need to know what you would recommend, and what loads
Years ago now, a herd of antelope was spotted out about a mile, with an hour of light left. Decision was made to leave them, and return at first light. Next morning a sneak was commenced blind from a guessed half mile out. Hoping the walk was toward the goats, many steps were taken. Each ridge was approached with care. Carefully cresting a ridge, the goats were seen a way out there. Them goats picked a great spot to sleep i.e. great for them not the hunter.
The load in the rifle was 115g Blackhorn, 200g Shockwave. The rifle was a 45 caliber Omega. Prior to the antelope season, the rifle/load had been shot jillions of times at 200 yard; many times at 300 yard, and once at 450 yard. The rifle was super accurate, if there was no breeze. Using the range finder to determine the distance, and using the cds dial to set the scope worked, and worked, over, and over, and over.
Don't recall the range, but do recall snow flakes softly falling; zero breeze. Walked an arroyo toward the antelope, when it went away, walked hunched over, on the terrain below the ridge. Seems like the distance to the bedded goats was about 360 yard or so, and it looked to be a long long way. Cresting the ridge, one had to crawl, to kinda stay out of sight; there were so many eyes, it kinda seemed impossible to get closer. Probably was about 340 yard; it seemed so far. Still was zero wind. Began crawling on the down slope toward the bedded goats; with little hope of not being seen by all those eyes.
Crawled, and crawled slowly getting closer to the goats. Crawling through cactus isn't much fun. When the down slope steepened it seemed impossible to get closer. Was able to kinda range the distance through the grass at 325 yard above/behind the antelope. Seemed it was time to shoot, or go home. The engraved cds dial was set to one click above 300 yard. Practiced breathing, aiming, rifle supported by elbows. Questioned whether the shot was good enough. Zero breeze.
Picked out a goat lying at a good angle. Took the shot because of how much work it took to get there. Had to. The sleeping goat never got up; did wake up to die. Ranged the shot after standing up, to the dead goat. 314 yard or so.
At the time, the rifle was the most accurate here. There was zero breeze. Had practiced, and practiced for months.
Next time an antelope hunt is made, the rifle will be a breech loader.