Sheep caliber

[Cat catcher]

What is everyone preferred sheep caliber? I was think of a 25-06, any recommendations?

[Gateholio]

Sure. Anything that shoots reasonably flat and will kill a deer will work for sheep. .308, 7-08, 270, 30-06 25-06, 7RM etc etc

[Weatherby Fan]

X2 what Gate says
but a 270win is kind of a historical sheep caliber, just ask my Uncle Jack ;-)

Im going give the 6.5-300 Wby a try, should qualify for a good sheep cartridge !

[Brew]

I'll be using my 300 rum this season with 200gr ELD-x bullets. My backup rifle will be an old school brno 7x57 shooting 168gr accubond long range bullets or a 6.5 creedmoore if it ever arrives.

[fireguy]

I have killed three with a 300 win mag. Seems to work fine.

[Weatherby Fan]

I'll be using my 300 rum this season with 200gr ELD-x bullets. My backup rifle will be an old school brno 7x57 shooting 168gr accubond long range bullets or a 6.5 creedmoore if it ever arrives.

Tell us more about the 6.5 Creedmoor ???

[Beaverhunter]

I'll be using my 300 rum this season with 200gr ELD-x bullets. My backup rifle will be an old school brno 7x57 shooting 168gr accubond long range bullets or a 6.5 creedmoore if it ever arrives.

First dibs on the 6.5 creed more when you sell it a month after you get it. :)

[blaker_99]

257 Weatherby shoots long and flat kills em dead.

[srupp]

Hmm never had a sheep I wanted for the wall not fall to the .270..yes too many Jack O'Connor stories..140 gr Hornady boat tail ..not a great bullet..certainly not premium..but shoots flat and animals go dead after an a encounter...I like it in a browning that was customized accurized at Alberta Tactical under Ricks magical touch.topped off with leupold with boone and crocket reticle...my go to deer, pronghorn, whitetail , goat, dall, stone, cali, rocky medicine..

My avtar above shows yet another completely happy one shot customer..lol
Steven

[monasheemountainman]

50 bmg shoot from the bottom of the mountain

[375shooter]

What is everyone preferred sheep caliber? I was think of a 25-06, any recommendations?

Based on the '1000 foot pounds of energy at impact distance recommendation for deer-sized game', the 25-06 with a 110 gr Accubond, should be effective out to 600 yards. That's a pretty far shot for the AVERAGE hunter, so you should consider it a good choice. Of course though, the shot has to be right in the boiler room for this to be true. And, if a less aerodynamic bullet is chosen, that recommended maximum range will diminish.

Personally, for my PREFERRED caliber, I would go UP a bit for added assurance. I'd feel more comfortable with a 270Win, 280 Rem, 280 AI, 7mm WSM, 7mm RM, 300 WSM, 300WM, etc.

[BgBlkDg]

The little sheep hunting I have done, mostly in conjunction with hunts for other game, I just carried whatever I was using at the time and these were a P-64 Mod. 70 full custom .280Rem., my first rifle with a synthetic stock, built in 1985, and my beloved first original P-64 Alaskan, .338WM, in a synthetic.

For a dedicated sheep shooter, if I could still climb and pack for long periods in the high country, I would now choose my Kimber MA-.280AI or one of my P-64 Fwts, .270Win. in synthetics. I also have three more .280s, smallring Brno 21/22 series in synthetics and a light custom HVA-.280Rem., Kreiger, Bansner and so on, any of these will do fine.

I have never owned a .25-06, wanted one for 50ish years and am discussing rebarreling my old HVA 4100, in a Brown Kevlar handle, Wisner 3-pos., etc, to make a light .25-06. Gary Flach, will do this one as he has done several projects for me and he knows how I like my rifles.

With guys like Terry L'Heureaux, Jan Kolenbrander, and Gary in BC, we are lucky as one can get a rifle suited for mountain hunting, without importing from the USA, which can be a real PITA. Add the simply outstanding stockwork and so forth by Mitch Kendall to that and I never bother going elsewhere.

Boy, things in mountain rifles have sure improved since I started this obsession so long ago!

[wideopenthrottle]

The little sheep hunting I have done, mostly in conjunction with hunts for other game, I just carried whatever I was using at the time and these were a P-64 Mod. 70 full custom .280Rem., my first rifle with a synthetic stock, built in 1985, and my beloved first original P-64 Alaskan, .338WM, in a synthetic.

For a dedicated sheep shooter, if I could still climb and pack for long periods in the high country, I would now choose my Kimber MA-.280AI or one of my P-64 Fwts, .270Win. in synthetics. I also have three more .280s, smallring Brno 21/22 series in synthetics and a light custom HVA-.280Rem., Kreiger, Bansner and so on, any of these will do fine.

I have never owned a .25-06, wanted one for 50ish years and am discussing rebarreling my old HVA 4100, in a Brown Kevlar handle, Wisner 3-pos., etc, to make a light .25-06. Gary Flach, will do this one as he has done several projects for me and he knows how I like my rifles.

