7mm or .300???

[T-Bone77]

I am wondering if someone could give me some insight. I am looking ahead into the future and wondering, if I go sheep hunting what would be the best gun to use. The 7mm i think is good, but is it enough? I looked at my ballistics and i can get a 162gr bullet to hit with 1740ft.lb @ 300 yrds. But the .300WSM i can get 1945ft.lb @300 yrds. What gr. is a big enough bullet and what kind of ft.lb do i want to be hitting a big Ram with. I do not have a .300 or 7mm, so i would have to purchase the gun and scope (which can get expensive), however i do have a .270 and a .308...but i am not sure if they would be good enough in terms of ft.lb? Any insight would be great!!! Thanks!!!

[whitetailhntr]

A 7mm in any configuration,weather be a magnum or not will kill any sheep that walks the earth, same with the .300 . Choose wich ever you shoot better and have confidence in and go hunting.This thread is gonna be like beating a dead horse...once again.

[redranger15]

I have never shot a sheep but I have taken a few moose and elk with a .270 and I'm pretty sure your sheep are a little smaller.Your .270 would be fine, use some good bullets and put them in the boiler room and you'll be fine .

[Huntingonthebrain]

love my .300 for long range. but your choice....

[T-Bone77]

Ya, i am thinking about just putting an awesome scope on my .270 and loading up some 140gr. lead (it seems to be the best ballistic wise) and trying that...i am just not sure if @ 300 and 400yrds that it has enough knock down power...but like you say, hit them in the vitals and it should be a kill!

[T-Bone77]

Any sugestions on a scope anyone??? I was thinking a 4.5x14x40mm or maybe a 50mm.

[justhunt]

I would definately stay away from the 50mm scope for sheep hunting. You don`t need the light gathering ability and you don`t want to pack more weight than necessary. Also a gun seems to get bumped sheep hunting so the lower the profile the better. I use a leupold ultralight 3-9X33 but you would be fine with any 40mm also. And as far as caliber goes if your 270 is accurate and you are comfortable with it just use it and be responsible with your shooting distances and as always shot placement. But if you want a bigger gun i`d go with the 300win mag. Just me 2c

[ishootbambi]

your 270 is plenty for sheep. any quality rifle scope will work fine as well. sheep arent as tough as a lot of animals, nor as bright. you may find yourself required to shoot 3 or 4 hundred yards, but most likely you can get closer. if you really want a new gun though, a titanium model in a short mag caliber would reduce a bunch of weight, which in my opinion is the best thing you can get in a mountain rifle. then hit the range and practice lots at all ranges, but not from the bench. learn to shoot in field positions....prone, over a backpack etc.

[peakseeker]

x2

[T-Bone77]

Thanks guys! Any more info is always appreciated!