Thread: Semi Auto 22 WMR vs Bolt action 223 for goats

Originally Posted by country cuts

My 2 cents I use a 12g semi with buckshot when shooting orchards or inside 30-40m. 223 for the rest seems to work for me. A lever action 30-30 with red dot would be something I'd look at too

I shoot goats for meat with a Rossi 357mag LA, 20in. Not the volumes cullers talk about obviously. But 2 things - a 158gn powder coated truncated cone cast bullet leaving the muzzle at around 1450fps to 1600fps nails any goat pretty much with a behind the shoulder or neck shot out to 120 - 150m. Second a red dot sight or scout scope puts the bullet where you want it every time. I used to do it with original buckhorn sights but now I don't see so well. I used to hot-load 38sp cases 'cause 12 would fit in the tube. Did the job fine. Now of course I'm only allowed to put ten in so the only advantage over 357mag cases is if the 38sp are cheaper or more available. If the 38cases are well used you will get some splits. I make up goat loads out of my older ones cause I don't get them all back.

A Rossi Puma 92 can be made super slick to cycle. Just a bit slower to reload than a detached box mag. I reload the ammo with a specific Shotgun powder, around 12 gn. Lot of loads out of a tub. Hawke River bullets from Delta Mike are a cheap volume buy. Cost of primers has pushed per round price up but still cheapest hard hitting ammo out there I suspect. When the goats start running you will be too. With practice you can thumb replacements in the tube on the go. Just don't make the mistake I once made. Filled my pocket with 38sp Pistol target rounds by mistake. I'm sorry to say the ensuing circus was about enough to put one off hunting. I made myself eat every morsel off that carcass remembering every bleat. Use enough gun also means use the right ammo.