I've just returned from a safari on which, for the first time ever, I took a .223rem. It was a new Savage Mdl. 10 Precision Carbine topped with a 6.5-20x Vortex scope and shooting the Hornady 55gr. V-MAX factory ammo. The intent was to use this rifle exclusively on small antelope. I took a Sharpe's Grysbuck and a Klippspringer while my partner used it to take a Duiker.

The combination proved to be very effective on these smaller antelope and while the Duiker and Grysbok were shot at under 100 yards, the Klippie was taken at what I estimate to have been over 300 yards - battery in the range finder picked this time to go dead, of course. All were one shot kills.

Partner and PH were both favorably impressed with the Savage rifle's design, size and performance as well as the versatility and features of the Vortex scope. The Hornady V-MAX ammunition performed flawlessly.

Lionhunter---Besides one shot, how far did they travel? Be warned there will be someone on here calling you a liar--a .223 with VMAX can't perform that way. Just doesn't work on his keyboard.

I shot my Stenbuck in Namibia using the PH's 223 with FMJ rounds. I shot the Stenbuck at 150yds and he went right down.

All three were DRT, including the largest of them, the Duiker. I guess the antelope in Zim didn't get the memo on Hornady V-MAX not working.
BANG - FLOP!

I used a lot less of a gun for African small antelope such as duiker....my 60 grain .25-20 at 2200 FPS did the trick with flying colors!

quote:

Originally posted by carpetman1:
there will be someone on here calling you a liar--a .223 with VMAX can't perform that way. Just doesn't work on his keyboard.

Duikers and such antelope weigh (an extimated) 30 pounds on the hoof!....they barely make a decent sandwich!

I've shot duiker and steenbok with a 45/70 and .375 H&H and they both ran a short distance. I may have to use something bigger next time.

Congrats on the hunt! Now let's see some pics!

Never been to Africa but I can see where a small caliber would work well. Can't see where you like your Vortex scope though. I wish I had never bought my Viper.

Sorry this took so long, but here's the pics.

Sharpe's Grysbok



Klipspringer

Wow - Great Klippie. I don't know why the 223 don't get no respect. Guess it's a Rodney Dangerfield cartridge. I've used mine on some good mule deer & antelope with good results.

Pictures look great! Congrats again.

Mike

Excellent Job buddy! At times I have thought of 223 on one of my trips, but always on a mission with the big bores, and never enough room or weight allowance.

Next mission with your 223 we will have the ESP Raptors for you to give a go!

Great Job again!

Michael

Pancho & Scott,

Thanks for the comments. Field measurement shows the Grysbok is a very good specimen - Gold - and the Klippie will make book also. These guys were both difficult to collect and neither allowed for trophy evaluation; it was simply shoot 'em when you can find 'em.

Michael,

As you know, I was interested in taking the NonCons for my .223 but we just couldn't get them in time to develop the load. I do look forward to using the Raptors on future hunts. Although most of my little guys were relatively easy to get - Blue Duiker was an exception - these two were a much greater challenge on this safari than either of the Eles or the Lion.

Sharpe's Grysbok: Ht. = 18"-20"; Wt. = 16.5 lbs. Beautiful red coat with mix of silver hairs - hence Grysbok.
Klipspringer: Ht. = 20"-22"; Wt. = 20-35 lbs. Beautiful dark coat with golden hairs.

Both are smaller than the Common Duiker.

I have culled Springbok, Hartebeest, Impala, even Kudu with the .223 and 6x45..The work fine within there boundries and thats about 200 yards max with well placed shots.

Back40,
Shooting the smaller animals and on up to Kudu with the 375 or even the bigger DG calibers is usually disapointing to the first timer...Those big bores don't normally kill smaller animals very fast and they usually run upwards to perhaps a 100 yards with well placed shots, but they leave a good blood trail and recovery is easy..The tougher construction of the bullets does not allow the quick expansion needed on smaller game..I much prefer the 06 for Gemsbok, Kudu, Leopard, even Eland I think but school is out on that one.

quote:

Back40,
Shooting the smaller animals and on up to Kudu with the 375 or even the bigger DG calibers is usually disapointing to the first timer...Those big bores don't normally kill smaller animals very fast and they usually run upwards to perhaps a 100 yards with well placed shots, but they leave a good blood trail and recovery is easy..The tougher construction of the bullets does not allow the quick expansion needed on smaller game..I much prefer the 06 for Gemsbok, Kudu, Leopard, even Eland I think but school is out on that one.

I've shot enough of them with enough differant guns to know, thats why the winking smilelyface. I agree with you, and my Namibian pal on eland, they just dont seem that tough. My pal there shoots them from the farmers cull tags and sells the meat, he calls them "sissies"
One of the farmers grandkids taught me a lesson on shooting when we went to pick up a kudu he'd shot through the heart with a .223. he later pulled out a pack of pictures of kudu, heartbeast, gemsbok duikers and such he'd shot with that little CZ .223.

Its mostly about bullet placement and bullet construction and range is the perimeter for small bores IMO, caliber comes in there about 4th I guess.