Cartridge Question

[Code-Man]

I have a Pro Hunter from Thompson Center and am looking at possible getting a lighter barrel for Antelope hunting. I'm just wondering what people suggest for antelope hunting. I think it would be a blast but am just wondering what caliber people would suggest.

Code-Man

[almostthere!]

.243

[Try Too Fish]

IMO a 6mm is a great goat gun! its ballistics are a hair better than a 243 unless it is an ackley improved!The 243 is a good caliber dont get me wrong!

[Swamp Scooter]

The .270 would also be a good choice. A good variety of projectile weights and a flat shooter with power to do the job farther out. Depending on the price of a barrel you might consider a new, used rifle. You can get some pretty cheap that would be a very good utility tool. And might as well add to the arsenal.

[Code-Man]

I would be getting a barrel for the gun since it would be cheaper that way then to buy another gun and the choices I have are as of currently are:

22-250

223

243

25-06

270

I think it is mainly between the 243 and 25-06 but I was just kinda wondering what some people would recomend. I've been checking it out online and it seems like everyone has there own preference but I think it's pretty dang close between the 243 and 25-06.

[PerchJerker]

I would go .270 or .25-06. .270 is much more popular, .25-06 is an awesome caliber but harder to find and more expensive to shoot.

.243 would be fine also, but personally I would choose one of the larger calibers.

Sounds like it's not an option for you but 7mm-08 would be a good choice too.

[83walleye]

Wouldn't think twice - .243. Ammo cheap - many, many loads available - ammo available all over the place - plenty of power for antelope - low recoil - very accurate - great, great caliber.

[xedge2002]

I know a few people who used to live in Montana and still go out there deer hunting in the mountains. They all use .270's because they are very flat shooting and have enough power to kill effectively out to longer ranges.

[iffwalleyes]

.270 is what I will be using when ever I finally get my tag. Shells can be cheap depending on what you want to sepend. I just use Winchester Power Points in 130 grain they are usually around $13 a box. I can shoot a really nice tight group with these shells. I guess the better question is what other type of hunting do you want to do it. Do you want something that you can take a elk, deer, bear with possible? Then you will want a .270 because it will still be very good for speed goats. But if you want to get a gun to have to do some varmit hunting then you might want a .223 or 22-250. A .243 would also be a good middle of the road gun. I have one friend that uses a 25-O6 and he has awesome success with it.

[lcornice]

I've shot a lot of pronghorn (and elk and mule deer) with a 25-06. It's really a fantastic, albeit under-rated caliber. Go with the 100 grain Nosler Ballistic Tip (Federal Premium) on pronghorn and you won't be disappointed. I think the Prohunter has a 28" barrel, which would maximize the powder burn in the 25-06. Good luck!

[Big D 1]

I would sell every gun in my cabinet with the exception of my .270.....thus that is my choice

seconded by 25-06 then the 243

[percherman]

270/ Ammo availability, Great all around cartridge for just about all game except the biggest of North American Big game.

Cant go wrong, just pick a grain, shape, or type of bullet.

Thus said. I own a 280 and wouldn't change it for the world. I just make sure I take plenty of ammo with me when I go to remote areas.

[Code-Man]

I have a 30-06 bolt action and am just looking for something a little smaller and something a little faster and flatter. I just don't know if I want to get the 243 up to a 25-06. The 25-06 seems like a good one. Just kinda seeing what everyone likes/suggest.

[Gissert]

25-06 is a great choice, so is 7mm-08.

If you like to reload, and are into stuff that is just a little different, the 6.5 x 55 swede is a great round. I think Ruger has that offered in the M77.

[Swamp Scooter]

The 30-06 has projectile weights down to I think, 130 grains. So just re-sight it in, unless you really want to get another gun... Another gun is always more fun.