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Forum Index > Rifles general discussion > Bullet for Aoudad?

Bullet for Aoudad?

07 Apr 2019
@ 10:30 am (GMT)

Anders Rutstrom

My fist post, but I have been following the forum regularly and I have long since bought Nathan's book bundle and a few videos to widen my knowledge.


I'd like to ask for some advice from the collective wisdom of the forum members and our great hosts. I'm going on an Aoudad hunt i Texas later this year. I am told a trophy Aoudad ram weighs about 300lb but that they are unusually hardy and that a stout bullet is needed for good penetration. They also tell me the further I'm able to shoot the better my chances are for geting a good ram.

I use the .300 H&H and I am comfortable shooting out to about 600 yards. I'm looking for a high BC bullet to handle wind as effectively as possible and I think, from the advice I have been given on Aoudad, that I need a bullet capable of gradual fragmentation at 600 yards for a quick kill but which also penetrates well should I get an opportunity to take my ram at really close range.

The obvious choice would be the 208 gr ELD-M, I pay attention to what Nathan tells us. Unfortunately I have not been able to get that bullet to shoot well in my rifle. 1,5-2" 100 yard groups is not enough for me to feel confident taking a 600 yard shot. (My regular hunting load for this rifle uses 200 gr Nosler Partitions but i am looking for a load more suited for shots beyond 300 yards).

At this point I'm considering the 178 gr ELD-M, but I am not sure about it's ability to penetrate at close range from bad angles. The Nosler AccuBond LR bullets, either 190 gr or 210 gr, are also on my list but i have no experience with this bullet type. I guess Sierras TMK might also be an option but I am unsure as to how heavy I should go when picking the bullet weight with those bullets to optimize wind drift and penetration.


Your thoughts and real life experiences are much appreciated! Thanks for your time!
Also a ton of thanks and appreciasion to Nathan and Steph for the outstanding work you have done and keep doing for the hunting comunity!

//Anders

Replies

1
07 Apr 2019
@ 11:09 am (GMT)

Bob Mavin

Re: Bullet for Aoudad?
Hello. If you can get hold of Australian made Woodleigh projectiles, they are very good or Nosler Petition's

Cheers
Bob
07 Apr 2019
@ 11:31 am (GMT)

Nathan Foster

Re: Bullet for Aoudad?
Hi Anders, the issue with the 208gr may be to do with your available mag length versus OAL's. Possibly getting a fast launch, then a major interruption at engagement (effect on bullet jacket or effect on harmonics).

You could try the 195gr TMK as the shape is slightly different, as is the jacket.

The 200gr ELD-X will let you get a bit closer to the lands than either of the above.

If none of the above works for you, use the Speer 180gr BTSP, end of issues. You'll just need to confirm drops (BC's) in your rifle.

It is under these kinds of conditions that the little things count. We may have a rifle that has been trucking along for a few years with a very generic soft point load, but when we try to soup it up, weaknesses in the platform begin to surface. This is when we need to start addressing bedding including the finer aspects of relief (return to battery) at high power. Technique is of course a factor - many barrels have been blamed for poor accuracy when instead, it is the shooter (and or again the bedding). You will know how to address all of this via the book series.

In any case, besides the basics of bedding and technique, I would like you to place your focus on creating change at the throat and how the bullets engage the lands (the shape of the bullet and jump). Try also to keep the pressure wave even via the likes of H1000.

That should be enough to keep you going for several weeks. All the best.
07 Apr 2019
@ 03:16 pm (GMT)

Bob Mavin

Re: Bullet for Aoudad?
Anders. It was too early this morning, I missed the high BC bit, thought you were after a pill for high velocity.. Good luck with it mate.
Cheers
Bob [b]
13 Apr 2019
@ 09:23 am (GMT)

Anders Rutstrom

Re: Bullet for Aoudad?
Thanks for the informative input and helpful suggestions!

I think the rifle is basically sound in regards to bedding and so on. It was put together by a reputable gunsmith. My 200 gr Nosler PT load has a MV of around 2800 fps and I put five rounds into a half inch group at 100 yards with it.
I think that "bullet jump" before engaging the lands is a problem with the 208 gr ELD-M as you suggest. I have to seat it fairly deep into the case to feed throug the 3.65" magazine box.

This will be a good time for me to educate my self more on the finer details of bullet seating/COAL/freebore/ concentricity and related topics. After all, that's what it's all about, solving problems and gaining knowledge along the way.


Thanks agin for your help!
// Anders
18 Apr 2019
@ 04:08 am (GMT)

John D. Hays - New Mexico

Re: Bullet for Aoudad?

Probably a question for Nathan?

I just drew a tag for an early December Aoudad/Barbary Sheep hunt in southern New Mexico. Probably mountainous terrain.

Of hefty rifles, I have the 7mm Practical Sendero and .300 Winchester Magnum (Model 70).

Of lighter rifles, I have a .308 Winchester Model 70 Featherweight and a .300 WSM (Model 70).

Of these what would be preferable? Bullet? Range 300 to 500 yards.

Same as Anders for a .30 caliber? Is the 7mm Practical practical for aoudad at these ranges?
18 Apr 2019
@ 06:45 am (GMT)

Chris Murphy

Re: Bullet for Aoudad?
Hi John if it were I id be taking the Practical or 300wm for this type of animal ( they sound similar to the Himalayan Tahr we have here), add mountainous terrain which means unpredictable winds swirling round tight gully systems so that would have me settle on the practical with the 180 ELDM to cheat the wind
18 Apr 2019
@ 07:49 am (GMT)

Nathan Foster

Re: Bullet for Aoudad?
Hi John, you have not used the Practical yet so this would be a good opportunity to put it to use.
18 Apr 2019
@ 10:09 am (GMT)

John D. Hays - New Mexico

Re: Bullet for Aoudad?

Thanks Nathan, Thanks Chris.

I love it when I get the answer I'm looking for.
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