HELP!

[MICHIMAN65]

 I've wanted to hunt out west for years, but never seriously planned it. A guy I work with has been to Wyoming a number of times. He warned me, its a whole new world from Michigan. For antelope and mule deer in the eastern part of the state, what is a good cartridge? I have a rifle range not far from me that goes to 600yds. Any help would be appreciated.
 Also, my co-worker hunted in Lusk on the ranches, but said it was getting harder to find good ranches to hunt on at a decent price, without being over-hunted. Looking for all the help I can get. Thanks, Michiman.

[nomosendero]

Most years we used 25-06's on Antelope & Mule Deer on our WY. trips. For Antelope at any practical range and Mule Deer out to 400 yds. the 25-06 with good loads is great. I saw 35 or so head of Antelope & at least 20 Mule Deer taken with that round, it was not lacking one time.
We took a couple of 270's one a trip because we thought it would be terrible to not kill any Western game with a 270 & we took 10 head with that round, it was more of the same really.
We have used alot or rounds from the 25-06 up through the 300WM & they all work. My next trip if we take one soon will be with a 264 WM Ruger number 1 & I look forward to that.
The 25-06 is fantastic & if you wanted the absolute best of all worlds for Deer/Antelope the .257Wea. or .264 would have to be at the top of that pile.
But in reality, the 260/Creed/7mm08, 308 or any of the 06 based fact. rounds with good loads will work.
The main thing is the right bullet, set up a good rifle platform with the best optics you can afford & do alot of trigger time before you go. Doing that is far more important than what round you use, I can tell you that for sure.

[roper]

I've wanted to hunt out west for years, but never seriously planned it. A guy I work with has been to Wyoming a number of times. He warned me, its a whole new world from Michigan. For antelope and mule deer in the eastern part of the state, what is a good cartridge? I have a rifle range not far from me that goes to 600yds. Any help would be appreciated.
 Also, my co-worker hunted in Lusk on the ranches, but said it was getting harder to find good ranches to hunt on at a decent price, without being over-hunted. Looking for all the help I can get. Thanks, Michiman.

Since your friend been there what's he shooting?

[MICHIMAN65]

 He uses a 30/06, but says he wants something different, but didn't say what. A comment he made was how much higher the wind is, and how few wind breaks there are. He said "Don't think cause you shoot three or four hundred yards in Michigan, that it'll be the same out in the open. Its just completely different place."
 I've got a 308 and a 243, but didn't know if I should be looking to a WSM, or Weatherby mag. Judging by nomosendero, I won't need to mess with it.
 Appreciate the input guys, Michiman.

[Lloyd Smale]

any of the 06 based rounds like the 2506, 270,280 and 06 will do fine

[RevJim]

 My first trip for antelope was near Laramie, but I hired an Outfitter. He picked me up at motel, and we drove out to a huge ranch. It was just us out there. I loved seeing antelope seemingly everywhere. I used a .280 Ackley Improved then, and missed several during the day out around 350, that cross wind was brutal! I can't judge the wind on those "short grass" prairies! another problem I had was that dang wind was blowing me and my lwt Mountain rifle around so bad! A heavier rifle works better, though varmint weight isn't necessary, but works swell btw, ha. I ended up shooting my buck as he came running by a snow fence I had sneaked up to and had wrapped myself up in ( to hold "me" still) I missed him at 100 or so (they are fast) and I hit him as he quartered away from me around 200, then again at 250 (not needed)
 Later on I shot several antelope does here in Utah (draw hunts) I used that .280 Ackley again on two of them, but stalked closer, one at 75yds, another about 80. I then used a 6.5/284 wildcat (about like a .270 or 25.06 really) and a 6mm/284 (again, just like a 25.06)  I even used a 300 winmag for one out to 350, almost cut her in two!) However, a Nosler 125 ballistic tip in your .308 will shoot as flat as you need! Its a good bullet on antelope/mule deer too. You want a good scope, of course and good binocs, plus either a set of bipods or, my preference, shooting sticks. You can find places to sit down and shoot and sometimes, prone. Its just hard to judge that dang wind! Good luck to you and have a ball!

[MICHIMAN65]

 Part of me just wants a 270, and I've never needed an excuse to buy another rifle. As far as shooting out to distance, would I be smart to stick with my maximum point blank range?

[nomosendero]

Part of me just wants a 270, and I've never needed an excuse to buy another rifle. As far as shooting out to distance, would I be smart to stick with my maximum point blank range?

