I drew the tag for the Oryx hunt in New Mexico for Jan. 2015. Now to decide what gun to take and what load to work on. I am leaning to my 300WM and 180 grain bullets. I have yet to work up a load for this gun and have only shot some factory ammo to this point. I have some Barnes Triple Shocks and some Nosler Accubonds on the shelf but am not married to either. I mostly bowhunt anymore so my rifles have tended to stay in the safe but trying to do a bit more rifle hunting as I get older. I could go smaller to the 7 mag with 160 Nosler Partitions that I have worked up and used on elk or go to 300 Ulta Mag or even a 338 but would have to work up loads for those also.

3006cal 165 or 168gr TSX or TTSX righ on the shoulder and DRT. Travelling at 2750fps. It's all you'll need. Have fun and get a big one!

If you don't have the time or the inclination to work up loads, the Noslers in the 7mm Mag will work just fine.

I'd go with the 180 Acubond.

Any of these will work just fine. Study the anatomy and place your shot appropriately.

I would not go below a .30 cal and 180 grain offering. Oryx are tough and don't always present the "perfect" shot angle. You don't want to waste an opportunity like this by being under gunned. I would use a Barnes TSX, sight in for 200 yard zero, and know where the bullet strikes at 300 and 400 yards. Long shots on New Mexico Oryx are quite possible as these animals are a lot more skittish than they were 10 years ago in most hunting areas. You didn't mention whether your hunt was "on or off" the White Sands Range? Just curious on that.

FWIW a .338 Win mag with a 210 grain bullet would be my absolute first choice for this hunt.
Have fun and enjoy the New Mexico Desert Country.

Larry Sellers
SCI(International)Life Member
Sabatti 'trash' Double Shooter
R8 Blaser
DRSS

I have done this "once in lifetime" hunt and Larry is spot on with his comments. I used a pre 64 300 H&H with 200 A Frames. My only shot came with less than 30 minutes left at 200 yards. I was happy as hell I decided to take "more than enough" for this one shot! Dropped him cleanly with one shot and yes you can get lucky and kill one the first thirty minutes but these are no longer easy kill hunts. Enjoy and take "more than enough"!

Any of the rifle/bullet combinations would be just fine (well, the monometals are okay when they actually expand, which is most of the time, anyway.) More important than obsessing over the tiny theoretical differences in the caliber/bullet combinations, you would do well to take the rifle which is the most accurate, which you can shoot the best, which is equipped with the most useful scope (a variable of no more than 10X or so on the high end), and in which you have confidence.

The difference in a 7mm Magnum and a .338 in taking an oryx is quibbling over pocket change.

Larry - My hunt is on range and is the once in a lifetime hunt. I drew for the "stallion range" and will be using an outfitter which will be Bob Atwood of Blue Mountain Outfitters. I have known Bob a long time and have hunted elk with him and will be hunting antelope with him this September. So far he is 100% on Oryx and I am hoping I don't break the string. I had the 300 at the range today with factory ammo using Hornady 180 SST's which is what the guy I bought it from used - he claimed exceptional groups but I have never been able to get those - Out of 10 shots I did have 4 in about 3/4" but the other 6 made it about a 2" group at 100. I had federal fusion 180's and had 4 shots in .947. I like what you say - basically only a 2 day hunt and I don't want to be under gunned if the only opportunity I get isn't a direct broadside shot.

I killed mine in RSA four years ago. 300 WM with Barnes 180gr factory ammo. I swear he was dead when he hit the ground. Until he got up and staggered off trying to catch his herd. Hours in 90-degree weather, and ten miles later, I put a second bullet in him. Then he made it about 200yds and finally hit the dirt for good.

They are incredibly tough, maybe the toughest antelope you will ever see.

