Desert bighorn hunt - the great rifle debate

[Spiral Horn]

As folks have already said - In general, wild sheep aren't exactly notorious for their ability to absorb hits from popular modern hunting cartridges. Desert Sheep are also the smallest in North America. IMO, the 6.5CM is certainly fine sheep medicine. It's also easy to shoot well from odd positions sometimes encountered when hunting the mountains due to its light recoil. I've taken multiple sheep and other mountain critters with a 6.5CM and all were quite impressed. So, any of the rifles you've listed would be fine. I'd take whichever you think would be most comfortable to lug around the rocky hills of Mexico and shoot well.

 

[thinhorn_AK]

My dad shot his with a 240 Weatherby back 20+ years ago.

 

[ridgerunnerrron]

Like what others have already said-
Whichever gun you are shooting the best with.
Whatever gun you want to have this special moment with.
Sheep are not tough to kill.

Any of your choices will get the job done. What's your favorite gun?

 

[chasewild]

Your bow.

But seriously, your hunt could end in most scenarios with a rifle on day one.

 

[WVELK]

Only one sheep so far, but going on two sheep hunts this year. My desert will be with a bow. However, the stone is with a rifle. For me, I am in a similar boat for the stone. I have a number of options. I am going to go with whichever rifle is shooting best before I leave. All of my rifles are similar in weight so that is not an issue. Good luck.

 

[DLSJR]

When I drew my Desert Sheep tag in California I used my .264 Win Mag. Interestingly, my guides at Dry Creek Outfitters (they guide more desert sheep hunts in CA than anyone) had never guided someone using a .264. It was a good choice. I had a 265 yard shot across a canyon. Worst part was a 25 mph left to right wind so I was very glad to have the .264. So I guess I’d suggest the 6.5 PRC since it’s very similar.

Shot my ram right after sundown on December 31. Packed him off the mountain on New Year’s Day. Never ended one year and started the next like that year. Still a special memory.

 

[staz]

Most of the time when I see a post with a title like this for deer or elk or what ever i can not relate. Not that I am even anything close to a sheep hunter, but I am in the top bonus point group in AZ for sheep. A few years back I planned to hunt with a bow, now most likely a rifle. For a life long gun enthusiast and years to consider the available options, the gun and caliber selection are a big part of the overall experience. At least for me. Enjoy every part of the experience, good luck

 

[jblam]

Are you using a suppressor or in Mexico or somewhere you can’t use them?

Yea, it’s in Mexico so suppressor is a no go.

 

[grizz19]

I like a good medium weight rifle, to me that’s 10ish pounds. That’s probably getting closer to the heavy side these days. Also I’ve moved towards smaller calibers so I’d defiantly lean 6.5 prc. I just drew a desert tag last year that was very rugged, backpacking style country. I cut weight other places to pack a heavier rifle.

 

[SwiftShot]

If you shoot the Creed well shoot that. Sheep in my experience seem to take a hit really well. If I had to anchor something because of the location, I would not use a Creed.
I have a great lightweight 300 Win that just shoots lights out that I prefer. It depends on you and what limits you set. If your going to pass on a Ram at 500 that is cliffed out well then that is ok. I love a 30 cal. Hell that 3006 is no slouch.