Marco Polo/Siberian Ibex

[Africa Huntress]

This will be my second hunt in Tajikistan. We will hunt from 10000 ft to 15000 feet in very hostile mountain terrain. Cold, Windy, Rocky with Snow. By Jeep-horseback-foot. I will be using a 280 AI with a Swaro Z6i 2.5 x 15 x 44
Our shots will be between 300 and 500 yards. We have elected to try Nosler on this hunt and had originally decided to go with the 140 gr BT. However, one of the fellows that does our reloading has ask me, to ask all of you.

140 gr BT
or
??? gr Partition
or
Noslers 280 AI custom bullets

Obviously we will see what our rifle likes, but since we have not used Nosler before, we asking all of you for a starting point.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Scotty, David, Jim, Charlie, Sean, Dr. Mike, Mr. Miner, and Mr Flowers for their welcome. I also know that a few other gentlemen have welcomed me aboard and I want to thank them as well. I remember the first group of names because of extra communication between us on this forum and other forums, and pms Thank you all.

 

[SJB358]

Aleena, why wouldn't you use the 140 AB? Just wondering really, I think BT's are great bullets, but if I remember correct, aren't Marco Polo's some pretty BIG sheep. Why not combine the two great attributes of the BT and PT and shoot the AB. You'll get the BC of the BT and the penetration and expansion of the BT/PT combined. Just wondering?

The 140 PT would be my solid second choice as I like the extra penetration the bullet offers and its ability to smash bones and basically reach the vitals from any decent angle. I know it is a pretty high stakes hunt, so I would stack as much in my favor as I could. I would let your rifle decide between the PT and the AB. Whichever shoots best at your extreme range would be my vote.

 

[shoots_5]

Why not try the 140 grain AccuBond and get the best of both worlds, high BC for the longer range shots, and weight retention of the bonded bullet. I'm sure the ballistic tip would probably be fine, I just like more of a bonded bullet for most hunting situations. Sounds like a fantastic hunt regardless of what bullet you end up choosing! I would love to see some pictures of your hunt when you return!

 

[shoots_5]

Ha, you beat me too it!

 

[SJB358]

Ha, you beat me too it!

Great minds run on the same tracks!

 

[6mm Remington]

That is an amazing hunt, amazing! :shock: Love to go along as a camera guy, never have enough photo's and video, and a general grunt! :grin:

I can't say anything else that the other's have not, but I too have heard those Marco Polo sheep can weigh 500 pounds! Wow that is a lot of sheep. I would try the AccuBond and if it did not shoot, then the Partition for the same reasons listed. My rifle would decide which one of those two I would use, the one it liked best. Now we expect to see a ton of photographs so we can drool over when you get back. I also think you are packing the perfect rifle, I mean what's not to like about a 280 or a 280AI.

David

 

[SJB358]

That is an amazing hunt, amazing! :shock: Love to go along as a camera guy, never have enough photo's and video, and a general grunt! :grin:

I can't say anything else that the other's have not, but I too have heard those Marco Polo sheep can weigh 500 pounds! Wow that is a lot of sheep. I would try the AccuBond and if it did not shoot, then the Partition for the same reasons listed. My rifle would decide which one of those two I would use, the one it liked best. Now we expect to see a ton of photographs so we can drool over when you get back. I also think you are packing the perfect rifle, I mean what's not to like about a 280 or a 280AI.

David

We have to work on Aleena posting pictures! I know she has some stuff we are dieing to see! :twisted:

 

[6mm Remington]

That is an amazing hunt, amazing! :shock: Love to go along as a camera guy, never have enough photo's and video, and a general grunt! :grin:

I can't say anything else that the other's have not, but I too have heard those Marco Polo sheep can weigh 500 pounds! Wow that is a lot of sheep. I would try the AccuBond and if it did not shoot, then the Partition for the same reasons listed. My rifle would decide which one of those two I would use, the one it liked best. Now we expect to see a ton of photographs so we can drool over when you get back. I also think you are packing the perfect rifle, I mean what's not to like about a 280 or a 280AI.

David

We have to work on Aleena posting pictures! I know she has some stuff we are dieing to see! :twisted:

Absolutely Scotty! Did I mention Aleena that I can fit into a carry-on! I work hard and never complain when it comes to hunting. :mrgreen:

 

[JD338]

Aleena,

Congratulations on your upcomming Ibex hunt! That is going to be quite an adventure.
I would recommend the 140 gr AB in the 280 AI.
Loaded with 63.0 grs RL 22 and a Federal GM215M Magnum primer should get you 3150 fps in your rifle. Very fast, accurate and powerful for long range hunting.
With a 200 yd zero, you will be 1.1" high at 100 yds, -5.9" at 300 yds, -17.1" at 400 yds, and -34.4" at 500 yds.
My second choice would be the 140 gr PT.

Good luck on your hunt and let us know if you have any more questions.

