My buddy and I won the exotic hunt at Palo Duro this up and coming New Years and already doing some prep work. To limit the debate on best calibers, I have the following in the safe that I’m considering, but want to hear from you on what you’d choose from my list and the best off the shelf ammo. Some variables to consider is weight, we’ll be hiking 10 maybe 15 miles a day in steep rocky terrain, shots could range out to 500-600 yards?. Not worried about cost of ammo or life of barrel. 2 of these are still NIB.. honestly, I prefer to shoot in the 200-300 range but will be practicing out to 500 maybe 600 yards..I don’t want to get into optics. I have a couple high end scopes, just trying to determine which gun I’ll set up for this hunt and start practicing with over the next couple weeks.

My preference list in order:

7mm rem SFII, bnib but I just had a muzzle brake done. This one is heavy! I just put it on my empty pack and can only imagine the added weight of water, clothing etc..

Ruger 6.5 creedmoor, synthetic camo stock, factory muzzle brake. Bnib, probably the lightest option.

Browning .300 winmag. Synthetic stock, lighter than the 7mm.

.270.. I have a few in this caliber.. no brake, but weights would be a little heavier than the 6.5.

I appreciate any and all opinions.

I’d grab the Ruger 6.5 Creedmoor and not look back

Ruger 6.5 creedmoor, synthetic camo stock, factory muzzle brake. Bnib, probably the lightest option.

Nothing wrong with a 7-08...

Any of those calibers will be fine. Pick a good bullet and get to practicing. I used an Accubond on my hunt and it performed beautifully. Two others used the the 7mm 140 grain SGK BTHP, and it worked great, too. One my hunt, I had a self-imposed limit of 400 yards. Next time I go I WILL be comfortable to 600 with the right conditions - it greatly increases opportunities.

Wind can be a major factor for the PD Canyon area in January/February. Good luck!!!

I'm a 7 mm lover. But, since your .300 Win Mag is lighter, I'd go with that. 500-600 yards is a poke, and I would appreciate the energy delivery the cartridge has at those distances. I worked up a load for a .300 win Mag three weeks ago. 200 gr ELD-X is still carrying 2000 ft/lbs at 500 yards. Working on a second .300 Win Mag right now, with 212 gr ELD-X. It is doing well, And it's a Browning

Creed or 300. Comes down to which ever you will put more time behind.

I’ve killed two from 200-350 with 257 wby, and buddy killed his at 400’ish with creed

Good info. I don’t believe the 6.5 will pack the punch I’d need at 500 yards, although the accuracy is there. I really want to set up this 7mm but dang it’s heavy. I think you’re right though.. the .300 is probably my best bet.

I would pick the .300 win.

Aoudad are tough & heavy, the wind blows out there relentlessly and shots might be on the longer side ( but not always, many times there is a way to get within 200-300 yards)


For what its worth, I have a Weatherby Accumark that is very similar to the SFII and I lugged it around the mountains for a few seasons before I bought a rifle specifically for that style of hunting. Its doable but unless you are in great shape it will wear you out.

10-15 miles is a long way, I would say your actual mileage will be around 1/2 of that, but even then every extra pound matters.

300 . You'll be sorry if you if bring that SF II if you are hiking 10-15 miles a day.

I appreciate it. I’ll be ready though. Just hiked 52 miles with a heavy pack in Canada and I’m not letting up on my daily routine.

Yep.. Just needed confirmation from the THF brain trust

Another vote for the .300, all things being equal.

The lightest rifle

I’d chose the 300 as well if it were me, but, if you’re in shape and used to hiking the SF will not make that big of a difference. 3 years since my last trip hiking. Pack was 20+ going up the mountain. Didn’t notice it at all. Now that I’ve not exercised since shortly after then, I’d have to have someone to pack me in. I say if you’re in shape 2# is not going to mean anything to you, pick the rifle you want, just be honest with yourself about your conditioning.

From that list, I would choose the 300 WM hands down. If not for all of the extra weight, I would lean toward the 7mm RM. Good luck on your trip!

The 6.5, 270, and 300 all will have zero issue taking an aoudad at the distances you mentioned.

There is less than 150 FPS velocity difference for all three at 500 yards (all ELD-X) and the wind deflection difference (20 MPH) is only a few inches as well. The only major difference will be delivered energy.

Take whichever one gives you the most confidence and enjoy your hunt.

isn't that what really matters?

and that's assuming a 500 yard shot. what is the energy difference at .300?

Per my hand loads for both cartridges...

300 yards
6.5 Creedmoor 1772 ft/lbs

.300 Win Mag 2911 ft/lbs

500 yards
6.5 Creedmoor 1415 ft/lbs

.300 Win Mag 2381 ft/lbs

Aoudad are tough, but they aren't bulletproof. Whatever you have the most confidence in...

No. A good hunting bullet in the vitals is all that matters. All guns listed have more than enough needed at those ranges

I don't shoot a creed but if I'm packing, my lightest gun goes with me

This x2

More than enough bullet for this animal.

I shot 4 Aoudad last year all with 6.5 PRC using 135 Berger Classic bullets... none dropped in their tracks but none made it very far 40-50yds. Ranges varied from 300-450 yards or so.

What rifle is that chambered in?

I haven’t been able to find one once a 6.5 PRC