Good luck,

Rich

Stone - My most "Accurate" rifle that I shoot best is a .243 bolt gun. Don't think I would take it for Oryx though. Curious as to what you base your "no difference" in a 7mm mag and .338mag on? It's not a theoretical difference as I beg to point out a big difference in ALL the major categories for determining effectiveness on big game. Just for grins, wondering how many Oryx you have taken over here in New Mexico?

tped - Congrats on the once in a lifetime on range hunt draw. Your choice of a guide is top notch as well. Wish you all the best and let us know how it turns out. Pics and details please.



Larry Sellers
SCI(International)Life Member
Sabatti 'trash' Double Shooter
R8 Blaser
DRSS

quote:

Originally posted by Stonecreek:
Any of the rifle/bullet combinations would be just fine (well, the monometals are okay when they actually expand, which is most of the time, anyway.) More important than obsessing over the tiny theoretical differences in the caliber/bullet combinations, you would do well to take the rifle which is the most accurate, which you can shoot the best, which is equipped with the most useful scope (a variable of no more than 10X or so on the high end), and in which you have confidence.

The difference in a 7mm Magnum and a .338 in taking an oryx is quibbling over pocket change.

Where you will be hunting is some very open country and shots can be long..IMO the 300s with the 200 gr. Nosler are about ideal..A .338 with 210 Nosler is a great Oryx caliber...

I wouldn't hesitate to use a 30-06 with 180 or 200 gr. Noslers, but the 300 and 338 are just better if you can shoot them well...

I greatly appreciate the information provided.I think it will come down to the 300 or 338 depending on which shoots better between the gun and me shooting it. I do have 100 - 210 Nosler Partitions in 338 on the shelf just begging to be used. I have a feeling that using what I and we may think is best may come down to making the most of what is available.
Availability of bullet tips and powders is scarcer than scarce right now. Any of you have a pet load for that 210 Nosler?

did mine with a 338 WMag at 350 yards, using a 250 Barnes TSX.

Was at a very sharp angle.

bullet went in rear quarter and out opposite front shoulder and as far as I know is still going.

DRT

Sounds like fun preparing for the hunt. Do the physical prep (hiking with hills or stadium steps) and enjoy the range work and load development.

I've never shot an oryx but have shot a bunch of its cousins, the roan antelope. The 270/7mm bullets will take the animal, certainly the 30's, but 338's seem to give better put-down power/diameter.

On bullet weight, I used to use 250 Nosler partitions thirty years ago. They provide a little more penetration than the 210 grain NP. Of course, you should take this with a grain of salt. I'm prejudiced toward heavier bullets because buffalo lurk in the same range as roan antelope and maximum penetration becomes a kind of yard-stick for such hunting.

With the monometal bullets the BC becomes a factor and an advantage, while maintaining a penetration advantage over the super-BC cup and core bullets. The Barnes TTSX 225 grain bullet has a BC of .514, which helps it resist wind drift, even though it gives up a little muzzle velocity to the 210 TTSX.
If someone shoots the 225 TTSX at 2820fps, sighted in 2.0" at 100 yards, the 400-yard drop is 20" and the winddrift (10mph) is 11.5".
For comparison the 210 TTSX at 2912fps, sighted in 2.0" at 100 yards, the 400-yard drop is 18.5" and the winddrift (10mph) is 12.0".
You should be using a rangefinder for anything over 250 yards anyway, so the drop maybe be less important than the winddrift and penetration. The longrange shot will likely be at a broadside, since there is usually time for waiting for a 'best' presentation. However, under 250 yards can often require a poorer presentation in which case maximum penetration is appreciated. At 150 yards I would prefer a 225gn TTSX over the 210gn TTSX, at 400 yards it's a tossup, trading drop with winddrift. (Barnes does make a .338" with higher BC's but the bullet is so long that stability becomes a factor and the projection into the powder capacity starts to lower the cartridge's overall power. I like 3900-4000ftlbs for the 338WM.)

The bottom line, of course, is that all of the calibre and bullets are going to work close to equally well over 75% of the time and the more powerful cartridges like the 300WM and 338WM will be indistinguishable 95% of the time or more. It sounds like Rich, above, landed in a "5%" zone.

