Which rifle for a sheep hunt?

[Tulsa Reiner]

I

I was getting almost 3100 FPS with 156 gr bergers with n570

Based on this, I will also keep my eyes open for H1000 and N570

 

[Danehunter]

UPDATE:
I sold that Browning X-Bolt Pro with SWFA 3 - 15 x 40 scope to a good friend.
Then I turned around and bought its clone, X-Bolt Pro in 6.5 PRC with Bushnell 4.5 - 18 x 44 scope (FFP, mil/mil and G3 illuminated "small Xmas tree" reticle. Same burnt bronze Cerakote Talley rings I had on the other rifle.
I felt the 6.5 PRC was more suited to taking both mule deer and bull elk (to 300 yards).

So the 6.5 PRC barrel heats up FAST and 5 shots in 3 minutes is all I can get until 1/2" groups open to 1 1/4".
Photo soon.
Eric B.

 

[Freetrade57]

I have a professional hunter light made by HS precision. Mine is in 300 WSM but they also make a 270WSM which I think would be ideal. It weighs 5.5 pounds and can bang steel at 1000 yards with it. I finally drew a Colorado sheep tag this year so that is what I will be taking.

 

[Tulsa Reiner]

I have a professional hunter light made by HS precision. Mine is in 300 WSM but they also make a 270WSM which I think would be ideal. It weighs 5.5 pounds and can bang steel at 1000 yards with it. I finally drew a Colorado sheep tag this year so that is what I will be taking.

FreeTrade: when do you go? And be sure to post pics.

 

[Freetrade57]

The opener is Sept 8th. Headed to Colo this weekend to scout!

 

[Aoudad shooter1975]

I love my rifle I hunt sheep and goats with it has been on two trips and not killed anything--but hopefully I will in October

 

[Cliffhunter]

I went back and forth on all kinds of gear for about 2 years leading up to my sheep hunt, and bought a total of 4 rifles in that time including a sako finnlight and a barrett fieldcraft....ended up taking my 9.5# (all up) Cooper 300 win mag with a 26" barrel because I was the most confident with it. I carried it for 12 days and never noticed the weight. Made a perfect shot on my ram at 257 yards and then on a caribou at 317. If I went on another sheep hunt I would take it again.

Get a good sling for your pack...that probably helps alot. (I used the weapon sling by stone glacier with their sky tallus 6900 pack)

Well we're talking about close range now. What scope are you using?

 

[gyrfalcon]

Planning a sheep hunt and was thinking about rifles, have a 300 weatherby that I have shot for yrs on many hunts, very accurate with sub 1" groups at 200yds and have many kills on deer from 400-500 yds but it weighs about 8.5 pounds. Do I shoot my old reliable or build a new light weight mountain rifle?

It all depends on your physical condition. When hunting, a rifle never should feel like a burden. It would stop you from going over that next rise, or that just a little further where a sheep could hang out. Get a weight that you can carry with ease and pleasure.

 

[GA Sheephunter]

Well we're talking about close range now. What scope are you using?

Just because I ended up killing them at close range doesn't mean that's all a sheep hunter should prepare for. When you are plunking down $30-40K for a dall hunt, or $50-70K for a stone, etc. etc. you better practice and be proficient shooting as far as you can. Not only so you can make a longer shot if that's what it all comes down to, but so the 300-400 shots feel like layups. When that moment comes and the ram is in your crosshairs, it is a rare thing and something you don't want to **** up!

I was using a Z6 2-12x50 with BRH reticle

 

[Marky_mark]

I

Uodate
I did them all this year
4 rams in 5 months
6 sheep went down from my 6.5x284
Even killed a grizzly with it in the yukon

 

[dogz]

cool beans, tell us more

ranges, places etc

 

[Marky_mark]

Add a bezoar ibex to that as well

 

[cornshank]

I'll give you a few things to think about.
When you are sneaking up a steep ridge , and you look down at the new rifle , what's the first thing that comes to mind ? Yep sure wish I had my old 300 weatherby .
It's hard to improve on a rifle that has served you well, you might be able to get a lighter rifle and you could pick up a few Fps and even try a new bullet that flies through the air better than your current one.
Is it worth it ?
No , because you asked.
Thanks

 

[Marky_mark]

I'll give you a few things to think about.
When you are sneaking up a steep ridge , and you look down at the new rifle , what's the first thing that comes to mind ? Yep sure wish I had my old 300 weatherby .
It's hard to improve on a rifle that has served you well, you might be able to get a lighter rifle and you could pick up a few Fps and even try a new bullet that flies through the air better than your current one.
Is it worth it ?
No , because you asked.
Thanks

Confidence is key
That 300 wby that you have total faith in cant be replaced
8.5 lbs perfect
Buy a lighter pack or lose the weight elsewhere if you like