Home Forums Hunting & Shooting General Big Game Building a speed goat gun?

Guy, I haven't been on the site here in quite a long time but I remember you running the 115VLD in that rifle. You still running them?

I agree. In the area where I grew up, by far the hardest thing about getting a really nice Antelope was obtaining a permit. Any legal bolt-action deer rifle between .223 and .375 should work fine.

Finding an excuse to build a rifle is another motivation, though.

6.5-06AI with 130g Swift Scirocco (BC .577) was the route I went.

You can use .25-06 brass run through a neck sizer die.

For fire-form loads I run 140g A-MAX over Hornady's max charge of H4831SC. Very accurate in my rifle and a pleasure to shoot.

Brad, I did run the 115 Berger VLD's for a few years and they did well for me.

For some reason, likely a big sale at SPS... I went back to my Noslers this season. Had a hard time picking between the Ballistic Tips and the Partitions, both in 115 gr. Each was accurate, the B-Tips a little more so.

Still have a box or two of those Bergers on hand though - nothing wrong with them at all.

Regards, Guy

Bad boring.....but .277 and 130 NBT at 3K+ work just fine for me

I would get a lightweight 25-06 or 257 Roberts, 3-9x scope.

Easy beans.


If it's too [bleep]' windy, it's too [bleep]' windy.....
So don't shoot.....grin

6.5 bad? you need help

25-06 easy

The quintessential antigoat rifle!

That is my stance on it and why I'm likely avoiding the heavier "wind bucker" bullets/cartridges. I always check the weather before going out and if I see stuff like 25mph with gusts to 30...yea, I'm just not hunting. Its not even taking the risky shot (IMO) I hate the wind, and I am miserable when I have to be outside in it.

This makes sense and I agree.It'll work well for those who live in speed goat country.But for those who like me must drive 1500-1800 miles to hunt and have to deal with whatever weather is there when we get there, a 2nd rifle in a wind bucking chambering also makes sense.I'll continue to bring along a .280AI or some such calibre even though I'd much prefer to hunt with my .25-06AI. Monashee

I thought that there was a law that said Pronghorn had to be shot with .25 caliber bullets.

Where I hunt, it gets super windy and they hole up in little depressions to get out of the wind. Not much trick to get in under 200 yards on them. Don't mind the wind much.

30338,

The last...3 times I've been out, hardly more then a breeze going through (112 and 121) One day it WAS blasting in the 35-40mph range, I decided to save my gas money that day and went the following day after work instead.

The argument for a the heavier, wind capable combos for traveling hunters is one I support. Same reason I have no problem suggesting heavier cartridges (if they can be shot well) and premium bullets for out of state hunters coming out here after elk. Yea expensive bullets cost a few bucks more, but nothing compared to tags, gas, time from work, food, etc.

My goat gun is a .243. Shooting 87gn Bergers at 3200. It's alittle too much under 200yds but it shines from 200 to 600 yds. If you plan on greater range go bigger.

My goat gun is my elk rifle, whatever that is in a given year.

This long range antelope BS is mostly just that. The majority are shot inside 300 yards.

Instead of not shooting 453 yards in a 20-30 mph breeze one could always try and get closer.

I live nearby pronghorn country and if I get a day off to go hunting I sure as hell ain't sitting home if it's windy outside.

Some of the best open country hunting can be had on a windy day. Might not be the most fun but the wind can really aid in a stalk.

It all depends on where your hunting and when. Public land, mid season you'd better bring your long range game with you. Last year 3 goats 310 yds, 400yds, and 550 yrds that's after putting the stalk on and lots getting away because I couldn't get close. I'm talking spotting them at 1500yds and running away. This year my son and I dropped 6 all under 200yds opening day.

Any dedicated antelope gun should be a long range rig because they will eventually put you and your rig to the test. If you think it's BS then you'll be showing up partially prepared.

I kindly dissent... I don't consider LR 550 yards.

My longest goat was taken a 548 yards with a 300 WSM and 180 Partition... not exactly a long range unit. It was my elk rifle that year

Last goat was 401 yards with my elk rifle... 308 Win with 165 Accubond.

Most of my goats were taken inside 300 yards. For me, the fun of hunting goats is getting as close as you can.

And within reason, a rifleman can use anything.

So Brad what do you consider long range..?