Nilgai gun

[yanta61]

Just see what different calibers people have killed nilgai with. Caliber and bullet would be great. I am wanting a new gun and trying to decide on caliber. Also looking for something light weight that can be packed around.

[sectxag06]

just use a good bullet for pass through since their heart and lungs are pushed farther up in the chest cavity.

nosler accubond, barnes tsx, etc.

caliber can be pretty much anything above a .243.

[TB80]

I can't directly answer as I have never shot a nilgai. But I have read about calibers to use on them before. Like anything else, I anticipate that there will be some debate on the topic. My guess is most people will say you need a minimum of a 7 mag and would prefer to use a 300 win mag or 300 wsm. Then there will be some that will point out that elephants can be killed with a rimfire 22. And of course, caliber doesn't matter as much as shot placement and bullet choice.

If it was up to me, I would probably go with a 300 WSM in a Tikka but I have no experience with shooting a Nilgai so take what I say with a grain of salt.

[captainsling]

Most places require you to carry at least a 30 caliber.

I have not killed one, but shot placement is key, as with any animal. I wouldn't go with anything less than a 7mm/280 caliber myself.

[yanta61]

Yeah I've researched and researched but still cant make up my mind..lol

I'm leaning towards the old trusty 30-06. but a 7 mag or 300 wm are not out of the question.

[WildMatt84]

My dad killed his with a 338 federal

[denimdeerslayer]

300 wm or 338 wm work well. That is what we used.

[Pushbutton2]

I'm no help

I remember reading a thread on here last year where someone was sharing there African Safari success with us.
If memory serves he brought a 300WSM and a 28 Nosler.
From my recollection the 28 Nosler anchored them better...

Let me see if I can find the thread
Here it is.

https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdiscussions%2Etexasbowhunter%2Ecom%2Fforums%2Fshowthread%2Ephp%3Ft%3D654921&share_tid=654921&share_fid=1255&share_type=t

[sectxag06]

i guess the question also comes down to where you are hunting them. in Africa or on a game ranch in Texas?

[TB80]

Most places require you to carry at least a 30 caliber.

Good point. If you know where you are hunting them, you may check to see if they have a minimum caliber requirement.

[yanta61]

i guess the question also comes down to where you are hunting them. in Africa or on a game ranch in Texas?

S. Tx Laguna Atascosa

[Trophy7]

I killed mine with a 300 Win. Mag. and 180 gr. federals

[sectxag06]

S. Tx Laguna Atascosa

then, i'll say again shoot a good bullet designed to penetrate and you'll be fine. i have a 7mm-08 that i love. Nosler accubonds will punch out both shoulders of most things.

[canny]

I'm partial to the big 30s for game that size. I would be taking my Weatherby Vanguard
Wilderness 300WBY if I were chasing those. Loaded with 180g Barnes TTSX and at 8.5 lbs fully rigged it won't weight you down, just kicks like a stubborn mule.

[Jared.King]

Yeah I've researched and researched but still cant make up my mind..lol

I'm leaning towards the old trusty 30-06. but a 7 mag or 300 wm are not out of the question.

I'd use the 30-06 if that's what I was most confident in. 180 grain premiem bullet should do it. If all else fails just shoot it in the neck haha