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Antilope

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26 February 2003, 14:05
Lone Hunter
Antilope
If we get tags I will be heading to Wyoming to hunt Antilope this fall. I have two guns I feel are suitible a Savage Striker in 243 Win and a Lone Eagle in 7mm/08. What bullets would you suggest. I have tried sierras 130gr-7mm bullet. On close shots on deer they blow up. They would probly work ok on a 200 yard shot on Antilope. I have a box of 140gr. Nosler Balistic Tip I have yet to load up. May be on the heavy side.
My Striker[243] shoots 90gr. Balistic Tips into a nice big pattern, So they are out. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks Lone Eagle
26 February 2003, 16:09
xphunter
I used 140 BT's for a number of years with a 14 inch 7mm-08 (MV 2540 f.p.s.). It worked well on antelope, mulies and whitetail for me out to 300 yards.
xphunter
26 February 2003, 16:24
Bobby Tomek
The Sierra 130 grain SSPs are designed for the lower velocity of the 7-30, 7 BR, 7 TCU, etc. -- and like you found out, are fragile from a 7-08 at close range. The Speer 130 grain BTSP works quite well from a 7-08 in a pistol barrel, but so does the 140 grain Nosler Ballistic Tip. My pick: the 140 grain BT, a bullet that always exhibits tremendous accuracy.

From your .243, I'd go with the Sierra 85 grain BTHP GameKing or Speer 85 grain BTSP. Either will anchor a 'lope with ease.
27 February 2003, 05:47
sscoyote
Lone Hunter, i have hunted antelope 4 or 5 times in Wyoming and 10 years or so in CO. Just a couple suggestion here. Over those years the 3 most important things i've learned is to bring some knee pads for crawling to get within range. I can't remember the last time i crawled on antelope and couldn't get close enuf for a shot. It's the most rewarding method of hunting antelope i've ever done. Another thing is if you're using a plex reticle in your scope, make sure you know where the p.o.i. is for the post of the plex, for any long shots you may need to make. That info can usually be found on the scopemakers website (watch out for Burris's tho-- they're not right, you'll have to call the co. for the info.). Actually you can just take a couple of seconds next time you're at the 100 yd. range and simply take careful note of where the post is relative to center x-hair. Also if you don't have a rangefinder the plex will work nicely in a pinch. A buck antelope is about 15-16" back to brisket. Find out what the plex measurement is and crunch the #'s. Remember if you're using a variable power scope, changes in magnification, image size and reticle subtensions are all linear,so caculations are very simple, and it works!! I know guys that have approached this method systematically and have taken game at long ranges, under the right conditions when no other option was available. Sorry to be so long-winded
27 February 2003, 05:55
sscoyote
One other idea on the .243. Might try the various 100 gr SP bullets (they have pretty good B.C.'s even relative to the more popular plastic tipped's these days). Also Hornady's making a 100 gr. SST?? That just might be a 24 cal. shooters dream come true.
28 February 2003, 16:14
erict
SSCOYOTE - YOU HAVE PM FROM A FEW DAYS BACK - FORGOT TO SEND REMINDER.
03 March 2003, 09:07
sscoyote
Erict, I'm computer dumb-- What's a PM??
03 March 2003, 09:48
sscoyote
That's ok-- I figured it out.
03 March 2003, 08:39
Lone Hunter
Thanks for the input everyone, Thanks Lone Hunter