With guys like Terry L'Heureaux, Jan Kolenbrander, and Gary in BC, we are lucky as one can get a rifle suited for mountain hunting, without importing from the USA, which can be a real PITA. Add the simply outstanding stockwork and so forth by Mitch Kendall to that and I never bother going elsewhere.

Boy, things in mountain rifles have sure improved since I started this obsession so long ago!

not to be gruesome but some young relatives of yours will be crying and smiling in 25 years when you go the the happy hunting grounds...yes i know your age but as they say" time spent hunting and fishing is not deducted from the lifetime of a man"

[BgBlkDg]

I have NO "young relatives" now who are interested in guns, hunting or shooting of any type. I do have some who hunt, but, are very well off and have the guns they want.

I fully intend to live past 100 and wear out every gun I currently have, no point in hoarding them for others!

That said, I have sold about a dozen very choice pieces over the past five years and wish to sell several others, for example, I have a matched pair of VERY cherry P-64s, in .300/.375H&H, lots of brass, Noslers, ect. and in Rimrock stocks by Mitch-----you NEED these and my price would be very fair. So, YOU would be "smiling"! :)

[wideopenthrottle]

I have NO "young relatives" now who are interested in guns, hunting or shooting of any type. I do have some who hunt, but, are very well off and have the guns they want.

I fully intend to live past 100 and wear out every gun I currently have, no point in hoarding them for others!

That said, I have sold about a dozen very choice pieces over the past five years and wish to sell several others, for example, I have a matched pair of VERY cherry P-64s, in .300/.375H&H, lots of brass, Noslers, ect. and in Rimrock stocks by Mitch-----you NEED these and my price would be very fair. So, YOU would be "smiling"! :)

i do love the m70s....you have given me some food for thought...might have to start making my case to sweety how i NEED them

[Brew]

Tell us more about the 6.5 Creedmoor ???
I have a legendary arms ordered in the professional model. It's not a ultralight but 6.5lb and a 24" barrel. They sure look good and have a few features like crf that I prefer over push feed. I'll post pics and a range report when it comes.

[BgBlkDg]

Mind my asking where you ordered it from? I like the look of these, have some experience dealing with the principals of the company and am sorta interested in one.

[kevan]

My Legendary Arms 704 came from Clay @ Prophet River, this after several discussions with Mark Bansner and several colleagues.
I wanted a rifle in the 28 Nosler chambering but not the Nosler rifle itself as it just didn't feel right for me.
On the other hand, the Bansner stocked LAW fits like a glove and shoots like a dream.
I have had several Bansner - stocked rifles and have just got a Howa Alpine in .308 from Clay with the same stock.

[Weatherby Fan]

I have a legendary arms ordered in the professional model. It's not a ultralight but 6.5lb and a 24" barrel. They sure look good and have a few features like crf that I prefer over push feed. I'll post pics and a range report when it comes.

your going to love that rifle Barry, I've got to shoulder and look Kevans 28 Nosler over a cpl of times and it's awesome, looking forward to seeing it and a range report.

[ramcam]

My sheep killing was done with my 7MM Remington mag, 140 and 160 grain bullets.

[Brambles]

So many great cartridges in various calibers in a variety of rifles, combined with the fact that sheep arn't armor plated, your options are almost endless.

The waters muddy a bit if you factor in the fact that sheep country is also Grizz country, I would limit myself to a bullet that provides good penetration at close range, not for the sheep but I case you needed to change a Grizzly's mind.

[todbartell]

Anything from 243 on up should give the desired end result if you place your bullet where it needs to be. Sheep share the same country as grizzly so I would be inclined to pack a 280 on up thru 300wm. Like Brambles just said ^

[Brew]

Mind my asking where you ordered it from? I like the look of these, have some experience dealing with the principals of the company and am sorta interested in one.
I"ll pm you as I'm not sure if it's advertising.
pm sent

[decker9]

So many great cartridges in various calibers in a variety of rifles, combined with the fact that sheep arn't armor plated, your options are almost endless.

The waters muddy a bit if you factor in the fact that sheep country is also Grizz country, I would limit myself to a bullet that provides good penetration at close range, not for the sheep but I case you needed to change a Grizzly's mind.

Basically my thoughts as well. I often wonder what the comparison would be when a person only had one shot at a charging grizzly bear, with a bullet like Berger or A max type bullet, compared to a harder barns or accubond. Would the bear tell the difference....?

[Brambles]

Basically my thoughts as well. I often wonder what the comparison would be when a person only had one shot at a charging grizzly bear, with a bullet like Berger or A max type bullet, compared to a harder barns or accubond. Would the bear tell the difference....?

this is my theory on that, the shot on a charging grizzly is going to be frontal and <20 yards. And perhaps the most heavily muscled and heavy boned portion of the animal.

Berger and Amax are in there element at distances exceeding 2-300 yards due to their expansion characteristics...At 20 yards or less you will get massive expansion and the bear will likely receive 100% of the rounds energy BUT there is a better than average chance that penetration is gonna be shallow and the bear will live a long time, mind you it's going to have a massive gaping flesh wound. If the bear doesn't turn, or comes back, you will have to fight it fisticuffs for a good long time

With something like a Barnes TSX or equivalent you will likely have enough penetration to get into the vitals, if it doesn't turn or comes back, you might survive the attack long enough for it to die....