Between your 300WM and 338WM, which is more accurate? That rifle would be your gun for a once in a lifetime hunt.

I think you're on the right track with the .300 and 180s (though I'd shy away from SSTs on these notoriously tough oryx) or .338 with 210. I killed my first NM oryx with a 180 grain Partition from a .300 Win. One shot, short run, dead oryx. Shot one in Namibia with 225 grain Barnes TSXs in a .338. Took three shots, but that was my fault for hitting only one lung on the first shot. Don't do that by the way! Shot my third (and second in NM) just last summer with 150 grain TTSXs in my .300 WSM. Again, one shot, short run, big cloud of dust. My wife has killed both of hers with her .257 Roberts, once shooting 120 grain Hornady Interlocks and once with 100 grain TSXs. Both took multiple shots, but did succumb to the little Bob. She now has a .338 Federal for the next time she gets a tag (wishful thinking).

So, do as Mr. 416 recommends above, select the most accurate and comfortable rifle between your .300 and .338 and take that one.

Best of luck on your NM hunt!

I spoke with my outfitter today for the first time as he was in the mountains chasing turkeys all last week. He mentioned what Larry did earlier in that a 400 yard shot may not be out of reason. He indicated the more they are hunted the larger animals tend to stay way out in the open as protection and while the goal is to get close many times it doesn't happen so he suggested flatter shooting over more power and preferred the 300 oveer the 338 for the flatter trajectory but said the one that is most accurate and I am most ccomfortable shooting is the one I should use. He is a big fan of the 270 and killed his last with it shooting 130 grain Barnes Triple shocks at 260 yards. I'm not about to try that and will play with the 300 & 338 and the winner will show itself over the next few months.

We hunted via Stallion Gate in 2010. Be thankful you are going in January and not August like we did!

My late FIL used a 9.3x62 with and, regrettably, did not use the 250 ABs. I would be comfortable with such a load.

I am not so sure the 300 mags are much flatter than a 338. The bc,s on a 225 grain accubond are excellent.
If you can get 2850 out of one thats a prety good choice...tj

Some years back, a friend in Las Cruces got drawn on Oryx cull hunts two years in a row. The first year he used a .260 Model 7 short barrel with 140 gr Nosler Partitions @2670 fps. Next year he used a .280 Remington Model 700 with Remington factory loads. Don't know which load he used, probably standard Core Lokts. Both rifles provided one-shot kills and said friend said he noticed no difference in killing power.

i guess then ole scimitar horned ones are just the wimps of the family.. they are routinely taken with 270s, 308s, and 30-06 ... me? 375 ruger be a preference, but i wouldnt feel under gunned with a 7x64 or 308 ... or 300 win with 165gr tsx

Wait, isn't a .223 more appropriate?

quote:

me? 375 ruger be a preference

The 375 Ruger with a .424-BC 250 grain TTSX at 2900fps.
That should do oryx at any angle out to 450 yards.

The stats: +2" 100-yard sight-in, -6.3" drop, 2930ftlbs, at 300 yards, and -20" drop at 400 yards with 2500ftlbs, staying above 2000fps and 2250 ftlbs past 450 yards.
That's flat, and powerful, and with diameter, in a popularly-priced package. Put a Limbsaver on it for smooth comfort.

I have been on that hunt.

I would use the 300 WM 180 grain. I don't like Barnes, but I know that I am in the minority. I used them in Africa and DID NOT like them.

When you get one down, put an insurance shot in it. They are TOUGH!

quote:

Originally posted by Idaho Sharpshooter:
I killed mine in RSA four years ago. 300 WM with Barnes 180gr factory ammo. I swear he was dead when he hit the ground. Until he got up and staggered off trying to catch his herd. Hours in 90-degree weather, and ten miles later, I put a second bullet in him. Then he made it about 200yds and finally hit the dirt for good.

