Headin out for antelope for the first time this year. I have a .243, 30'06, and .338. Using this as an excuse for a new gun. Want the "best" thing for antelope that falls b/w the .243 and the '06. Will probably go pretty light weight in that recoil doesn't bother me but luggin extra pounds does.

Caliber?

Rifle?

Scope?

Don't want to spend Sako kinda cash, I don't want to have to reload, have no preference re PF or CRF for this gun, I have a Browning, Ruger and S+W1500 to date. All present scopes are Leupolds. I want speed/trajectory plus downrange performance (energy and wind bucking). Not asking for much now am I. Oh yeah, most of my hunting is whitetail and like to use all my guns from time to time in such pursuit.

Thanks

Caliber :25.06


Rifle : Personal Preference( Model 70 Win.Classic or Remington 700 BDL)


scope : 3.5 X 10 X 50 Leupold Vari X III

JMHO

Just as Swampdog stated or maybe a 257 weatherby but nothing wrong with your 243 either .

I'll second swampdog with the 25-06. I would say to look at another Browning or Tikka. Scope of either Lepould or Burris.

Here's another vote for the .25-06. I would also look into the 257 Roberts, 260 Remington or 6.5 x 55 also.

25-06 is great, but since you want to stay light short action may be the way to go. I would go with .260 to satisfy the between .243 and 30-06 requirement. But if you want to be on the edge you could try the 25 WSSM. Looks like it would meet you needs well, but your not going to find ammo at the counter store, and in my opinion probly never will. Just don't see it catching on.

I like the mod. 70 featherweight. The 25 WSSM only weighs 6 lbs. There long actions weight 1.25 lbs more.

The REM 700 mnt. comes in .260 weights 6.5 lbs.

Another good choose budget pending is the Sako finnlight their 25.06 weights 6.5 lbs. I have a 75 hunter in 7mm-08 (very sweet) opps. just read you didn't want to spend sako money.

Very hard to beat the .25-06.....get it in a M-70 or M700 rifle with a good 3 X 9 scope and have at it.

I wish I could offer an original thought, but a 25-06 with a 3.5 x 10 Leupold is pretty tough to beat. Not to mention it will make a great praire dog gun the rest of the year. Use your regular hunting load to shoot praire dogs all summer at 300-500 yards and that antelope will look huge in the scope.

Can't go wrong with a 25-06 for antelope, but if you want a light weight rifle also take a
look at the Remington 700 LSS Mtn. rifle (laminated stock with stainless barrel/action).
It's available in .270 Win. which is never wrong out west for antelope or mule deer.
Rifle weight is just 6-5/8 lbs. I'd put a good 2-7x or 3-9x Leupold on it.

Of course, if you really want to have fun take a 30-30, and try stalking within about
50-75yds of 'em. It can be done, I know because I did it many a time when I lived out
in Wyoming. Or, you can lure them in too. Pronghorns are some of the most curious animals around. Your .243 is all you really need, but then again we all need an excuse now & then for a new rifle.
Good luck.

ps: If you try crawling around thru the sage brush to get close be sure to watch out
for the rattlesnakes. Other than that, have fun!

7mm STW, or .257 Wby. Mag. Good Shooting!!