texashuntingforum.com logo
Main Menu
Advertisement
Affiliates
Advertisement
Newest Members
nmmuledeerhunter, Dzia-Dzia, TraeMartin, Beatixre, MooseSteed
71989 Registered Users
Top Posters(All Time)
dogcatcher 110,788
bill oxner 91,416
SnakeWrangler 65,416
stxranchman 60,296
Gravytrain 46,950
RKHarm24 44,585
rifleman 44,461
Stub 43,769
Forum Statistics
Forums46
Topics537,029
Posts9,719,585
Members86,989
Most Online25,604
Feb 12th, 2024
Print Thread
Page 2 of 3 1 2 3
Re: Nilgai with a 30-06? [Re: Exiled] #7771595 03/14/20 02:52 AM
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,380
N
Normanpig Offline
Pro Tracker
Offline
Pro Tracker
N
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,380
Originally Posted by Exiled
Agreed, great shot and kudos to the young hunter! I shot my first Nilgai bull earlier this year and used a friend's .375 H&H because it was handy and a smooth shooting rifle. I asked the outfitter if I could use my .270 and he puked all over it, but after killing and butchering the big bull I'm convinced my trusty .270 would have been just fine. By the way, that .375 took out the entire upper half of the heart and turned it into mincemeat.



Well I just came back from the same trip with Cody and Mondo. Mine dropped 10ft from where I shot him! With a 225 grain 33 nosler. In one shoulder through the top of the heart and out the other shoulder.

Unfortunately I watched and videoed my buddy shoot one with a 250 grain 338 win mag in a similar hit location. With a follow up hit from the guide (same size gun and .250 grain). We tracked and searched for 3ish hours......

Long story short hit them with everything you can. Keep shooting until they stop.

We only came home with one animal. Huge highs and the lowest of lows.

Most places have good loner guns so you may ask about that.

All have is the one experience with these critters so there’s that too.

Sweet kill by the boy with the .300!!!


yep, sure, why not
Re: Nilgai with a 30-06? [Re: hotsoup] #7775003 03/17/20 03:48 PM
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 570
P
Papalote Offline
Tracker
Offline
Tracker
P
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 570
I've killed 3 nilgai. 2 with a Marlin 45-70/Remington 405 handload and 1 with .30-'06/150 corelokts.
I see no reason to have more gun.

Papalote

Re: Nilgai with a 30-06? [Re: hotsoup] #7787078 03/27/20 06:56 PM
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 1,052
glocker17 Offline
Pro Tracker
Offline
Pro Tracker
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 1,052
"keep Shooting Until They Stop"

Thats great advice, we all seem conditioned to admire out shot when we should be racking the bolt and sending a "quality assurance" shot. I have started doing the same on larger hogs with good effect.

Re: Nilgai with a 30-06? [Re: hotsoup] #7787130 03/27/20 08:04 PM
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 907
E
Erich Offline
Tracker
Offline
Tracker
E
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 907
I bought a 3006 this past year and am shooting a 180grn NP thru it as well. I have not shot any nialgi but i've shot a ton of deer, several large hogs and some aoudad sheep with a 270 and 150grn NP. With good shot placement i can't imagine much of anything would run away from a 180grn 3006 np. the 3006 took down 3 south texas deer this year, was overkill most likely but its not bad on recoil and those big NP bullets do a great job on game. They always pass thru and make for plenty of blood without overly damaging the meat.


Outdoorsman
Re: Nilgai with a 30-06? [Re: glocker17] #7787133 03/27/20 08:07 PM
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 31,782
T
txtrophy85 Online Content
THF Celebrity
Online Content
THF Celebrity
T
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 31,782
Originally Posted by glocker17
"keep Shooting Until They Stop"

Thats great advice, we all seem conditioned to admire out shot when we should be racking the bolt and sending a "quality assurance" shot. I have started doing the same on larger hogs with good effect.



if the animal is still up after taking a hit, a hunter needs to continue to keep putting bullets in the animal until it falls. No telling how many animals hunters shoot and, content that the bullet was placed well, watch as the animal walks or trots out of sight never to be found.

Bullets are cheap and shooting is fun.....keep shooting until the animal drops.


