Great write up, thanks sharing. Just got done with my NV antelope hunt as well. Had a very similar experience. I think that drought this year is a HUGE factor.
I’ve taken 19 animals with Barnes, and like them a lot, for my rifles and the shots I take they work extremely well, so I have zero complaints. This year I’ll be using both Barnes and Hammers, only because I like to tinker and mix things up, which is why I started shooting Barnes in the first...
I have a light weight 338-06 built on a Rem 700 action, fun rifle to carry, but recoil is pretty stout with 225 gr Partitoons. Switched to 200 gr Accubonds and 185 gr TTSX bullets. Took an elk with with the Accubond, very pleased with the performance. Lately I’ve been shooting 185 gr TTSX...
I use RL23 in my 270wsm with 127 LRX bullets, very accurate, and doesn’t seem to be impacted by temperature much, at least I haven’t noticed a change in POI. Taken lots of game with this combo, and fun to shoot steel out to 700 yards with it.
The antelope unit I applied for went from 3 points last year to 5 points this year in the special draw. I had 4 points, and luck would have it I drew a tag in the random draw. I’m going antelope hunting, yahoo!!!!
Put in for special antelope with 4 points, which puts me 1 point over last years 100% odds. Hopefully point creep doesn't kill my chances. No tag reduction in the unit either, so fingers crossed!
Its kinda like Christmas as a kid with all the anticipation......
If you already own a 270 win, I'd go with a 280 AI with a 1-8 twist barrel. I have two 280 Rems and a 280 AI. The 280 AI really shines with heavier bullets.
Crispi Thor, breathable and good ankle support. My favorite early season hunting boot when the temps are in the 80s - 90s. I’ve hiked through nasty lava fields with these and never worried about rolling my ankles.