Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles 30-06 Antelope load

A buddy used the 125 Ballistic Tip at max in his 308 on antelope. That thing shot flatter than you would think.

Killed 2 antelope at something around 350. Quarter sized exits and dead antelope very fast.

I can imagine it operating about the same from an '06

Should be about the same or pretty close. ‘06 should run’em slightly faster if pushed.

I’ve found them to be really accurate, better than I was expecting.

And terminal performance is great on that sized critter.

DF

First……a 30-06 is not too much cartridge. And, that 130 Barnes should work quite nicely, provided that your impact distance keeps your bullet impact velocity above 1800/1900 fps. memtb

They don’t have the best BC, but if you start out at 3K+ fps, still traveling at 1,800 fps should be pretty far from the muzzle. A ballistic calculator would tell exactly how far and how much drop.

DF

I'd prefer the 125 not or nab to the 125 sst. I like the thicker base and jacket on the noslers. Look at using superformance powder if you want speed.

The 150ttsx is what I used for moose. It shot through it on the diagnostic at 547 yards but I started them at a mv of 3375 iirc from a 300 wsm. They were very accurate but I think the 150s are a pretty hard bullet. A 130 is more than enough for antelope and you can start them faster. At some point the 150s catch up but I wouldn't use them beyond a 2000 fps velocity floor.

I've heard the 168s open easier than the 150s so if you want more bc than a 130 I'd look at those. It's more than you need for antelope but I shot my last one with a 215g hybrid target. Dropped instantly with a golf ball sized exit. I'd have been fine with a 155 hybrid. The nosler 168 able would be a good 30-06 option for speed goats.

Bb

Had to borrow my buddy’s 30/06 last year when the scope on my rifle went off zero. He had 178ELDX. They worked great at about 200 yards or so. Shot my lope right in the throat as he and I were in a stare off as he caught me stocking in over a hill. All we could see was each others heads.

My buddy shot his at nearly 400. Worked great at that range too.

If you’ve got a range finder I’d be more concerned with wind drift than trajectory.

Darn near anything will kill a speed goat. I've killed a couple dozen + with everything from a .257 Roberts to a 35 Whelen AI, and only two have ever moved out of their tracks at the shot. The longer run was maybe a hundred yards max in wide open country so no problem. Shot through the heart from 350 yards with a 6.5x55, 130 NAB, if it matters. And holding 10" into the wind too, which DOES matter.

The guys talking WIND are right in that all you have to do with Pronghorn (as long as you are using some kind of expanding bullet) is HIT the vitals. It's most always windy everywhere they live. So, you might like a higher BC bullet. But if you know your drifts and can dope wind well what you're planning will be just fine.

Enjoy your hunt!
Rex

Seems to me that instead of what would be the better bullet for an antelope out of an 06, it would be a shorter thread of the discussion on what bullet WOULD'NT work on taking an antelope. About ANY 30 cal bullet someone would prefer, would work just fine.

No one mentioned at 125 TNT Speer, which would be on my list also. Heck if I was loading something for a kid to shoot, I'd even consider a 110 grain bullet with a light powder load. Only negatives on that is distance and the wind... which if you shoot a lot of varmints, is something you have to deal with about every day.

Get the bullet in the right spot, an antelope isn't that hard to take down, especially in 30 cal.

Heck even a 22 caliber will easily take down an antelope. 222, 223, or especially a 22.250. Or any 6mm caliber, such as the ARC or the NeedMore.

I'd tend to use any of the softer bullets, instead of something hard, (like the TSX)...an antelope isn't wear a bullet proof vest. About any of the softer bullets, that have been around forever, would work better than a bullet you'd use on heavier game. Best of luck on whatever your choice may be.

In .30-06 my go to load is a 165gr. Sierra Game King with IMR 4350, taken several whitetails with that load always a one shot kill.