For it is not the quarry that we truly seek, but the adventure.
Re: Nilgai with a 30-06? [Re: hotsoup] #7791056 03/31/20 02:14 PM
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 16,582
6
68rustbucket Online Content
THF Celebrity
Online Content
THF Celebrity
6
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 16,582
I know a guy that killed a nilgai years ago with a .243, before the caliber restrictions. It’s all about shot placement.



Re: Nilgai with a 30-06? [Re: hotsoup] #7791061 03/31/20 02:19 PM
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 14,027
H
Hudbone Offline
THF Celebrity
Offline
THF Celebrity
H
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 14,027
Yeah and I know an electrician who always claimed he shot a 700 lb nilgai calf with a 22 mag. Of course he also maintained helicopters could get you there quicker than an airplane (NB to West TX) and white wings do not eat corn. He always put sage in his sausage (puke).

Last edited by Hudbone; 03/31/20 02:21 PM. Reason: added
Re: Nilgai with a 30-06? [Re: hotsoup] #7791082 03/31/20 02:42 PM
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 16,582
6
68rustbucket Online Content
THF Celebrity
Online Content
THF Celebrity
6
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 16,582
Dang I like sage in my sausage!



Re: Nilgai with a 30-06? [Re: 68rustbucket] #7791124 03/31/20 03:21 PM
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 32,442
kmon11 Offline
junior
Offline
junior
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 32,442
Originally Posted by 68rustbucket
Dang I like sage in my sausage!


Me too


lf the saying "Liar, Liar your pants on fire" were true
Mainstream news might be fun to watch
Re: Nilgai with a 30-06? [Re: hotsoup] #7791351 03/31/20 07:07 PM
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 12,822
P
PMK Online Content
THF Celebrity
Online Content
THF Celebrity
P
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 12,822
a little sage goes a long way in sausage for me


"everyone that lives dies but not everyone who dies lived..."

~PMK~
Re: Nilgai with a 30-06? [Re: hotsoup] #7791383 03/31/20 07:41 PM
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 4,236
E
Erny Offline
Extreme Tracker
Offline
Extreme Tracker
E
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 4,236
I have killed 3 of them all with my 300 mag shooting 180 grain Nosler Partitions. There is no doubt in my mind that they would have died just as quick with a 30-06 using the Nosler Partition. I hunted the King Ranch for them. The guide said whatever rifle your most comfortable with, but preferred something 30 cal or larger with a heavy bullet.

Last edited by Erny; 03/31/20 07:46 PM.
Re: Nilgai with a 30-06? [Re: txtrophy85] #7791963 04/01/20 04:02 AM
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 6,168
T
Tactical Cowboy Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
T
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 6,168
Originally Posted by txtrophy85
Originally Posted by glocker17
"keep Shooting Until They Stop"

Thats great advice, we all seem conditioned to admire out shot when we should be racking the bolt and sending a "quality assurance" shot. I have started doing the same on larger hogs with good effect.



if the animal is still up after taking a hit, a hunter needs to continue to keep putting bullets in the animal until it falls. No telling how many animals hunters shoot and, content that the bullet was placed well, watch as the animal walks or trots out of sight never to be found.

Bullets are cheap and shooting is fun.....keep shooting until the animal drops.


I agree. I went on a cow elk hunt two years ago and took a Winchester 94 .44 mag shooting a 310 grain WFNGC bullet that I cast. I shot her 3 times, two of which went through the heart and one went just above it. Two of the bullets completely passed through.

Truth be told, the first shot probably would have been enough, but extra lead is cheap insurance.

Matter of fact, I guided a guy on a cow hunt last year that insisted on using a 475 linebaugh revolver. He made a good broadside shot, and she didn’t go 10 yards. Double lung with a 400 grain bullet, iirc, at 55 yards.

[Linked Image]
Heart from my cow, for the doubters.


The secret to a long life is to try not to shorten it.
Re: Nilgai with a 30-06? [Re: hotsoup] #7793943 04/03/20 03:53 AM
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 1,154
E
ErikL Online Content
Pro Tracker
Online Content
Pro Tracker
E
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 1,154
i shot one in the neck with a 30-06 and he didn't get back up, spine shot another with 300 win mag, tried to get back up but couldn't.

Re: Nilgai with a 30-06? [Re: hotsoup] #7794009 04/03/20 11:47 AM
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,112
R
Ranch Dog Offline
Veteran Tracker
Offline
Veteran Tracker
R
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,112
At the refuges and private ranches, I've seen them killed with a 30-30 Win. Dead as a hammer. The problem with most outfitters is that they want to truck hunt and have hunted the places hard. Most outfitters, down want to put the time in to hunt them close.

