There's no doubt that the increased case capacity of the 6.5-300WSM would give you more zip,as would the 6.5 STW,but Mr.Nosler's book says I should get 3300 out of the 6.5RM with the 120gr bullets with a lot less powder and in a trimmer package.That's good enough for me as it's not a dedicated goat rifle and I'll be packing it up hills here in BC! Cheers,MonasheeIf it was me I would build a 6.5-300wm or 6.5STW. 140gr VLD bullets @ 3350-3450fps would do well in the wind and shoot flat.
One of the spots I hunt is a big valley, about 6 miles across. Ridges on each side, force you in view of goats, and flats are big, barren and full of goats as season pressure moves them there. I have taken a handfull of goats w/bow.But not in terrain like this.wind cost 2 BC goats.......why not stalk closer??
What cool is last year it had about 150 goats in itThat sounds like an awesome place to hunt, that sounds really cool!
Nimrod, where are you at in the Ozarks? I live in Christian county. As to your question, on a magnum bolt face the 264 WM and the 7mm RM would be my choice due to high BC bullets available. I wouldn't go with the Mashburn simply due to no ammo availability and resale value. If you want higher velocity than the 7mm Rem mag, go with a 7mm STW.
I shot my antelope last year at the mind numbing distance of 250 yards but I was prepared for much longer shots with my STW and 168 gr JLK VLD bullets. It has a #5 Hart barrel and a McMillan A2 stock and at 12 lbs w/scope it is a little heavy to crawl around the prairie with but a slick shooting rifle could be put together much lighter than that.
Just because you can see them does not mean you have a shot................