6BR Antelope hunting opinion wanted

[SierraCJ5]

Guys,

I'm scheduled for an Antelope hunt in a few weeks and want your input. In the past I've always reached for my trusty 30-06 for hunting but I'd like to give the 6BR a try. I'm considering using my 6BR loaded with Berger 105g hunting VLDs at 2860 fps, we'll be hunting at about 6000 feet elevation. Is this a reasonable plan? I anticipate the longest shot to be around 500-550 yards and the 6BR should deliver in excess of 1000 #s energy at that range. I'm tempted to use the 6BR because it is easily the most accurate rifle I own and I know I can correctly place the shot at the ranges anticipated. Do any of you have experience with the 105 hunting VLD in this situation? Is it a reliable hunting bullet? In case you're wondering, my 6BR is a repeater that feeds flawlessly so a follow up shot would not be a problem.

My original plan was to use my 30-06 loaded with 208g A-Max at 2700 fps. This is also a very accurate rifle and will most definitely close the deal.

Any input is appreciated.

 

[boltfluter]

Jeff,

I shot a mule deer doe a few years back with my 6BR w/105 Berger at 2850. The shot was right at 400yds. The deer dropped in its tracks. As long as you place the shot, you should be GTG? Happy hunting.

Regards, Paul

www.boltfluting.com

 

[spitfire_er]

I've not used the Bergers, but I have used the 105 A-maxs out of my 6mm-06 with excellent results on deer size game. I wouldn't hesitate to use your 6BR. Personally I would rather use the BR over the .30-06 for antelope. I think the 6mm projectile is a nice balance of weight and energy for this size game.

 

[Preacher]

The Berger 105 VLD will most certainly put a Antelope in the freezer for you...

 

[BigDMT]

Antelope with the 6BR? No problem! Ive got a buddy that consistently kills antelope with a 22-250 and has even taken a couple with a 204 ruger. And thousands of antelope have fallen to the 243 win with smaller bullets.

I use berger bullets in 6.5mm for all my hunting and have never used a better bullet. I think im up to 13 kills with berger 6.5mm vld's since i started using them 4 years ago. Might only be 12 animals...cant remember...have to check my hunting log book. Either way it was more than enough kills to make a firm believer out of me. Great penetration with minimum meat damage and devastating vital tissue damage.

Ive pretty much tried just about every bullet for hunting in one caliber or another. A-max, core loct, partition, accubond, ballistic tip, scirocco, soft points, game kings, etc... Berger is the only bullet ill use for the rest of my hunting days.
Take care and good luck on your goat hunt.

 

[djtjr]

I shot 2 antelope with the exact same setup last year both DRT you will have no issues. it was actually my longer range prarie dog setup and we were able to get tags for lopes and it worked like a charm.

 

[SierraCJ5]

Post hunt follow up. 387 yards and one shot later he fell dead after staggering about 20 feet. The bullet worked great!

After lunch we took a position overlooking some prairie dogs and had some more fun. The guys I was with were amazed how effective the 6BR was on antelope and how the accuracy carried over to the varmints. We all had a great time and are satisfied with our bucks. The drought in New Mexico has really affected trophy quality. Most of the ranches are feeding their cattle; there just isn't much forage on the range.

Thanks for the input guys. I really glad I decided to use my 6BR.

 

[BigDMT]

Congratulations on a very successful hunt! Chalk up another kill for Berger VLD's They always get the job done for me too. I have an antelope hunt coming up in my home state of Montana during the second week in October. I hope to be as successful as you were. take care

Brandon

 

[CaptainMal]

Nice 'lope. That was a good read and thanks for the conclusion.

Man I can never, I mean never get a Berger VLD to shoot well in any of my rifles. Have two friends who tried on a few of their rifles. All failures to group well.

Even my Dasher will not group those things. Must be bad personna.

Good hunting.

 

[SierraCJ5]

Nice 'lope. That was a good read and thanks for the conclusion.

Man I can never, I mean never get a Berger VLD to shoot well in any of my rifles. Have two friends who tried on a few of their rifles. All failures to group well.

Even my Dasher will not group those things. Must be bad personna.

Good hunting.

Sounds like I was lucky when getting ramped up with the VLDs. I tried a few different charges and seating depths and finally settled on 30g varget and .010 jump. Amazing how original I am, huh? I would have tried jamming them but I didn't since these were to be used in the field and I wanted to make sure I could pull an unfired round from the chamber without loosing the bullet. I wasn't looking for match accuracy, just something that was relatively accurate and reliable. Groups at 100 were in the .4-.5 moa range off a harris bipod which was good enough for me. Velocity was right at 2880.

I'm still surprised how well the bullet worked. It did pass through and each hole was no more than a pencil diamater. The internal fragmentation worked as described.

 

[Fordnutter]

No problem at all! On our feral goats here in New Zealand (about the same size as an antelope) I shot dozens with my 6BR & the 95gr VLD at ranges out to 780yds with fantastic performance. I certainly wouldn't hesitate if I were in your shoes

 

[chucknbach]

Shot 3 of them last year with my .243 using 87gn VLD from 310yd 400yd and 550yd killed 'em all dead.

 

[Thorbird]

A .243 Caliber bullet has been there and done that over and over at the speeds your talking about.

 

[boltfluter]

Jeff,

Thanks for the follow up. Looks like you had a great time and got a nice goat. Good shooting. ;D

Regards, Paul

www.boltfluting.com

 

[djtjr]

Congrats glad it worked out

 

[chucknbach]

Got 3 so far this year with the .243 87gn VLD mzle at 3180fps. 100, 150 and 216yds. Quite devastating up close.

 

[Drop Port]

The Little 6BR gets the job done, I cull deer with mine 107 SMK @2850fps. I've taken many deer with good results. The only limiting factor on Antelope is the wind.