I also know a helicopter pilot, flies, and shoots. I asked him how many nilgais he had killed, I think in 2000 or 2001, and he had killed 1,800. All with the 7.62x39. That's different than hunting, but he is killing them with a body shot. He doesn't use a shooter, not for at least 30 years, too many problems.


[Linked Image]
Re: Nilgai with a 30-06? [Re: hotsoup] #7794019 04/03/20 11:54 AM
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,112
R
Ranch Dog Offline
Veteran Tracker
Offline
Veteran Tracker
R
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,112
Of course, the hunt is always an excuse to buy a big gun! cool


[Linked Image]
Re: Nilgai with a 30-06? [Re: hotsoup] #7794031 04/03/20 12:05 PM
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 14,027
H
Hudbone Offline
THF Celebrity
Offline
THF Celebrity
H
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 14,027
You are dead on with the guides wanting to hunt with the trucks and frankly, I get it. I always wanted to hunt one with an open sight 45-70. Never bought one so never did. Most of mine were shot out of a truck or at least while hunting with a vehicle and with the animals running. Most w were taken with a 270 and then later on began to rely and love the 300 WM. Never lost one that I am aware of. From memory, I have spotted and stalked two and concealed myself at a tank where I took a cow when she came into water. These three were all shot dead as can be with a 270.

Finding myself needing to comment on tactical Cowboy's story and photo - both awesome. I had broken down a very large bull with a heart shot while it was running directly away. Needless to say, it couldn't go anywhere. Wanting to cape it out, we put a 45 to its heart. Left to go pick up another hunter we had abandoned previously. Came back in 45 minutes and the durn thing was still alive. Put another shot into its heart and came away with something akin to your picture. These beasts are worthy extremely hardy.

[Linked Image]

Re: Nilgai with a 30-06? [Re: hotsoup] #7794278 04/03/20 04:01 PM
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,112
R
Ranch Dog Offline
Veteran Tracker
Offline
Veteran Tracker
R
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,112
444 Marlin, 265-grain home cast bullet, 2400 FPS, at 125-yards.

[Linked Image]

Private ranch, spot and stalk on bedded bull. Laid in grass for near an hour until he stood up.


[Linked Image]
Re: Nilgai with a 30-06? [Re: Ranch Dog] #7794835 04/03/20 11:50 PM
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 270
G
glazer1972 Online Content
Bird Dog
Online Content
Bird Dog
G
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 270
I’ve never understood how a 180gr 06 isn’t big enough but a 180gr 300 is.

Re: Nilgai with a 30-06? [Re: glazer1972] #7796193 04/05/20 12:10 PM
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,112
R
Ranch Dog Offline
Veteran Tracker
Offline
Veteran Tracker
R
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,112
Originally Posted by glazer1972
I’ve never understood how a 180gr 06 isn’t big enough but a 180gr 300 is.

It is a matter of effective range; both external and terminal ballistics.


[Linked Image]
Re: Nilgai with a 30-06? [Re: hotsoup] #8550890 03/08/22 02:01 PM
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 1
C
CO Nature Boy Offline
Green Horn
Offline
Green Horn
C
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 1
Last weekend I shot two nilgai (bull and cow) with a 300 RUM shooting a 220-grain Sierra MatchKing with the tip drilled out a bit so it'd open up like a hunting bullet, MV = 3000 fps. Broadside shot on the bull at 230 yards in the center of one front shoulder, out the other, breaking both. Dead right there. Exit wound was about 3" diameter, so the bullet expanded some. The shot on the cow didn't go so well, hit a rear hip joint and exploded. DRT again, but I lost some meat. My hunting partners each two a bull and a cow with a 7 mm mag shooting a lead-tipped 175-grain Sierra GameKing. One shot both of his nilgai like I shot my bull, with exactly the same results (DRT). The other shot a bull like I shot my cow, with the same results (DRT, with meat loss), and his cow through the lungs missing bone (ran 100 yards, no expansion). In my opinion the magnums are more than enough gun for Nilgai, their reputation for toughness notwithstanding. A well-made bullet at 3,000 fps will penetrate and break the front shoulders of a nilgai, even if the bullet weighs a lot less than my 220-grain SMK. If I did it again, I'd take my 280 AI.

