6.5 will have a bit more down-range pop, but both will work very well. I'd shoot the one of those two you feel most confident in.

Good luck.
David

 

[HARPERC]

All decent choices, you don't mention optics, that might influence my decision. I'm a sucker for nostalgia I'd take grandpa's rifle , and the 243 as backup.

 

[Greyfox]

I would go with the 6.5x284. I agree with prior posts that wind will likely be a factor where antelope roam. I have done a lot of distance trips and have struggled over bringing multiple rifles. If your driving to your location, bring two rifles if it helps with confidence. My own view developed over the years is that if I'm going on a hunt that will result in less than 20 rounds fired(sighters, game shots, coyotes,etc), I'll bring one rifle. If the rifle shoots and functions well, the chances of a failure are small enough, and far outweigh the added weight and logistics of two rifles. I also find that I will focus better on the shooting dynamics of my one rifle. If your flying... With heavy bags there is a much,much higher probability that the airlines will screw up, and your rifle will arrive late. The heavier your bags, the higher the chance. The weight adds up quick with two rifles/ammo, etc. While it's not always feasible due to the cost or availability, I now try to get a first class ticket, your luggage gets preferential treatment, and with many airlines, gets a big blaze orange tag that says "Priority". Never had an issue using this approach. It's great insurance. Didn't mean to go off topic, but thought this experience might be useful. Good luck on your hunt!

 

[budlight]

I would take both the 243 and the 6.5-284 so that if heaven forbid something happens to one, you have a back-up with you. Especially important if you are traveling a long ways from home possibly.

Either the 243 or the 6.5-284 will work very well for what you are doing. The 6.5 will have a bit more down-range pop, but both will work very well. I'd shoot the one of those two you feel most confident in.

Good luck.
David

I agree with the above. I used a 243 this year to get my Antelope. It was DRT at 400 ish yards with a 100 gr BT leaving the barrel at 3200 fps. Because the bullet hit ribs I recovered the bullet. I'm more a higher HP kind of guy. If you have the optics and skill the 6.5 will have lots more energy out at 600

 

[Broz]

A 338 with 300 Bergers works well even on the windy days. Bit if you don't have a 338 take the 6.5~284

Have a great trip!!

Jeff

 

[Sully2]

A 338 with 300 Bergers works well even on the windy days. Bit if you don't have a 338 take the 6.5~284

Have a great trip!!

Jeff

Ahhhh...can we spell "overkill"..???

 

[Sully2]

I'm sure I'm not only one who runs into this problem. But starting to plan on antelope hunt for next year. One of my tuff decisions is what gun to take? I have narrowed it down to 3 choices. My Rem .243. Ar15 in 6.5 grendal or a jap 6.5x284 that grandpa built way back in the day before that round was cool. Now I don't own a gun that won't shoot so they are all good there. Weight wise grendal is heaviest and jap is lightest. I plan on shots being 200-600 yards. One thing I have thought about it reliability. Have not had a prob with any of them but jap then AR would be hardest to fix in field. What would u choose n why?

If you have the "right scope" Id take the 243. You really dont need anymore but of course you can always use a 50 Browning at L..O..N..G...range....

 

[Broz]

Ahhhh...can we spell "overkill"..???

Yeah, but depends on the distances involved too. This one was to test the 300 OTM's on some meat before elk season. I have to admit I have used the .338 with 300's before too at some very long distances, the less wind drift is a great thing with goats. So far I have not had one goat complain even if hit a little far back which is very easy to do on a goat if it is not fully broadside. I have seen many goats shot by other hunters on the public ground we hunt run past dragging their intestines and sceaming "I wish he would have used a bigger rifle"

Jeff

 

[Sully2]

Yeah, but depends on the distances involved too. This one was to test the 300 OTM's on some meat before elk season. I have to admit I have used the .338 with 300's before too at some very long distances, the less wind drift is a great thing with goats. So far I have not had one goat complain even if hit a little far back which is very easy to do on a goat if it is not fully broadside. I have seen many goats shot by other hunters on the public ground we hunt run past dragging their intestines and sceaming "I wish he would have used a bigger rifle"

Jeff

I know what you are saying partner...but people that I hunt with, if they thought a 338 was NECESSARY...then they wouldnt ponder taking a 243...and the opposite applys also.

As far as gota running bye screaming and dragging their insides...etc...etc.....cmon now...I was born at night but it wasnt last night!!!

 

[Rimfire]

Yeah, but depends on the distances involved too. This one was to test the 300 OTM's on some meat before elk season. I have to admit I have used the .338 with 300's before too at some very long distances, the less wind drift is a great thing with goats. So far I have not had one goat complain even if hit a little far back which is very easy to do on a goat if it is not fully broadside. I have seen many goats shot by other hunters on the public ground we hunt run past dragging their intestines and sceaming "I wish he would have used a bigger rifle"

Jeff

+1
Yet to see two dead animals and one of them more dead, still dont know what overkill is.
Shoot the one you shoot best in the wind. It aint about what you need to kill a goat, that can be done with a 223 its about what you need to connect in windy conditions.

 

[Sully2]

+1
Yet to see two dead animals and one of them more dead, still dont know what overkill is....

OVERKILL is when, in these cases, a weapon that FAR...FAR exceeds what is needed to kill an animal, is used.

.458 Winchester on groundhogs..?? .375 H&H on prairie dogs.. rifles with as much as 4000 ft lbs of energy used on an animal of 150-200 lbs LIVE weight. THATS OVERKILL.

I havent seen 2 animals one more dead than another...but I have seen 2 of which one was blown to smitherreens!


Broz stated he was using it as a test pattern for his elk gun...and I understand that totally and cant disagree with his principal...but as an "everyday" rifle for "goats"....wheeeeee doggies!!

BTW...a 223 on goats in UNDERgunned!