For guys that wanna shoot the Bergers, just load up half a dozen rounds of something more robust for packing meat or bucking brush i.e.: up close encounters..

[IronNoggin]

Shot them with everything from a 222 right up to the 300 Weatherby.
Current fixation: 270 Weatherby Magnum. ;-)

Cheers,
Nog

[ditch donkey]

not that i am a seasoned sheep hunter but my thoughts are most any caliber bigger than 243 will kill a ram with a well placed shot using a quality bullet . and if you are hunting in sheep/grizz country i would prefer somthing on the 280-300 size just for the defence side of things. unless your on a guided hunt and are expecting your guide to handle the bear for you lol

[604ksmith]

No real feelers for the 308 other than GateHouse?

I know it's not the trendy cartridge now, but I think it's still a good combo being a short action 30cal.

[leadpillproductions]

For me 7mmsaum 145 gr lrx 3150ft sec . Its a killin machine

[moosinaround]

I'll probably never hunt sheep, but if I was too, it will be with a 270wsm and a 140 gr partition, accubond, or ttsx! Moosin

[kevan]

No real feelers for the 308 other than GateHouse?

I know it's not the trendy cartridge now, but I think it's still a good combo being a short action 30cal.

I think it's a good choice, thats why I'm trying a new Howa in 308, should work well.

[.264winmag]

Stones' are not tough to kill, but Grizz can be. I draw the line at 6.5mm...

[ditch donkey]

on last years goat hunt my 7mmwsm felt small when we had a big grizz buzz our camp. sometimes a little extra can be handy when your walking in bear country or if you happen to have an oppertunity on a goat while sheep hunting a little extra helps on those thick haired buggers

[BgBlkDg]

this is my theory on that, the shot on a charging grizzly is going to be frontal and <20 yards. And perhaps the most heavily muscled and heavy boned portion of the animal.

Berger and Amax are in there element at distances exceeding 2-300 yards due to their expansion characteristics...At 20 yards or less you will get massive expansion and the bear will likely receive 100% of the rounds energy BUT there is a better than average chance that penetration is gonna be shallow and the bear will live a long time, mind you it's going to have a massive gaping flesh wound. If the bear doesn't turn, or comes back, you will have to fight it fisticuffs for a good long time

With something like a Barnes TSX or equivalent you will likely have enough penetration to get into the vitals, if it doesn't turn or comes back, you might survive the attack long enough for it to die....

For guys that wanna shoot the Bergers, just load up half a dozen rounds of something more robust for packing meat or bucking brush i.e.: up close encounters..

After, my first BCFS Lookout, 90 straight days in the Flathead, no breaks and with my first really fine new rifle, a Browning FN-LE .30-06, I came to much this opinion. Within 3+ months of that season's end, I decided that for working alone in remote Grizzly country and hunting there, more muscle was a wise way to roll.

In January, 1968, in Nelson, I found and bought an unfired P-64 Mod. 70 Alaskan, .338WM and found it easy to shoot well and definitely a "step up" from an '06. I have that rifle now, have used it on AFS L/0s, five+ months solo in Grizz country and I trust it like no other. A 250NPt. at a chrono'd 2750 fps-mv. DOES the job and is not bad to shoot.

So, Brambles, and I agree and my other choice in this situation is the handloaded 9.3x62-286 NPts. I believe in using the "most gun" you can for everything when in Grizz country.....most of BC. Each to his own, but, in about a dozen Grizz kills I have witnessed, what Brambles has to say seems pretty damn sound to me.

[Norwestalta]

I have NO "young relatives" now who are interested in guns, hunting or shooting of any type. I do have some who hunt, but, are very well off and have the guns they want.

I fully intend to live past 100 and wear out every gun I currently have, no point in hoarding them for others!

That said, I have sold about a dozen very choice pieces over the past five years and wish to sell several others, for example, I have a matched pair of VERY cherry P-64s, in .300/.375H&H, lots of brass, Noslers, ect. and in Rimrock stocks by Mitch-----you NEED these and my price would be very fair. So, YOU would be "smiling"! :)

Do you need a not so young relative intrested in guns. I could call you dad,uncle,gramps, brother, son or grandson. Lol.
My sheep hunting rifle was going to be a 338 win mag just because out of all my rifles I shoot it the best and most along with a lot more confidence in it.

[40incher]

.257 Roberts ... hope to send a 117 grain Nosler ram-bound in a few days!

[kevan]

Do you need a not so young relative intrested in guns. I could call you dad,uncle,gramps, brother, son or grandson. Lol.
My sheep hunting rifle was going to be a 338 win mag just because out of all my rifles I shoot it the best and most along with a lot more confidence in it.

Good logic here, go with what you are most comfortable with.... you can't go wrong..

[curt]

that is probably one of the very best sheep goat antelope calibers out there flat shooter lots of energy even more speed that would be my number one pick or the new 270 wsm I have been reading a lot about I think I might buy one!
My sheep killing was done with my 7MM Remington mag, 140 and 160 grain bullets.