Tough critter imo. I’ve use a 168gr Berger in 7mm and a 140 gr accubond In a 6.5-284. When I used a Berger it was close, like 1-150 yds, and ram died quick. Ram soaked up two of the 140’s right in the shoulder (there was a third, but it was a warning shot) at 240 yds and he still managed to pull some elevation. My partner used Barnes in 7mm and bullet performed perfectly. After that trip I switched to Barnes.
Killed my personal ram at 720yds with 156 Berger out of a 6.5 PRC. He was steep uphill and facing slightly away. Bullet went in perfect just behind shoulder and exited base of his neck. Dropped at the shot and dead right there. I’ve guided a few and I think placement matters more than the bullet. They can go aways lung/heart shot. Best to break em down through the shoulders/spine if you don’t want them traveling far.
I haven't shot any with a rifle but got two with my bow. The vitals are tuckekd pretty good behind the shoulder, might want to go through bone to get there so if it were me I'd go with something bonded to open up your options a bit.
168gr Berger VLDH out of a 7mag, I think around 275 yards if memory serves. Bedded the audad and shot him broadside right behind the shoulder. He jumped up, ran 10 feet head first into a tree, and tipped over.
I’ve only seen two shot but we were using a .300wsm with 180gr Hornady SST’s. Worked great. Shot mine at a little over 200 yards and he went less than 10yds.
Dads was around 300yds and he never took a step.
Both shot through the front shoulders. Both exited.
I have shot 6-7 rams with 300wm 180g federal classic
and seen many more with 6mm, 25 . 270 , 7mm , ect ( leave those 223 @ home )
couple years ago I had a lady hunter, whack a monster with her .270win
@ 350+ yards 130gr ttsx on the shot it humped up took about 4 steps and was DRT , 1 broken shoulder no heart or lungs
shoulder shots to break them down asap is important IMO with heavy lead or mono
I am glad someone brought this subject up about what bullets to use for aoudads. I have a hunt planned for March of 2024, my first aouidad hunt, and my outfitter said to use a Barnes type bullet, Accubonds and to stay away from Bergers. The Accubond, the orginals or Longrange, are really hard to find right now. So I have been working up loads with Barnes 190 LRX and also working with Hornady 190 CX in my 300 PRC. Wish I could find some 200 or 208 Barnes LRX's.
I hear that these animals are tough to kill. And I know shot placement is key. Keep this thread going.
Bullet choice should be based on 1)the quarry and 2)non ideal shot placement (because nothing goes perfectly every time). Auodad are hardy animals. Use a tough monometal or bonded bullet.