Quick Answer
The .223 Remington can be an effective caliber for hunting pronghorn antelope, but it's essential to use the right bullet and technique to ensure a clean and humane harvest.
Choosing the Right Bullet
When hunting pronghorn with a .223 Remington, choose a high-velocity bullet with a weight of at least 55 grains and a ballistic coefficient of 0.2 or higher. The Sierra GameKing 55-grain HPBT or the Hornady V-Max 55-grain are excellent options for this application. These bullets will provide the necessary kinetic energy to quickly drop a pronghorn at ranges out to 300 yards.
Shot Placement and Angle
When shooting a pronghorn, aim for the lungs or the heart to ensure a quick kill. Due to the animal’s relatively small size, a small diameter wound can be effective. However, to account for the possibility of a non-fatal shot, it’s essential to make a precise shot placement. Aiming slightly back of the shoulder or at the 12- to 2-o’clock position can help ensure a fatal shot, especially at longer ranges.
Range and Velocity Considerations
When hunting pronghorn at longer ranges, it’s crucial to consider the bullet’s velocity drop and the animal’s size. The .223 Remington’s velocity will drop significantly at ranges over 300 yards, and the bullet may lose enough energy to cause a non-fatal wound. To mitigate this issue, aim for closer ranges (under 200 yards) and use a high-velocity bullet that can maintain its kinetic energy at longer ranges.
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