250/3000 AI enough for Impala?

Hunting
1

Hi Jim and the Backfire community-
I’ve been lucky enough to be invited to South Africa for an Impala cull hunt on a private ranch. I had shoulder surgery a few months ago and wanted to use my 25 year old Jarrett Walkabout in 250/3000 AI. Lightweight, light recoil. Shooting 100gr. Barnes at 3220. The alternative would be a .308. Any thoughts? The aspiration is for six hunters to cull two hundred animals over ten days and, while I don’t expect to hit 5hose n7mbers, I do expect to shoot a lot (bringing the maximum permissible 200 round)

2

Wow! 200 animals sounds like a party? Where’s my invite?!? :thinking: LOL.

A 100gr Barnes at over 3,000fps sounds like a perfect match for Impala. They’re about as easy to kill as a whitetail.

3

Our host has arranged for carcasses to be processed and meat distributed.I imagine there will be ample opportunities for necropsies and learning about terminal ballistics.

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4

My gun smith has used the 250AI with the 80 grain for elk for over a decade. I’m sure it would work for impala but I’ve never shot one.

Speaking of that… as a medical professional i don’t recommend that you travel and engage in such strenuous activities while recovering from your surgery.
I’m thinking :thinking: maybe I should go in your stead?
I’ll take the rifle and let you know how it does.
:laughing: :rofl:

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5

Thanks for the kind offer but I think I’ll risk my shoulder to save my mental health. I also appreciate the information about your gunsmith. I’ve been reminded that Roy Weatherby took Cape Buffalo with a .25 cal.

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6

I hope you post your results here. 250ai is very much similar to the 25 creedmoor.
So I’m sure your results would be welcome information for anyone looking at that cartridge as a hunting option.

7

Will do. Posting from SA. 250/3000 AI definitely ideal. Shots have been from 80 meters to 180. Bullets performing very well. Rifle is 20 inch barrel, handy and portable. Five hunters, 12 animals today. Down at the barn, butchering in the rain

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8

Sounds like fun

9

I’m developing some skills in the skinning and butchering department. The first twenty five carcasses are of to the abattoir in the morning. Wondering what the rental company will have to say about a severely bloodstained Hi-Luxe.