Idaho 45 Vaquero
New member
Thanks all,
.223 is technically allowed in Idaho for big game (even moose )
The AR-15 in question has a Colt HBAR barrel with a target crown. I'm not an AR expert but I've noticed it is heavier and thicker underneath the forearm than other so-called HBAR's. I bought it with Service Rifle Matches is mind. I haven't competed with it, however I've experimented with it a lot all the way out to 400 yds. Its as accurate as any rifle I have, sub-moa with a few loads. I have a few good 55gr. loads figured out for it, and I have one good 62gr. Sierra hollow-point load that it likes. I currently have a 3 power Colt carry-handle scope. It has an elevation turret that I can dial quickly for exact elevation at 100, 200, 300, 400yds. I've made my own markings on it for those distances with 55 and 62 grain bullets. The dial has markings for higher but I've never established the scope further than 400. There is no quick wind-age adjustment on the scope. When I'm hunting I use laser rangefinders like a chain smoker uses packs of cigarettes.
In my long range shooting with .233 wind has always been a problem. Especially across canyons where the currents are different. I'll be hunting on the Snake River Desert where hopefully the flat open land will have more predictable wind. My experience with my 31-06, the wind doesn't pull the bullet off a deer sized target up to 300-400yds.
As suggested by some of you I could load my 31-06 a little lighter, which is a great idea. My 31-06 is a sporter built off an American 1917 Enfield action ( By the way, its an absolutely beautiful gun with scroll engraving, high figure California walnut, and curly maple end-caps; it was built by my father). It has a barrel with machine British rifling (5 lands left hand) and a British .312 bore diameter. I have the scope on it established for out to 400 yds. with 180gr. and 300 yds. with 200gr. Maybe, a load with 150gr. FMJ would be less invasive and yet provide sufficient energy for pronghorn.
.223 is technically allowed in Idaho for big game (even moose )
The AR-15 in question has a Colt HBAR barrel with a target crown. I'm not an AR expert but I've noticed it is heavier and thicker underneath the forearm than other so-called HBAR's. I bought it with Service Rifle Matches is mind. I haven't competed with it, however I've experimented with it a lot all the way out to 400 yds. Its as accurate as any rifle I have, sub-moa with a few loads. I have a few good 55gr. loads figured out for it, and I have one good 62gr. Sierra hollow-point load that it likes. I currently have a 3 power Colt carry-handle scope. It has an elevation turret that I can dial quickly for exact elevation at 100, 200, 300, 400yds. I've made my own markings on it for those distances with 55 and 62 grain bullets. The dial has markings for higher but I've never established the scope further than 400. There is no quick wind-age adjustment on the scope. When I'm hunting I use laser rangefinders like a chain smoker uses packs of cigarettes.
In my long range shooting with .233 wind has always been a problem. Especially across canyons where the currents are different. I'll be hunting on the Snake River Desert where hopefully the flat open land will have more predictable wind. My experience with my 31-06, the wind doesn't pull the bullet off a deer sized target up to 300-400yds.
As suggested by some of you I could load my 31-06 a little lighter, which is a great idea. My 31-06 is a sporter built off an American 1917 Enfield action ( By the way, its an absolutely beautiful gun with scroll engraving, high figure California walnut, and curly maple end-caps; it was built by my father). It has a barrel with machine British rifling (5 lands left hand) and a British .312 bore diameter. I have the scope on it established for out to 400 yds. with 180gr. and 300 yds. with 200gr. Maybe, a load with 150gr. FMJ would be less invasive and yet provide sufficient energy for pronghorn.