Norma Oryx effective range

[JPbowhunter]

G'day,

I mentioned this in another post but figured it could use its own thread.

What are peoples experience with the oryx round in terms of effective range and susceptibility to wind drift.

I'm currently working up some loads for my 275 rigby, and have a mountain hunt coming up mid november that requires shooting out to 400m (~450 yds). I feel like the low bc of the oryx - this one is .33, will limit it to say 300m max.

Most of my shooting is under 300m but for these mountain hunts it does stretch. I will use them if they can handle it, though I'm thinking I may just buy some hornady 139gn sst factory for mountain hunts.

Appreciate any advice or help.

Cheers

Jp

 

[Longwalker]

The Norma Oryx is one of the very best hunting bullets I have used. Always effective with good accuracy and predictable deadly expansion and adequate penetration at "reasonable" ranges. But I have no experience to offer regarding shots over 300 meters. I usually pass on such shots, or sneak closer. The Hornady SST opens so quickly that they are not much good for close in shots when the bullet is still at high velocity. In reality, for most hunts even in mountains shots at <100M close range are actually more likely than the very far chance that so many of us worry about. In my opinion you'd be risking inadequate penetration and your game would likely have far more meat damage from the SST bullets at <300M ranges. If you truly expect almost all shots to be at extreme range, the SST may be a nearly ideal bullet.

 

[JPbowhunter]

The Norma Oryx is one of the very best hunting bullets I have used. Always effective with good accuracy and predictable deadly expansion and adequate penetration at "reasonable" ranges. But I have no experience to offer regarding shots over 300 meters. I usually pass on such shots, or sneak closer. The Hornady SST opens so quickly that they are not much good for close in shots when the bullet is still at high velocity. In reality, for most hunts even in mountains shots at <100M close range are actually more likely than the very far chance that so many of us worry about. In my opinion you'd be risking inadequate penetration and your game would likely have far more meat damage from the SST bullets at <300M ranges. If you truly expect almost all shots to be at extreme range, the SST may be a nearly ideal bullet.

Your mountains must be different to ours, hunting sambar in the mountains I'm in rarely gets you a sub 100m opportunity, some super steep rough country.

I decided for the time being to limit my shots to around 300m with the oryx. Don't have the money or time to sort out anything else between now and my hunt next month.

 

[Longwalker]

I'd love to try hunting Sambar in your mountains and experience the difference in person! Our mountains are as steep and rough as any anywhere but I suspect there is a big difference in Canadian vegetation vs Australia. We tend to have thick bush on the slopes and open alpine tundra on top, with rocky cliffs in between. Can't see far in the bush, can spot from far away and stalk closer on top. Good luck on your hunt!

 

[JPbowhunter]

I'd love to try hunting Sambar in your mountains and experience the difference in person! Our mountains are as steep and rough as any anywhere but I suspect there is a big difference in Canadian vegetation vs Australia. We tend to have thick bush on the slopes and open alpine tundra on top, with rocky cliffs in between. Can't see far in the bush, can spot from far away and stalk closer on top. Good luck on your hunt!

Well it's about $40 aud for a 2 week non resident license then you can hunt millions of public acres for sambar, reds, fallow and if in season hog deer (my favourite). If you ever are down this way let me know, happy to lend a hand.