A far too frequent experience with monometal bullets.

Stone - Please expound on some of your all to frequent experiences with monometal projectiles not performing. Making a statement without any examples is, well I guess, just a statement. Not flaming, just like to hear about some of you experienced failures.

I have taken three Cape Buff, Hippo, Croc, Sable, two Oryx, Leopard, three Kudu, Zebra and many more critters with the Barnes TSX without a failure, so would like to hear about failures you have had. Thanks.

Larry Sellers
SCI(International)Life Member
Sabatti 'trash' Double Shooter
R8 Blaser
DRSS

quote:

Originally posted by Stonecreek:

quote:

Originally posted by Idaho Sharpshooter:
I killed mine in RSA four years ago. 300 WM with Barnes 180gr factory ammo. I swear he was dead when he hit the ground. Until he got up and staggered off trying to catch his herd. Hours in 90-degree weather, and ten miles later, I put a second bullet in him. Then he made it about 200yds and finally hit the dirt for good.

A far too frequent experience with monometal bullets.

I like to learn, too.

I remember a discussion on a forum a few years ago about a TTSX with a crushed tip and possibly keyholing into the animal. Point of impact is one item that always needs scrutiny and as much information about the wound channel as possible.

RIP also had a 450 grain .510" GSC hollow point tumble for some reason, but that is currently my lead bullet for the 500 AccRel Nyati.


It might be best to start a separate thread if focussing on monometal failure reports.

Good idea Tanzan - Maybe Stonecreek can start up a thread on "failures" and we can continue there? Would like to hear not only about Barnes, but some of the others as well.

Larry Sellers
SCI(International)Life Member
Sabatti 'trash' Double Shooter
R8 Blaser
DRSS

I have been shooting the .338 since its birth. Thats so long ago folks told me it was the cat meow! My favorite load is a max charge or a gallon of H4831 or IMR-4350 and the 210 Nolser..I have shot both the 210 and 250 on most game here and in Africa..I suppose the 250 will out penetrate the 210, but you couldn't prove it by my experience..I love the 210 an in my 26 inch barrel it cooked at 3005 FPS average of 1 chronographed shots, accuracy was incredible..My latest .338 Ruger with a 24 inch tube won't quite get to 3000, but it plently close enough for guvmint work...I suggest a max load of IMR-4350 has the edge, and of course the same can be said for RL-19 and it measures better...I won't quote my loads, its scares some folks, but the Reloading books offer the good loads.

I'll have to add for Stonecreeks sake, that I have had 3 failures with monolithic bullets by an American bullet maker..One with a 300 H&H on a coyote that went 2 miles and died; one with a 308 on a deer that went about a mile and was recovered by another hunter. another with a .338 on a Kudu and the bullet went behind the shoulder and turned and came out the off side hip..
I determined, right or wrongly, that in each case the hollow points pinched shut on bone and changed course and failed to open up and one exited in a keyhole..In each case the leg bone or shoulder showed partial destruction or a scrape. By the same token I have shot a lot of big game with my 6x45 and Barnes' old 75 gr. HP and with 110% success..
My take at the time was when they work they work admirably but when they fail, they fail miserably..
I have seen a lot of perfect performance from these same bullets over the years and I have to qualify that these failures were in the 1980 too 83, and many changes have taken place..

I have had the best of success with the GS Customs monolithic HP bullets on everything from Duiker to Cape Buffalo.

I have a lot of friends that swear by them and these boys are experts in the field of hunting and balistics, and well known in the hunting comunity..
I'm going to give them another try as they have made some major changes in bullet design since my troubles..

I took one in SA with my M70 300 Win Mag shooting a 180gr Swift A Frame. A bang flop.

quote:

Originally posted by Larry Sellers:
Stone - Please expound on some of your all to frequent experiences with monometal projectiles not performing. Making a statement without any examples is, well I guess, just a statement. Not flaming, just like to hear about some of you experienced failures.

