I have an invitation to try antelope hunting next fall. I would like to use a rifle but the only rifles I own are a 306 and a 30

[randyrosin]

I have an invitation to try antelope hunting next fall. I would like to use a rifle but the only rifles I own are a 306 and a 300. I also would like to get into predator hunting. We have a lot of troublesome fox around my land and my 300 seems to be a little overkill. What rifle would you recomend for fox, but also could be big enough for antelope? I am looking at an AR 223 but I am concerned that it might not have the knock down power for antelope. Any suggestions? Randy Rosin Ogdensburg, WI

[bigjake]

as far as antelope round, you'd be best off with a .25/06 remington,its an awesome goat gun. a little heavy for fox if your keeping the pelts though.

[SD_Whitetail_Hntr]

Agreeing with Jake, the .25-06 is a very good gun and you can find loads that would do relatively little damage to the pelt of a fox or yote. A good .243 is geared a little more for the varmint hunting but may be a tad on the weak side for Antelope. On the plus side both guns are flat shooting which can be beneficial on Antelope hunts. Those are the two I would recommend if you're trying to balance between those two animals, which is no easy feat.

[Big O]

You can use the .30-06 for all your needs.
110/125gr on foxs,"dogs"etc. 150/165 for the 'lopes.
Good luck and good hunting.

[Montana Man]

We do some antelope hunting here in Montana and for their size they are one hard animal to kill. Some hunters came out with 7mm mag. and the bullets would go through one animal and into another and wouldn't knock them down or anything just go straight through. That's why I wouldn't use ballistic tips in your bullets. You will want shells that mushroom out and expand to knock them down. I have killed an antelope with a 22-250, which also makes a great predator gun, but here again you need to be close which with antelope is hard to do. I do not know your finances but I like to use two different guns a 270 Win for big game etc., and a Ruger 223 for predators/coyotes. It's easier than trying to make one gun work for both, and I always enjoy buying a new gun. Your 306 or 300 will work great for antelope so if you want to buy another gun for predators you should be in great shape. I like a 223 or 22-250 for reaching out and getting coyotes or foxes. Good luck and good hunting next fall.