Doe Antelope Caliber

[Bluffgruff]

Being a resident of NE Utah, I’m assuming you drew a unit with quite a bit of oilfield activity. The antelope aren’t skittish and your shot will be close (leave the high-end camo at home and wear oilfield attire).

.223 in the boiler room will be plenty!

Seeing how the majority of antelope hunters (not neccesarily including the OP) can shoot a box of ammo on a single tag hunt and come home empty handed, I deem this advice and entire thread "impish."

 

[thomas89]

I shot a doe with my Mossberg MVP predator chambered in 5.56/.223 years ago, first shot At ~200 first shot was a pass through, follow up shot at ~250 was also a pass through, I was shooting 60 or 62 grain Federal Fusion loads.

 

[SD_Prairie_Goat]

Beg to differ, In the right situations with the right bullets, the 223 works just fine for deer size game. My buddy had his 6 year old use my AR, with some handloaded 55 gr hornady spire points I had laying around to shoot his first deer last year. Lung shot, 40 yd run and a dead deer with 2 holes in him. I see this happen every season. You'd be surprised how many whitetails fall to a 223 every fall for kids. If it'll handle a whitetail, its fine on a 90 lb doe antelope.

Come on, you can say that about any caliber. Heck a 22 LR can kill an elk with the right bullet and the right shot. Does that make it an ethical choice? No, but that's just my opinion.

 

[Washington Hunter]

I'd use the 223 just for fun, and the extra challenge of having to get closer. Unless you're limited on time, then use the 7mm so you can be done with your hunt as soon as possible. I agree with what others have said- don't take a shot more than 200 yards with the 223.

 

[Nambaster]

I would use the 223 with full metal jacket rounds, only if the pronghorn was a known terrorist, and by wounding her she would need the assistance of her other conspirators which would distract them temporarily from returning fire. If your intention is to deprive her from going to heaven and being rewarded 10 virgins, then I think you are spot on.

Otherwise, use the 7mm

 

[nrpate05]

The 7mm isn't overkill. You can't kill it too dead. I'd shoot monolithic bullets to minimize meat loss.

 

[Falcon75]

To use a .223 in Wyoming bullet must weigh 60 grains or more. A little harder to find at least in the Midwest. I like .243 or any caliber you shoot well. A good shot is better than a poor one with a cannon. Practice and know your comfortable range and stay in that.

 

[chevyman181]

My neighbor use a 223 for deer and antelope every year. He pretty much fills his tag with his coyote gun when he is checking cows. He killed his goat at 380yrd a couple of years ago. I worked with a few guys that like using a 223 case necked up to 6mm with a 75gr bullet. I think it's plenty.

 

[F250]

Whichever rifle is the most accurate. Keep your shots within your proven and practiced distances.

 

[CPAjeff]

@SDS14 -

How'd the hunt go, what rifle did you end up shooting?

 

[Bdray3]

I use a 300WM on antelope, and everything else. If a softer shooting rifle gets you better shot placement, then use it. I don't see a minimum caliber for UT, but make sure you have the correct bullets. I hate to waste any meat, but front shoulders on antelope are pretty small, so even if its not a direct hit, there is likely some bloodshot meat nearby.

Awesome good to know. I’m planning a Wyoming antelope in a year or two and plan on bringing my .300 win mag. I am shooting Norma whitetail 150 grain. Have been practicing with that ammo out to 400 yards with good results.

 

[Trial153]

375 h&h for me.

 

[ismith]

.45-70 or bust!

45-120 or bust!

 

[gaustin70]

Unless you just don't have and/or can't afford to buy or borrow a larger caliber rifle. The .223 would be a last resort. It can do the job with modern hunting bullets, but it is on the light end of things. The wind blows heavy a lot of the time in WY and light bullets move around a bit and you need to know your ballistics in 20-30mph winds. If you go with .223, I'd use a long barrel and heavy bullet, 69-75gr hunting projectile. I recommend a 6mm something (CM, ARC, Dasher, .243, etc.) or larger if you have or can get it. I've shot and seen shot lopes taken with .308, 6.5CM, 30-06, and 300WM and none were destroyed so you really can't go too big.

If you get a good broadside shot 300yds or under the .223 will do the job with good placement, but if you take a front or rear shot and hit a large bone you might have an animal that can run far enough to cross onto private land and now you have to spend hours trying to find the landowner and get permission to retrieve it. With all the variables, I'd take a larger caliber and take the .223 as your back up rifle.

 

[Hammsolo]

I’d go 7 RM if you shoot it well at mid and longer ranges with a lighter controlled expansion bullet. Antelope aren’t tough and are dinky, but they move a shiz ton and live in the open. Long shots can be necessary. What are your distance expectations? The 7 expands your boundaries and the 223 shrinks them.

Killing whitetails in the forest at 50 yards isn’t the same game.

Make sure to get yourself a solid bipod and practice in higher prone and seated positions. You may be trying to shoot over sage and grass.

 

[6mm Remington]

Your 7mm will work just fine. My father shot lots of antelope with a 7mm using his 160 gr. Partition handloads. A good 160 gr. Partition, Accubond, or E-tip would work superbly.

 

[treydfoster]

22 mag would probably be lethal if legal! But it's not.

 

[treydfoster]

I'd use the 7mm with a smaller bullet selection.

I would avoid the 223, doesn't typically have enough performance for an ethical kill on animals, IMO.

Don't go to rokslide whatever you do

 

[Preacher shaner]

Intook mine with a 7mm mag.

Hey Folks,

I drew a doe antelope tag in Northeast Utah after 6 years of applying. This is my first antelope hunt ever and I am concerned that my 7mm Rem. Mag will be a little too much gun for Doe antelope. Do you agree? What's your thoughts on using a 223 for hunting doe antelope, is that too small of a caliber? I appreciate your opinion and feedback.

Thanks,

-

I took mine with a 7mag. Just stay behind the shoulders. Use a bullet that will stay together so it dose not blow up and destroy everything your food.

 

[Borny1]

I have all sorts of options but prefer my 22-250 and 223 wssm. I shoot 55gr. ballistic tips. At least a dozen antelope have died this way. Antelope are very soft skinned and maybe weigh 120#'s.