6.5x284 for Mountain goat?

[MTDOGGER]

I was lucky enough to draw a goat tag this year and my new 6.5x284 just got finished as well, I had it made for a light weight pack gun but now Im wondering if I will be a little undergunned for the hunt. I have some heavier guns but that's just it there heavy and I am trying to keep the weight down since ill be backpacking in at high elevations. My question is should I look for another rifle with a little more nock down power or go with what I got? This is kind of a once in a lifetime tag and the last thing I want to do is have a goat jump over a cliff and get all broke up, I no that it could probably happen with any caliber but I would sleep better at night knowing that it is either A plenty of gun or B I need to look for another. This is my first goat hunt so any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[KurtB]

I waited 13 years for a goat tag in Colorado and happily took my lightweight 6.5-06 shooting 140 bergers. At 220 or so yards, I aimed for shoulder and goat dropped without even kicking. My son shot one with a 25-06 and a 115 CT that did not get out of its bed. I'd shoot shoulders and carry the 6.5-284.

 

[Cruizin]

That sounds like a perfect caliber for mtn goats. A 243 would probably do the job as well. Those guys are pretty small.

 

[Tyler Kemp]

6.5x284 should be just fine.

 

[Outlaw6.0]

I concur with everyone else, the 6.5x 284 should be a perfect match for your terrain & intended quarry. This is not a caliber to lose sleep about

 

[angus-5024]

That sounds like a perfect caliber for mtn goats. A 243 would probably do the job as well. Those guys are pretty small.

Are Colorado goats smaller than B.C goats? The ones Ive seen weigh betweem 225-250lbs. I guess thats about the size of a whitetale though.

If its not in thick bear country, I think It would be a perfect goat gun.

 

[WildRose]

I was lucky enough to draw a goat tag this year and my new 6.5x284 just got finished as well, I had it made for a light weight pack gun but now Im wondering if I will be a little undergunned for the hunt. I have some heavier guns but that's just it there heavy and I am trying to keep the weight down since ill be backpacking in at high elevations. My question is should I look for another rifle with a little more nock down power or go with what I got? This is kind of a once in a lifetime tag and the last thing I want to do is have a goat jump over a cliff and get all broke up, I no that it could probably happen with any caliber but I would sleep better at night knowing that it is either A plenty of gun or B I need to look for another. This is my first goat hunt so any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Bullet placement is a whole lot more important than anything esle and on such a hunt where you'll be doing at least as much mountain climbing as hunting lighter certainly is a major consideration.

As for the caliber itself it's more than adequate even at long range.

Spend a lot of time getting ready by practicing on steep angle shots and in the wind if you can as both are likely to be significant factors in your hunt.

 

[cowboy]

I have taken 2 goats here in Montana and have been on twice that many other goat hunts. A 6.5 X 284 is a perfect goat round in my opinion. Use a quality bullet and put it in the right place and you'll be a happy camper.

Use a .458 and hit em in the guts and they'll go over the biggest ledge on the mountain.

Good luck