What's the best caliber for pronghorn?
01-05-2011, 11:00 PM
#11
Fork Horn
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Idaho's Elk Country
Posts: 275
laffin....
01-14-2011, 11:59 AM
#12
Typical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 917
Any caliber from .24 - .30 will do just fine. I tend to favor .24 - .26 for speed goats, as the cartridges in these calibers tend to be flat-shooting, easy on the shoulder and more than powerful enough to take down the biggest pronghorn.
If I were getting a dedicated pronghorn rifle, it'd be a .25-'06 with a 24" barrel. I like .25s better than .24s for all-around use on big game, and the .25-'06 flies fast and far with nothing more than a gentle nudge to your shoulder for the effort. Top it with a good variable scope that goes 10X or 12X at the top end, and you're good to go (mule deer, beware, too!).
If I were getting a dedicated pronghorn rifle, it'd be a .25-'06 with a 24" barrel. I like .25s better than .24s for all-around use on big game, and the .25-'06 flies fast and far with nothing more than a gentle nudge to your shoulder for the effort. Top it with a good variable scope that goes 10X or 12X at the top end, and you're good to go (mule deer, beware, too!).
01-15-2011, 07:07 PM
#16
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: WY
Posts: 2,056
Gotta love these "best caliber for" threads....
That said, and having used a .30-06 for pronghorn, I'll emphatically not recommend anything larger. Pronghorn hunters are a strange lot, though. Some will hunt them with a bow, some will launch bullets at them from the next county. So, your hunting style probably plays a part.
Personally, I've never found the need to shoot an antelope from farther than 190 yards. I spend most of my time glassing, and when I find one that I want it becomes a matter of reading the terrain - where the animals are likely to go, and then planning a stalk accordingly. As long as they don't clearly see bipedal motion (easily masked in the sagebrush), they'll often let you crawl to within 300 yards. The .243 is the undisputed king of pronghorn hunting in my battery.
Just one more thought. As you plan your hunt, also find processor nearby. Goat hunting occurs when the temps are still fairly warm, a goat can spoil easily if it's not cooled down quickly. That often requires a conveniently located cooler. Unless you have one of those neat rigs on a trailer, a processor is your best bet. Goat tastes a bit different to start with, but properly cared for, it's the perfect reward for a good hunt.
That said, and having used a .30-06 for pronghorn, I'll emphatically not recommend anything larger. Pronghorn hunters are a strange lot, though. Some will hunt them with a bow, some will launch bullets at them from the next county. So, your hunting style probably plays a part.
Personally, I've never found the need to shoot an antelope from farther than 190 yards. I spend most of my time glassing, and when I find one that I want it becomes a matter of reading the terrain - where the animals are likely to go, and then planning a stalk accordingly. As long as they don't clearly see bipedal motion (easily masked in the sagebrush), they'll often let you crawl to within 300 yards. The .243 is the undisputed king of pronghorn hunting in my battery.
Just one more thought. As you plan your hunt, also find processor nearby. Goat hunting occurs when the temps are still fairly warm, a goat can spoil easily if it's not cooled down quickly. That often requires a conveniently located cooler. Unless you have one of those neat rigs on a trailer, a processor is your best bet. Goat tastes a bit different to start with, but properly cared for, it's the perfect reward for a good hunt.
01-21-2011, 12:58 PM
#17
Banned
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 388
Absolutely the best caliber for goats is THE ONE YOU HAVE THE MOST CONFIDENCE IN!!!
Don't be afraid of bringing out your '06 or whatever. I have shot them with 7mm Mag and .300 Win Mag. The falacy that "a big gun will not leave any meat" is absolutely untrue. I used to bellieve that (to a point) until I saw what a .338 Mag did to a Mule Deer. Punched a hole in both sides with no more damage than a .243!!
The biggest issue for guys from back east coming out here to hunt lopes is you need to practice 300+ shots. Alot!! Know your round's balistics (bullet drop at various distances.) I have even taped a cheat sheet to the stock of a rifle. Also, bring good, powerful optics including a range finder that is good to 1000 yards. No sence in knowing your ballistics if you don't know the distance!
And practice, practice, practice. Lastly, punch a few holes in paper when you get here to make sure it is shoooting where you think it is. The higher elevation and reduced air pressure will effect your bullets trajectory. Plus a gun/scope can get bumped in travel.
Don't be afraid of bringing out your '06 or whatever. I have shot them with 7mm Mag and .300 Win Mag. The falacy that "a big gun will not leave any meat" is absolutely untrue. I used to bellieve that (to a point) until I saw what a .338 Mag did to a Mule Deer. Punched a hole in both sides with no more damage than a .243!!
The biggest issue for guys from back east coming out here to hunt lopes is you need to practice 300+ shots. Alot!! Know your round's balistics (bullet drop at various distances.) I have even taped a cheat sheet to the stock of a rifle. Also, bring good, powerful optics including a range finder that is good to 1000 yards. No sence in knowing your ballistics if you don't know the distance!
And practice, practice, practice. Lastly, punch a few holes in paper when you get here to make sure it is shoooting where you think it is. The higher elevation and reduced air pressure will effect your bullets trajectory. Plus a gun/scope can get bumped in travel.
