Another Caliber Question

T

TeufelhundenHunter

New member
Is a .22-250 with a 65 grn bullet considered ethical for Mt. Lions. I know everything is about shot placement, range, believe me I've read the posts. Shot placement is always key for me, I've bowhunted for elk in central WA for 13 Yrs so I always pay attention to where my shots are going, I was just wondering what the Big Cat pro's had to say on the subject since this will be my first season actually pursuing Cougars.
 
Here in Idaho lots of mountain lions are taken out of trees with a 22 rifle or revolver. I've a friend whom shoots them treed with a 32 H&R mag. I sure don't see where a 22-250 wouldn't work if your careful with your shots. I'd consider some of the new .224 bullets such as the Nosler that's designed for big game instead of varmints.

If your hunting behind dogs that tree the big cats most anything will work. If your doing the spot and stalk thing then your 250 with the proper bullets will work, but I'd probably go with something bigger.

I would use any caliber that you would for deer hunting beginning with the 243. If cougar is classed as big game in Arizona I'd also check to see if there are any caliber restrictions on the weapon used for big game. Some states limit how small a cartridge or how much energy is delivered for big game hunting.
 
I agree with IDBob if your not going to be taking it out of a tree you will most likely want a heavier cartridge, cause you dont want to have to track down that lion cause you could end up on a long walk.
 
I sold mules to many lion hunters in Az. I let them try out the prospective mule purchase on a lion hunt, hee hee, as long as I got to go. I saw many lions shot. Guys shot them with all kinds of guns, but the more experienced guys used a gun that was minimal, with a 30/30 being a magnum. It is hard to comprehend just how lethal a 22 mag loaded with 40g Win Hp is on a lion. Your 22/250 with the 65 will be plenty adequate. If your gun does not like the 65g bullet, then try the 63g sierra, I saw a lion shot with it, called into an electronic call. The lion dropped like a toilet seat with the 63g at 3400 fps.

If/when you call in a lion, don't freek. Aim your gun to break the shoulder on the off side because you will get all his vitals. After the shot, allow time for the animal to expire. You don't want to walk up on a half dead lion. They will maim you for life on their last heart beat.

If you have never hunted lions off of mules and dogs, it is the thrill of a life time that you will never forget. When the dogs bay, the mules go crazy with excitement trying to get to the dogs. You just never know the capabilities of a mule in the roughest terrain until you have ridden one on a lion hunt. The thrill is simply unbelievable, and the mules deserve the academy awards for their performance.
 


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