Blackbuck gun

bigjake · Jan 2, 2021

Hey guys, I’ve got my first blackbuck hunt scheduled in Texas in a few weeks. I have a 6.5 Swede that I shoot with 140 grain Accubonds and it’s a great little shooter but I don’t use it much because I’m always nervous it won’t be enough for mule deer and elk out west. But is that enough gun for blackbuck? Thanks in advance for any advice.

Blank · Jan 2, 2021

Plenty of gun for any of the smaller exotics. The key would be putting the bullet where it needs to be, out to about 250-300 yards.

EVILNR · Jan 3, 2021

I think that Swede would take care of about anything with hooves.

bigjake · Jan 3, 2021

Thanks guys. That helps. I’ll stick with my plan to use the Swede. I know hunters up in Canada have been using the Swede to kill moose for a long time, so not sure why I’m nervous about it on Muleys and elk, but I guess I always figure if I make a less than perfect shot, my 7mag will create more trauma that the Swede.

1989Cohunter · Jan 3, 2021

Killed one with a 243, not super tough animals but can be decently long shots.

BigChiefJ · Jan 3, 2021

Blackbuck are small so the 6.5x55 will work. Folks neck shoot the does with the 17 HMR.

twdjr · Jan 4, 2021

It's plenty of fire power.

Trix4me · Jan 4, 2021

Blackbucks are tasty. Good luck

bigjake · Jan 4, 2021

Thx everyone. I’ll post a reply after the hunt with some pics and hopefully a success story.

Whitedeer · Jan 7, 2021

I will add that the shot needs to be a little further forward than what you would consider normal because their vitals are set more up between their shoulders. If you happen to get just a little far back, you will miss the back of the lungs. Most blackbucks are small in stature, so the sweet spot is smaller as well. My daughter killed a nice buck with a perfect shot from a .243. Only went about 20 yards. I messed up and hit a buck just a few inches back of where she did, and I had to track for long ways, and make a finishing shot. They can be tough little critters if not hit perfectly.

txhunter58 · Feb 6, 2021

So how was the hunt?

bigjake · Feb 6, 2021

Next weekend!

txhunter58 · Feb 6, 2021

Where? I was at my ranch near Junction watching some this evening. They are beautiful animals, but they are not that big. You have plenty of gun. We normally use a 243 on them.

bigjake · Feb 6, 2021

Great pics-thanks for sharing. We’re hunting a ranch that’s approx 20 minutes from lampasas. I hope I get to use the Swede but I’m having trouble with the bolt all of a sudden. Extractor isn’t ejecting the spent casing. Hopefully I can figure out what going on this week. If not I’ll have to use the 7 Rem mag.

hornkiller · Feb 12, 2021

Wanna borrow my .338?

bigjake · Feb 15, 2021

Well we dodged the crazy weather in west Texas long enough to squeeze a one day hunt out of it. Wasn’t able to get the bolt on the Swede repaired so I ended up using my 7 Rem mag. One shot at 450 and I was able to lay hands on my first blackbuck. In my mind they are the most beautiful big game animal in the world. Had an awesome hunt, and thanks to all who gave advice and encouragement.