Load for Pronghorn

[backcountry_sassn]

I know this question opens a can of worms, but what loads do you prefer for pronghorn. I’ll be using my only legal rifle, a Howa 7mm-08 shooting 140gr Nosler ballistic tips loaded with 45 grains of IMR 4350. I’ve killed a few antelope and a couple deer with that so I’ll most likely be using it again but thought I would hear what other hunters are using.

 

[VikingsGuy]

Last two years my pronghorn have been shot with my Weatherby Vanguard 2 (howa 1500 barreled action) in a B&C stock 25-06Rem shooting 100 grain Barnes TTSX over 54.9 grains of H4831SC. This year I will be hunting with my new Bergara Premier Highlander in 280AI - load details yet to be determined but starting with a 145 grain Barnes LRX over H4831SC or H4350.

 

[buffybr]

Quick question...If your only legal rifle is your 7-08, what are your illegal rifles?

I've hunted pronghorns for many years and have used or seen a lot of different cartridges used on them: .22-250, .25-06, .308 Win, .30-06, 7mm RM, .300 Win, .348 Win, and my favorite for most years, my .257 Ackley shooting 115, 117, or 120 grain bullets.
Basically, any expanding bullet shot into the heart/lungs of an antelope will put it down.

 

[VikingsGuy]

Quick question...If your only legal rifle is your 7-08, what are your illegal rifles?

I had that question as well . . .

 

[NEWHunter]

I use my BAR in 7mm (my only legal rifle as well) and Federal Power Shoks for everything. The bullets are 150 gr soft points I think. When those run out I’ll switch to Federal Trophy Coppers and shoot those at everything assuming they perform like all the other Federal ammo I’ve used. I’m thinking non-toxic is the way to go now, especially when I’ve been feeding the kids antelope burgers twice a week for the last two months.

I don’t shoot enough to justify loading my own and Federal factory ammo has always performed well for me.

 

[Bigjay73]

Last two years my pronghorn have been shot with my Weatherby Vanguard 2 (howa 1500 barreled action) in a B&C stock shooting 100 grain Barnes TTSX over 54.9 grains of H4831SC. This year I will be hunting with my new Bergara Premier Highlander in 280AI - load details yet to be determined but starting with a 145 grain Barnes LRX over H4831SC or H4350.

What caliber is your Weatherby?

 

[AvidIndoorsman]

Quick question...If your only legal rifle is your 7-08, what are your illegal rifles?

I've hunted pronghorns for many years and have used or seen a lot of different cartridges used on them: .22-250, .25-06, .308 Win, .30-06, 7mm RM, .300 Win, .348 Win, and my favorite for most years, my .257 Ackley shooting 115, 117, or 120 grain bullets.
Basically, any expanding bullet shot into the heart/lungs of an antelope will put it down.

My money is on .17 fireball and .577 nitro

 

[VikingsGuy]

What caliber is your Weatherby?

Whoops -- 25-06Rem

 

[VikingsGuy]

My money is on .17 fireball and .577 nitro

Maybe full auto?

 

[Doublecluck]

140 gr vld with 45grs of Imr 4451, but I mostly use the big 7’s now a days..

 

[AvidIndoorsman]

Maybe full auto?

Probably just like me and only owns a .22lr and then the one centerfire.

 

[VikingsGuy]

Probably just like me and only owns a .22lr and then the one centerfire.

That's what I assumed, it was just an odd non-sequitur for his post.

 

[buffybr]

Probably just like me and only owns a .22lr and then the one centerfire.

That was also me 50 years ago, a .22lr and a .30-06.

 

[buffybr]

Whoops -- 25-06Rem

IMO the .25 calibers are great for deer, antelope, and sheep.

 

[Flatrock]

The same load I use for deer. Which is the same load I use for elk.

One gun. One load.

 

[backcountry_sassn]

Quick question...If your only legal rifle is your 7-08, what are your illegal rifles?

I've hunted pronghorns for many years and have used or seen a lot of different cartridges used on them: .22-250, .25-06, .308 Win, .30-06, 7mm RM, .300 Win, .348 Win, and my favorite for most years, my .257 Ackley shooting 115, 117, or 120 grain bullets.
Basically, any expanding bullet shot into the heart/lungs of an antelope will put it down.

My I my other rifles are 17hmr, 22 mag, and .204. Has to be a center fire rifle .22 or bigger so even though I am deadly with my 204, can’t use it for lopers

 

[backcountry_sassn]

The same load I use for deer. Which is the same load I use for elk.

One gun. One load.

I like that thinking. I reloaded some 160gr accubonds for a cow elk hunting and ended up grabbing my 140gr ballistic tips. One bullet at 250 yards out her down quick.

 

[MTLabrador]

7mm-08 shooting 140gr Nosler ballistic tips

Absolutely perfect.

 

[Bluffgruff]

I like my elk gun for antelope. Too bad I've never killed an elk with it. I guess it's my antelope gun.

 

[1_pointer]

I've grown fond of a 260 Rem and 136/139gr Lapua Scenars.