The T/C Custom Shop just announced new calibers for the Encore Rifle. I plan to buy one in 26 inch length for antelope hunting. Which of the following calibers is best, and with which bullet? Choices are 250 Savage Ackley Improved, 257 Roberts AI, 25-06 AI, 6.5-284, or 280 Rem AI.
I have observed repeatedly that if you hit an antelope anywhere with anything, including in the toenail with a .223, you can walk up and bag them. Consequently I don't see much reason for a specialized antelope rifle. Antelope hunting is just too easy for that. Sure, some shots might be long, but if you connect, you will get him.
Just choose whatever caliber strikes your fancy, and you will have some of those smelly antelope steaks in the freezer haunting you for the next year.
Posts: 18352 | Location: Salt Lake City, Utah USA | Registered: 20 April 2002
I agree w/ Ray, but since you want us to pick I would go .25-06AI. As far as table fare, if taken cleanly w/o having them run for miles & miles, antelope meat is quite good. I prefer it to deer venison. Good luck!
Posts: 7752 | Location: kalif.,usa | Registered: 08 March 2001
Take your choice of the calibers mentioned. Obviously, the larger rounds will give you more velocity and marginally more range, if this is important.
I won't say I disagree that antelopes (pronghorns) are easy to kill, but in two hunts, I have killed two and watched three others killed. All seemed tougher and more tenacious to life than similarly-sized whitetails. This may be an abberation, but at any rate, any of the .25's through 7's will do for the American Pronghorn.
Posts: 13263 | Location: Henly, TX, USA | Registered: 04 April 2001
Lots of calibers will work well. I've used the .300 Winchester as well as the .270 Winchester for all of my pronghorn hunting. Of the two, my favorite is the .270 loaded with good 130 gr. bullets at about 3150 fps. or thereabouts. It's easy to shoot and hit with, and it kills very, very well indeed. In my book, the .270 Win. is the perfect pronghorn caliber.
I would go with the 257 AI, not that my opinion would be biased in any way. Loaded with 100gr Hornady Interlocks it is great antelope medicine. Plenty of punch and minimal meat damage. My longest shot on an antelope was close to 450 yards and he dropped at the shot. The bullet went through one shoulder, through the body cavity and stopped in the off shoulder.
------------------ When in doubt, empty the magazine.
My choice is 7MM-08 with the 120 grain pill. Very mild recoil and very accurate round. Pronghorns are like caribou and fall over at the drop of a hat. Bullet selection along with bullet placement is the key to any game harvest.
I have shot deer with my 257AI using the 115gr Ballistic Tip. When I go for Antelope I usually carry a 257 weatherby ultra light loaded with the 115 Ballistic tips. If you try the 257 AI you will like it.
I can tell from your choices that you are more interested in case forming than shooting. Any of those calibres would work. I would lean toward the 7mm's because of the bullet choices. While an antelope, FAIRLY HIT, is pretty easy with any calibre, I think 500 certainly overstated their vulnerability.
Posts: 2037 | Location: frametown west virginia usa | Registered: 14 October 2001
Loaded with 100gr Hornady Interlocks it is great antelope medicine. Plenty of punch and minimal meat damage. My longest shot on an antelope was close to 450 yards and he dropped at the shot. The bullet went through one shoulder, through the body cavity and stopped in the off shoulder.
