I've read up and the law says a .22 caliber bullet over 60 grain is legal. It also says not to use a fully auto weapon. but are there any restrictions on the Ar-15 as a hunting rifle?
Any restrictions on using the ar-15 .223 for pronghorn
- Thread starter cntryep3614
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mtnrunner260
New Member
- Aug 14, 2011
- 18
- 0
As long as it's semi auto with a 60 gr bullet you are legal to spray and pray.
Not sure if there is a restriction on mag capacity.
Not sure if there is a restriction on mag capacity.
robsev
Member
Now to be fair I do love hunting with my AR, and there are plenty that are plenty accurate and with virtually no recoil I'd definitely consider it for Antelope.
mtnrunner260
New Member
- Aug 14, 2011
- 18
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I totally agree watman.
I've taken a handful of goats with a 69 gr .224 bullet. Out of a bolt gun. If you were hunting one of those eastern units for multiple doe antelope, an ar15 type rifle would be the way to go. Even better with a suppressor.
I've taken a handful of goats with a 69 gr .224 bullet. Out of a bolt gun. If you were hunting one of those eastern units for multiple doe antelope, an ar15 type rifle would be the way to go. Even better with a suppressor.
Hilltop
Veteran member
I think the .223 would cleanly take antelope out to around 250 yards- but it wouldn't be my first, second, or third choice. I think going this small in caliber limits you dramatically in ethical shot selection. Past 200 yards your energy is low enough that you really need a perfect broadside shot IMO- that isn't always easy to pull off. That said, I'm all for guy using their different guns to hunt with as long as they use them within their ethical limits.
micropterus79
Active Member
Just because it's legal doesn't mean you should...Hilltop brings up the real issue and that is limiting yourself on the shots you should and should not take. Pronghorn hunting typically demands longer shots than shorter ones. I totally understand the desire to hunt with the AR but I would up the caliber; you can't guarantee that after all that hard work you won't have to end up taking a 300-400 yd shot and that would be touch and go with such a light bullet.
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micropterus79
Active Member
Just out of curiosity, how long were those shots? Not trying to call anyone out or derail the thread but I am genuinely interested. Also, am I correct in my understanding that a .224 is the actual diameter of a .223 (in other words, the .223 and .224 are identical from a ballistics standpoint)?
mtnrunner260
New Member
- Aug 14, 2011
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Totally understand your concerns.
I shoot alot with the gun and feel very confident with it when there is no wind. Also if I was on a premium unit chasing big bucks I would go another route but I have had one shot kills from 95 yards to 503 over the last 4 years.
I can't tell you how much time I have spent shooting the rifle, tuning the load at the reloading bench and just overall obsessing about accuracy. Even with all that invested into it I will not shoot at long range (past 100 really) unless I get a solid rest on the bipod with a rear bag, have an unaware goat and no wind. Sure life would be easier with the 7mag but it has been a fun project for me.
Yes .224 is the 223 caliber.
I shoot alot with the gun and feel very confident with it when there is no wind. Also if I was on a premium unit chasing big bucks I would go another route but I have had one shot kills from 95 yards to 503 over the last 4 years.
I can't tell you how much time I have spent shooting the rifle, tuning the load at the reloading bench and just overall obsessing about accuracy. Even with all that invested into it I will not shoot at long range (past 100 really) unless I get a solid rest on the bipod with a rear bag, have an unaware goat and no wind. Sure life would be easier with the 7mag but it has been a fun project for me.
Yes .224 is the 223 caliber.
micropterus79
Active Member
Thank you! That is impressive shooting and I have no doubt you have put in the time!! Your line "sure life would be easier with a 7mag" is what I mutter to myself during archery season! Ha!
Thanks for the info all. Im thinking It wouldn't be bad to take it along. I am not certain what kind of goats we'll find in the unit my brother bought a leftover tag for, my guess is unit 109 is gonna be rough any way we go at it. I know he wants to use his ar- and I thought throwing the question out there might shine some light.
shootbrownelk
Veteran member
Take the .223 and bring a back-up in a larger caliber for when the wind blows hard. I always bring a second rifle.