JD338

 

[alaska100]

David[/quote]

We have to work on Aleena posting pictures! I know she has some stuff we are dieing to see! :twisted:[/quote]

Absolutely Scotty! Did I mention Aleena that I can fit into a carry-on! I work hard and never complain when it comes to hunting. :mrgreen:[/quote]

Now that is funny David!

Aleena, talked to my Uncle and he agrees with everyone else. If your going to go with Nosler, he would use the Ab or PT. However, he really likes the BT s and think they would work, but like the others, for this hunt they would not be his first choice.

Guys, I agree about the pictures, but from what I hear from one of the guys on a different forum, she got dinged pretty bad a few years ago and has never posted a picture since. But we could see about getting her to take David along in her carry on and he can take pictures. Good one David LOL

 

[SJB358]

I heard that about her getting dinged. Trust me, I will personally visit anyone who raises a ruckus about it here! I can say that, as I know it will not happen... Think of it as a protected site. I know JD will back it.

 

[JD338]

I heard that about her getting dinged. Trust me, I will personally visit anyone who raises a ruckus about it here! I can say that, as I know it will not happen... Think of it as a protected site. I know JD will back it.

Scotty, I got your back, as does Nosler!

I hope in time that Aleena will feel comfortable here and share some pictures with us. :grin:

JD338

 

[Africa Huntress]

God I hate it when my husband is right. I will make sure he does not see this thread and just tell him I changed my mind LOL Obviously he was telling me to dump the BT idea and go with the AB s if I was dead set on using Nosler.

Jim, I printed out your mix for the 140 AB and faxed it to the fellows that do our reloading for us--thank you.

And thanks to everyone for their assist , it is appreciated. If anyone has a mix for the PT s that they think will work and want to share, it will be appreciated as well.

Since we just got back from dinner ( we are currently in jolly old England ) and my husband knows I logged on the computer I will wait and tell him tomorrow that I changed my mind so he will think it was my idea to agree with him LOL

Gentlemen---THANK YOU!

 

[SJB358]

God I hate it when my husband is right. I will make sure he does not see this thread and just tell him I changed my mind LOL Obviously he was telling me to dump the BT idea and go with the AB s if I was dead set on using Nosler.

Jim, I printed out your mix for the 140 AB and faxed it to the fellows that do our reloading for us--thank you.

And thanks to everyone for their assist , it is appreciated. If anyone has a mix for the PT s that they think will work and want to share, it will be appreciated as well.

Since we just got back from dinner ( we are currently in jolly old England ) and my husband knows I logged on the computer I will wait and tell him tomorrow that I changed my mind so he will think it was my idea to agree with him LOL

Gentlemen---THANK YOU!

Aleena, I need Jerry's email address.. Poor guy isn't ever going to get ahead of you! I feel like I need to assist him a little! :wink:

I would imagine you will be in great shape with JD's loads. I almost bet you could work along the same exact load lines with the 140 PT and get it done easily as well.

 

[6mm Remington]

I heard that about her getting dinged. Trust me, I will personally visit anyone who raises a ruckus about it here! I can say that, as I know it will not happen... Think of it as a protected site. I know JD will back it.

Scotty, I got your back, as does Nosler!

I hope in time that Aleena will feel comfortable here and share some pictures with us. :grin:

JD338

+2 I'll cover the Rocky Mountain Region. Put that boxing background to good use! :lol:

 

[Woodycreek]

Congrats on your upcoming Marco Polo hunt. I think the 140 AB and 280 AI would make a great combo. Good luck!

 

[Hegland]

AH -

Congratulations on your hunt! I'm sure I speak for several of us when I say I'm really looking forward to hearing about this one.

Hard to argue with either the AB or Partition out of that cartridge. Best of luck on your hunt.

 

[DrMike]

There is not much I can add except to agree with what has already been posted. Go with the 140 grain AccuBond. On a hunt such as this, you don't want to spare going for a clean kill, and the AB will buy a little insurance that is of immeasurable worth.

 

[hunternyny]

as usual you have already been given excellent advise so I will just say good luck and have fun

 

[Africa Huntress]

Aleena,

Congratulations on your upcomming Ibex hunt! That is going to be quite an adventure.
I would recommend the 140 gr AB in the 280 AI.
Loaded with 63.0 grs RL 22 and a Federal GM215M Magnum primer should get you 3150 fps in your rifle. Very fast, accurate and powerful for long range hunting.
With a 200 yd zero, you will be 1.1" high at 100 yds, -5.9" at 300 yds, -17.1" at 400 yds, and -34.4" at 500 yds.
My second choice would be the 140 gr PT.

Good luck on your hunt and let us know if you have any more questions.

JD338

Jim, if it is not broke, dont fix it LOL First reports are that your recipe was perfect. Thank you.

I would feel like the luckiest person in the world if I was able to get a 300 yard shot, 400 hundred is more likely, so the only difference is they are going to zero at 300

David, as per our conversation, I have already started training. If I work real hard maybe I can be in half the shape Scotty is in--I am going to try. I dont want to be a marine, I just want to be able to get up the mountain LOL