Re: Nilgai with a 30-06? [Re: hotsoup] #8551512 03/08/22 11:44 PM
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 104
H
Homer75 Offline
Woodsman
Offline
Woodsman
H
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 104
Did the OP find an outfitter to let him use his ‘06? I believe you could use one at the OX Ranch.

Re: Nilgai with a 30-06? [Re: hotsoup] #8551610 03/09/22 01:24 AM
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 877
W
wtjim Offline
Tracker
Offline
Tracker
W
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 877
Is a 35 Whelen pushing 200 grain bonded bullet at 2850 FPS good to go?

Re: Nilgai with a 30-06? [Re: hotsoup] #8551802 03/09/22 05:37 AM
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 640
I
intohunting Online Content
Tracker
Online Content
Tracker
I
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 640
From the King Ranch website: Rifle (30 caliber or larger preferred)
https://kingranchhunting.com/what-to-bring/


I would highly recommend using a solid copper bullet. I shot my nilgai with a .300 Win Mag using the Federal Premium Barnes/TSX 180 grain bullet. Everything that I've shot while using solid copper bullets has had an entry & an exit hole. I've read that nilgai come in 2nd place as far as being the toughest animal to put down (Cape buffalo was rated as the #1 toughest).

Take a look at this: Federal 30-06 Springfield 180 gr Barnes TSX.
This is the description from Federal. The Barnes TSX is a proven all-copper hollow point that groups tightly at long range and delivers consistent, large-diameter expansion. The monolithic design retains nearly 100 percent of its weight on impact to penetrate deep, and its grooved shank minimizes barrel fouling and improves accuracy.
[Linked Image]
I don't feel that you can go wrong that ammo. Good luck!

Re: Nilgai with a 30-06? [Re: intohunting] #8552416 03/09/22 11:49 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 16
A
ac123 Offline
Light Foot
Offline
Light Foot
A
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 16
My son is a ranch manager and guides nilgai hunts on the ranch he works at. He recommends 300 WM or bigger... reason being, you are paying whether you find the animal or not and that is a lot of money to go home with an empty cooler. They have lost several bulls shot with the 300 WM (maybe because of bullet type). He always offers his rifle to all the clients, a 338-378 Weatherby Magnum and most take it.

If you are on a lease or hunting your own land you should be ok with whatever caliber you like, but on a high-priced guided hunt, go big.

Re: Nilgai with a 30-06? [Re: intohunting] #8552439 03/10/22 12:11 AM
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,829
Adchunts Online Content
Pro Tracker
Online Content
Pro Tracker
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,829
Originally Posted by intohunting
From the King Ranch website: Rifle (30 caliber or larger preferred)
https://kingranchhunting.com/what-to-bring/


I would highly recommend using a solid copper bullet. I shot my nilgai with a .300 Win Mag using the Federal Premium Barnes/TSX 180 grain bullet. Everything that I've shot while using solid copper bullets has had an entry & an exit hole. I've read that nilgai come in 2nd place as far as being the toughest animal to put down (Cape buffalo was rated as the #1 toughest).

Take a look at this: Federal 30-06 Springfield 180 gr Barnes TSX.
This is the description from Federal. The Barnes TSX is a proven all-copper hollow point that groups tightly at long range and delivers consistent, large-diameter expansion. The monolithic design retains nearly 100 percent of its weight on impact to penetrate deep, and its grooved shank minimizes barrel fouling and improves accuracy.
[Linked Image]
I don't feel that you can go wrong that ammo. Good luck!



That’s the type ammo I used on my Nilgai hunt, but in .338 Win Mag (210 grain TSX). Was a complete pass through that did good internal damage. However, the bull still ran 50-60 yards. That’s a long way in south Texas brush country. Almost no blood trail. If I do another hunt, I think I will go with a bonded or Partition style bullet. If there will not be a good blood trail, I’d rather the bullet dump 100% of the energy inside the animal instead of passing through. Brother used a bonded bullet in his .375 H&H, and his bull piled up very close after thrashing around a bit. We recovered the bullet under the skin on off side. I’m not an expert by any means, this is just my experience from two hunts.

Page 2 of 3 1 2 3
Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread

© 2004-2024 OUTDOOR SITES NETWORK all rights reserved USA and Worldwide
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.3