I have taken three Cape Buff, Hippo, Croc, Sable, two Oryx, Leopard, three Kudu, Zebra and many more critters with the Barnes TSX without a failure, so would like to hear about failures you have had. Thanks.

Larry Sellers
SCI(International)Life Member
Sabatti 'trash' Double Shooter
R8 Blaser
DRSS

quote:

Originally posted by Stonecreek:

quote:

Originally posted by Idaho Sharpshooter:
I killed mine in RSA four years ago. 300 WM with Barnes 180gr factory ammo. I swear he was dead when he hit the ground. Until he got up and staggered off trying to catch his herd. Hours in 90-degree weather, and ten miles later, I put a second bullet in him. Then he made it about 200yds and finally hit the dirt for good.

A far too frequent experience with monometal bullets.

Idahosharpshooter's post was an example; I merely called attention to it. If you want more examples, glean through the posts of many people who have had similar experiences with monometal bullets.

I've taken 2 gemsbok/oryx. Both were taken with a .375 H&H. One with a 250 gr Sierra GameKing and the other with a Barnes 235 TSX. Heart shot on the first with the Sierra. He went 400 yards, dead on his feet and the second dropped in his tracks. .338 WM with a Barnes 225 gr TSX will do the job quite nicely. But I tend to use enough gun.

I used a 7Mag 175 grain for my off-range hunt. I took him at about 200 yards. He ran about 100 yards and fell over. Best meat I've ever eaten. Mine was an old bull with the tip of one horn broken off.

I am not a bullet expert.

However, in Stonecreeks defense, I will see if I can find my "barnes" pic's from my 2011 hunt.

I had several failures. One exploded on impact (eland) and I had a few that did not expand (warthog, wildebeest....).

I a few performed perfectly.

quote:

Originally posted by Jason P:
I am not a bullet expert.

However, in Stonecreeks defense, I will see if I can find my "barnes" pic's from my 2011 hunt.

I had several failures. One exploded on impact (eland) and I had a few that did not expand (warthog, wildebeest....).

I a few performed perfectly.

Pictures would be nice. If you find them would you be able to start a new thread? It would be good to have data out in the open.

416:

I will see if I can get some pics. I will start a thread on this forum (if I can locate them).

Just from practical point, I would take my 300 ultras mag. Knowing that shots Might be very long, I would like to have plenty of buffer.the best long range rifle you have or can get and heavy for caliber bullets.

Oryx are tough animals, but are not invincible. I killed three of them in New Mexico when I lived there. I used a 7mag with 160-grain X Bullets. I was with a range rider on one hunt and he told me that he had a hunter with him one time that broke his rifle and so used the rider's coyote rifle to kill his oryx. He killed hum with one shot through the heart with a 90-grain speer from a .243.

Shoot the rifle that you are comfortable with and shoot a premium bullet of reasonable weight for the caliber. I would stay with a 180+ in your 300. Stay away from the frangible crap like ballistic tips or SST. They may fail to penetrate well on heavy hide and bone-and oryx have incredibly heavy hide and bone.

To hit the heart, you have to shoot ahead of where you would normally hit a deer or elk. It is virtually straight through the front leg bone, so penetration is very important on those big animals.

You will have a fun hunt for a very unique and beautiful trophy. The meat is also second to none in the world.

Call me a Luddite but what's wrong with Nosler Partitions? In my experience and from all I hear from others, they work perfectly 99.999+% of the time with no drama.
I have always found them to shoot accurately, although some folks have said the older ones of 20+ years ago were difficult to get shooting accurately.

quote:

Originally posted by steyrsteve:
Call me a Luddite but what's wrong with Nosler Partitions? In my experience and from all I hear from others, they work perfectly 99.999+% of the time with no drama.
I have always found them to shoot accurately, although some folks have said the older ones of 20+ years ago were difficult to get shooting accurately.

They are my pick for any hunt now.