The good range finders and good scopes have changed that a bunch. MPBR stuff can work but there is a better way.
Sending a PM

[jedman]

  I hunt that same area every year for antelope. If you are only taking one rifle most any of the 06 or 308 based cartridges will do fine ( you dont need a magnum).  I only shoot does because of the low cost and usually take at least 4 every trip so I take 4-5 rifles out every year.
 Like your friend told you it can be very windy, sometimes to the point you can almost not stand up without being blown sideways, when its like that you need to get real close  and still allow for the wind. Sometimes its windless and near 90 degrees in early October and on thoose days I hunt with my odd ball carbines , I have taken antelope with a 357 Mag and 45 ACP @ 100 yards cleanly.
 Onr thing I will also mention, The area around Lusk is close to 1 mile above sea level. rifles do shoot somewhat flatter out there than in MI.  Myself and friends that hunt out there are all from MI and OH  and it took us all some time to get that in our heads.  If you have something like a  243, 25-06, 270 sighted at 1" high at 200 yrds in MI you will be good to 300 + out there without aiming high, If you get a close shot like 100 yards aim at the heart and you will be fine.
 As to paying to hunt antelope, If your friend knows that area very well there are many options to hunt without paying, many ranchers will let you hunt for free if you ask first and dont trespass and dont drive on there grass.  That area is so dry that about the only thing you can do in that area is raise cattle and the native grass there is all they have. Antelope compete for the same food as there cattle so really they are like pests to ranchers. Last year that area had one of the worst droughts ever and it may have a lasting effect on game until they get a year or two of good snow/ rain and the area greens up. Mule deer populations are quite low in that area now and I dont see that changeing only to the downside if any.
  jedman

[jdt48653]

most any 6mm,6.5mm,7mm that goes 2,800fps would do well for long shots.an all time great 6.5x68.

[jdt48653]

http://www.loaddata.com/members/search_detail.cfm?metallicID=1131
6.5x68

[roper]

He uses a 30/06, but says he wants something different, but didn't say what. A comment he made was how much higher the wind is, and how few wind breaks there are. He said "Don't think cause you shoot three or four hundred yards in Michigan, that it'll be the same out in the open. Its just completely different place."
 I've got a 308 and a 243, but didn't know if I should be looking to a WSM, or Weatherby mag. Judging by nomosendero, I won't need to mess with it.
 Appreciate the input guys, Michiman.

First year hunting here in Co got land owners tag for antelope out eastern Co that was back in the 70's.  I took my 243 and 7 mag.  Wind was blowing so back I took my buck with 7mag.

I've only hunt bucks got some pretty nice ones over the years last year use 27" long barrel 280AI.  Since I live were we hunt antelope,elk,deer,bear my selection of rifles my differ since my deer rifle my be use for elk same season as deer tag.  I do have few custom I'll use for a deer tag separate season but out eastern Co on buck antelope tag I'll use same rifle as I hunt elk with.  My smallest big game rifle is 270.

[mannyrock]

 
  So Sorry Michman, but you don't need a new rifle.  :-)
 
   You already have a .308, and that will be perfectly fine.
 
    Since you are new to plains hunting, you have no business trying to take a shot past 250 yards, even if you practice a whole lot on the rifle range.   Out to 300 yards, the .308 is more than perfect for what you need.
 
   Although the .270 is a wonderful cartridge, you are splitting hairs (i.e., wasting time and money), trying to distinguish their performance out to 300 yards on antelope and deer sized game.  Spend your money instead on getting the right clothing, a great set of binoculars, a range finder, and lots of practice with your current rifle.  Don't forget, you have practice with shooting sticks or a bipod.  Bench practice will be worthless for what you will need to do.
 
     Have a great hunt.
 
Mannyrock

[charles p]

After reading your post I begain to relate to your problem - not having enough rifles.. I am 66 now.  I bought my first rifle after boot camp in 1967.  I think a man needs to add a new firearm about every two years.  This is a fact of life.  If you are married, you need to share this fact with your wife.  At some point, she will need her own guns too.
 
My wife has not yet bought in to this theory, but she is in training.

[flinter54]

Michiman65,


As many others have mentioned, I believe the 308 will serve you very well on prairie goats and mule deer. As for the wind, regardless of what you shoot, the wind is going to play havoc on the bullet. If you don't reload, Hornady offers their superformance ammunition with the 150 and 165 gr Interbond bullet. These bullets offer a decent BC which will help against the affects of the wind. As mannyrock said, practice in many different shooting positions, then practice some more.


If you do chose to purchase a new rifle, anything based on the 06 case will work just fine. The 25-06, 270 or 280 are all great choices as is  their parent. More importantly, is how the rifle fits you and how well you can shoot it.


Good luck to you.


Flinter
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[MICHIMAN65]

 Grateful for the help guys, especially jedman and mannyrock. Looking forward to setting up a trip. Michiman.