Hunting WY antelope with .223

[Robb]

Is anyone planning on taking their varmint build up to WY this coming antelope season? I have to say I am curious and am debating it if I draw.
Has anyone used a .223 on deer/antelope before? If you have and if you have a favorite off the shelf hunting round that was used successfully in an antelope, I'd like to hear about it.
I believe WY's new limits are a 60gr projectile minimum.

With shooting small game I've never given much thought about expansion and penetration before, so if you have a favorite round, I'd like to hear about it.

[Great-Kazoo]

Didn't know antelope were considered small game. I'd be close and running 68 min. The "wind" up there can blow your shot 1-2" off real quick.

[Robb]

I think this was Wyoming's answer to "nobody uses and AR15 to go hunting."
I've always been a proponent of using more gun than necessary, however I think it would be fun to use an AR to take an antelope. With a good performing round I think it would be okay. Time will tell. True about the wind though.

[bigun1962]

I go down to a 139 grain BTSP in my 7mm mag for Antelope in Wyoming. Take enough gun. Last Antelope I shot in Wyoming was running hard in a 30-50mph wind. 180 yards. What ever you take you need to be able to shoot it. 223 NO WAY.

[TRnCO]

Federal does produce factory ammo. with 60 gr. partitions. Not a long range caliber or bullet, but if a guy was shot selective, I'm sure it'd work fine on an antelope.

[hghclsswhitetrsh]

Kansas allows any centerfire cartridge.

[Great-Kazoo]

Kansas allows any centerfire cartridge.

OK jayhawk, we're in wyo now.

Up side is "supposedly" this year you can hunt with using a suppressor.

[hghclsswhitetrsh]

OK jayhawk, we're in wyo now.

Up side is "supposedly" this year you can hunt with using a suppressor.

Ok Yank, I was referring to his response about being able to hunt with an ar.

[MarkCO]

In an AR, to me, only two good choices...Barnes TSX and Swift Scirocco. In a bolt gun, you have more choices, but in an auto-loader, you want to keep that tip perfect. I have shot several deer and hogs with both and they performed well. I'd probably cut my ranges in half of what I normally use with a .223.

Asym, Barnes, Cor-Bon, DoubleTap, Remington, and Black Hills all offer factory loadings using the TSX. If I recall, the Remington and Barnes have the highest velocities.

[trlcavscout]

I have hinted them rifle and archery in CO, WY and Nebraska. 7mag is way over kill, my WY doe a few years ago netted me 33# of meat after blowing half the damn animal into the grass with 150gr federal, that was 442 yds. I have hunted archery many years as well and personally wouldn't have any problem hunting antelope with a 223. 55gr or over, penetration is normally not an issue on speed goats. I have shot running animals in my younger days (2 and 4 legged), don't reccomend it, its to easy to get 100yd broadside shots especially in WY and they will generally stand and stare at you until you spook them. My nephews first hunt he had buck fever so bad he took 4 shots at one with a 270 before hitting him.

[Dave]

I also belieive in taking a bit more gun than you think you'd need. One of the heavier 75gr bthp might be what I'd use if I was hunting speed goat with an AR and not wanting to snag a new caliber upper. Though I have a Rem 700 in .243 Win I'd use for them as a personal choice. Wouldn't go with a mag round for antelope though, too much impact and you waste meat.

[bryjcom]

People use .223 for deer with good results. I'd have no problem using it for antelope.

[Robb]

I've felt my .270 with 140gr was overkill for antelope. Thanks for the ammo recommendations, I guess I'll look into the TSX. I have had great luck with Hornady ammo but they arn't producing anything I can use in .223.

Thanks for the replys

[henpecked]

Try winchester 64 grain soft points, they will work just fine

mile high shooting supply
exit 235, I 25.....Dacono

24.99 for 20 rounds
3731 monarch st
frederick, 80516

[Robb]

Henpecked, I'll try and find some soon and see how they shoot. Thanks.

[bigun1962]

If you are wasting meat with any caliber it must be a TEXAS heart shot. For you newbies. A Texas heart shot is either in the hind quarter or thur the back strap. These are exit wound areas. Have to enter thru the gut. Good luck in Wyoming what ever you choose.