.257 Roberts for antelope?

I load for two different .257 Roberts. Both run just over 3000 fps with 100 gr. bullets with 46 gr. H4350. That load comes from John Barsnes and is over what you find in most manuals that limit the old round to lower pressures. In my modern Rugers there is no need to run below 6mm Rem pressure levels(same case). I'm not going to argue that it is better than a 25-06 for longer ranges, but to the ranges I plan on shooting it's all I need!
 
How in the hell would you know what a 25-06 bullet is doing at 700-800 yards. How many rounds have you put downrange at 700-800 with a 25 to compare expansion?? I've done enough to know my BTips will expand at 800 yards if need be. I've cleanly killed animals to 600 yards. I never claimed to shoot anything but targets at 800 yards. If you look at ballistic programs, which you dont even know how to read anyways so it wont do you a bit of good, you'll find your bullets maximum efficient range based on velocity and energy. 1700fps is enough to make Btips expand quite easily, and 725ft lbs is enough to make a litle antelope fall right over with the bullet in or behind the shoulder. I really have no use arguing with you, it doens't get either of us anywhere. SO how bout you stop telling me how to hunt and shoot and we'll probly be fine. I'm not sitting here telling you how to hunt or shoot, I dont care. Theres more idiots out there that shoot a box of shells and think there good shot and wound far more deer then the guy who shoots hundreds, if not thousands at long range and is ready and able to take a shot at long range if it presents itself under the right conditions. Chances are I'd probly hit 75-80% of those stupid soccer balls at 800 yards on a non windy day. I can hit a 15" plate relatively easy on a non windy day at 800 yards, so soccer balls wont really be any different buddy. Once again, I NEVER CLAIMED to hit or kill anythign at 800, but I know from the practice shooting I have done, it would do the job at 800 under the right conditions. To each his own, but dont sit here and tell me how to hunt or shoot when I put more time into it then the average guy even thinks about. You should be more worried about the average idiot who shoots 20-40 shells a year instead of me, just to let you know. Theres guys that can shoot a hell of a lot farther then me and I dont call BS or what the hell ever you wanna say, just cuz YOU CANT DO IT, doesn't meat others cant. Thats all I have to say.
 
Comparing the three you can't go wrong whichever you choose. Your statement about recoil sensitivity may rule out the 25_06. I had a mdl 700 in the .06 my brother swore kicked harder than his 7 mag. I didn't find it to be so but between the three it will definitely have more bark.

For me, I like the 257. Though the ammo choices aren't as plentiful, theres a source I use that gives me plenty of options. You shoot the three, and you'll probaby go with it. I have been using a 700 Classic to hunt with for years in E. Texas and my son was using it on Mule deer in Colorado for years before that when we lived there.
 
Koyotekiller25, it's those 25% of missed soccer balls that really concerns me which could otherwise be interpretted to mean that one in every four antelope you shoot at would end up wounded.

I will refrain from shooting at big game unless it's at a yardage that I am relatively certain that I can connect with a vital hit 100% of the time, with a bullet designed to perform with the available energy and velocity provided at those distances.

I've done enough long range shooting to know that the variables are much more magnified. Doping the slightest of breezes becomes extremely tricky and is beyond the capabilities of most.

I communicate with the guys at Nosler on a fairly frequent basis and in fact have hunted with some. The initial BT bullets were way to fragile for big game in some instances and it was re-engineerd, giving the BT better integrity for shots at relatively close range at high velocity on big game. You may find that these BT's do not perform adequately at 800 yards in a 25.06 with the energies provided.

A 600 yard shot is still stretching it for most people but much more realistic than 800 on big game.

My biggest gripe was the fact I thought people would be mislead into believing they could take out a 25.06 and start making Michael Jordan shots 800 yards out. It aint going to happen.

Good hunting to you, I enjoyed the debate even if it did get a little heated.
 
Since the ballistics have been hammered on, let me talk about the practical side of hunting pronghorn.

They have some of the best eyes on four legs and a wicked sense of humor. If they spot you, they'll trot over the next rise and wait for you to wander over and expose yourself again. I watched one antilope play that game with a tourist who wanted a photo. Before he knew it, he was two miles from the truck and no closer to the antilope!

If you can "put a sneak on" an antilope and crawl through the sagebrush to get within 100-200 yards, be my guest with a 243 or 257 Roberts. I have one hunting buddy that is deadly with a 243 because he can crawl like a snake.

If there is any chance that your shot will be closer to 300 yards (or beyond), because that's as close as you can get... bring the .25-06. You just need to make some decisions.

BTW, my daughter has been shooting my .270 since she was a teenager (she's 32 now). IMHO, recoil sensitivity is learned. You don't have to "suffer with it".

Cheers!
Dave
 

Quote:
If you can "put a sneak on" an antilope and crawl through the sagebrush to get within 100-200 yards, be my guest with a 243 or 257 Roberts. I have one hunting buddy that is deadly with a 243 because he can crawl like a snake.





I guess those guys that kill pronghorns with a bow must be plumb reptilian. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif
 
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