Thread: The "Goat Rifle"...

So with a trip to New Zealand planned for the entire month of December... I thought I'd better get to work on a rifle for the trip. I perused the classifieds on a number of hunting/shooting sites... and ended up with the parts to assemble the following rifle. I'm hoping for input on loads/optics for the trip from members here... we plan to shoot mainly goats... but other targets of opportunity will not be passed up. I'm thinking of shooting the 123 Amax at everything... I've had positive experiences with the Amax on game in several calibers... but would love to hear any experience y'all have had with them on goats.

Rem. 700 Stainless short action
23" Rock Creek #4 Stainless/Fluted .260 Rem. (1/8" twist)
HS Precision ADL Sporter Stock
Talley Lightweight "lows"
Leupold 3-9x40 with Target Turrets
Weighs 8lbs 6oz



123 Hornady Amax
Lapua Brass
44.0 grains WW760
WLRM Primer
Loaded to Mag. Length (2.80")
2980fps

100 yds...



300 yds... right at 2"...



15-shots, random distances from 300-800 yards (12"x18" plate, 6" center circle).... working out the drop chart and had a few low hits... but no misses.



and..... it can kill stuff too.... like this unfortunate prairie dog at 256 yards...