Cartridge choice for sheep hunt

[peaceful_ruler]

I’m looking to build a lightweight bolt action that doesn’t kick too much for hunting sheep and goats out to 5-600 yards. What are my best options caliber wise? 7.5 pounds is about my max target weight and ideally less recoil than an average .270. What would be your pick?

 

[eric1115]

.22CM or 6CM would be my pick if I were building that rifle.

 

[deadwolf]

Seven Saum

 

[Huntr]

I used a 260 on my Dall sheep hunt. If I go to go on another, I would take a 6 Creed.

 

[flathead#2]

7mm-08

 

[z987k]

.22CM or 6CM would be my pick if I were building that rifle.

This

 

[Ferrulewax]

6cm or 6.5prc

 

[General RE LEE]

6.5 Creedmoor?

 

[Fireman03]

7prc

 

[Jake Larsen]

6 Creed all the way


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[SouthPaw]

600 yards in a 7.5lb gun...22 Creedmoor.

 

[sveltri]

I used a 243AI on my sheep hunt this year. I think my setup was right at 9.5 lbs.

 

[cmert]

Another vote for 6CM... with 103 ELD-X or 109 ELD-M. You may also get a 6 ARC to be able to stretch out to 5-600 yards depending on barrel length and velocities.

 

[KU_Geo]

6 or 6.5cm

 

[cuerro viejo]

22cm if hunting any where but CO and that other state. If those then 6CM

7wsm. Saum, prc, rm is a lot of gun for sheep

 

[ReddingArcher]

I took my dall this year with a 7.75 pound 6.5 prc. Shot was 130 yards and I was able to watch him fall in my scope. I was more than happy with the results. I’m currently rebarreling a tikka to 243 and I wouldn’t hesitate to use that if I’m fortunate enough to get to go again.

 

[WKR]

25 creedmoor with a 133 Berger or 134 eld-m would be another good choice

 

[waspocrew]

Never hunted sheep before, but have a Dall hunt in the NWT scheduled for Aug 2026. I'm taking my Seekins Element in 6.5 PRC. I'm sure a smaller round will kill, but this is my lightest set up (~ 8lbs ready to go).