Rifle?

[firstwd]

I have some friends that do calling every year after deer season that have asked several times for me to join them. I have a 17HMR and a 243, so I'm not without something to shoot.

My question is, for a new casual coyote caller buying a coyote specific rifle, what would be the "ideal" caliber choice - 204, 22/250, 223, or something else?

[throbak]

Without a doubt a Rugar 22-250

[darinfry]

I have a 204 that I love. Only shot one coyote with it but it went down without a twitch. That being said your 243 would work just fine for yotes.

[firstwd]

I figured the 243 would more than accomplish the job, but I haven't bought a new long toy in a few years (I've traded for some old long toys recently), and I was curious as to preferred caliber. I know everybody is getting, and seemingly every manufacturer is selling an AR platform in 223, but I just can't seem to find a practical reason to own one. My initial gut feeling was a 22-250, but always like to hear what the guys who actually do the job recommend.

[bullseye69]

It depends if you want to just kill or want to be fur friendly?

20 cals and 17 cals are pretty fur friendly and do a good job on dropping them, 223 and up can be ruff on fur but get the job done really well.

I have a 204 because its good for song dogs and prairie dogs.

[(Not Ronald) Reagan]

Personally, it's hard to go wrong with a good .223!

[squirrelhunter]

.223 is all I use,I had 3 of them but just sold my T/C Contender barrel last month .

[gumbootbill]

The Remington 700 22-250 will reach out there and touch them.

[firstwd]

I looked at a 700, a touch much for me currently.

Savage Axis with 1 at 12" twist, or Ruger American with 1 at 10" twist?

[sakorifle]

greetings

all of them work thats the first thing.
do you want the pelt?,, then i go with throback idea a 22/250
IF NOT I WOULD USE A 25/06 sighted one inch high at a hundred yards using a 75grn v max.
it is like a rapier out to 300 yds.
But i certainly don't feel under gunned with my 308 and 110 grn vmax with ballistic turrets on the scope. lol
foxes dont like it anyway, i assume coyotes would hate it, lol.
regards
Billy

[esshup]

I'm going to put together an 18" barreled AR in .223 specifically for varmints. Faster twist to be able to use heavier bullets. A buddy has a 203 and doesn't like it for longer shots if there is any wind blowing.

Personal choice here, but having a semi-auto for a fast 2nd shot is appealing to me.

A 22-250 does have a longer range and a flatter trajectory.

I believe you can mitigate some fur damage with different bullets. FMJ's will pencil through. Barnes Varmint grenades might not exit. But, it all depends on what the gun likes too.....

[bullseye69]

Also depends on what your longest shots are going to be. 300+yards would be more suited to 22-250
,under 250yards would be suited to .223 or smaller.

[firstwd]

Some of the properties have available shots out beyond 600 yards, but I am not at a place of comfort with my shooting ability to stretch one that far. I'm confident with my 243 out to 300 with my deer ammo so getting confident at longer ranges only requires some range/field time.

Even though I hate the 10/22 and the Rugar American has the same rotary box magazine, I'm leaning that direction. I found a "compact" version 22-250 (19" barrel vs 22") for $389.

[bullseye69]

Oct 24, 2017 18:57:07 GMT -5 firstwd said:

Some of the properties have available shots out beyond 600 yards, but I am not at a place of comfort with my shooting ability to stretch one that far. I'm confident with my 243 out to 300 with my deer ammo so getting confident at longer ranges only requires some range/field time.

Even though I hate the 10/22 and the Rugar American has the same rotary box magazine, I'm leaning that direction. I found a "compact" version 22-250 (19" barrel vs 22") for $389.

I would say that would make a good choice for what you want to do.

[firstwd]

I was given the opportunity at a great deal today so I did some research. I had to pass because that gun just didn't match up to what I'm looking for.

I did go to the local gun shop and put a Savage Axis and a Rugar American in my hands and on my shoulder tonight. Honestly, I was very surprised by the difference in feel, comfort, and smoothness in shouldering. The Rugar definitely feels worth the extra money.

Got to fill out paperwork and get one on order, wade through an ocean of available glass, then let the fun begin.

[sakorifle]

Greetings
What calibre have you settled on?
600yds is a long way especially with light bullets if there is any wind at all.
That's one big reason I use 308 up here on the high ground where I live.
Regards
Billy

[firstwd]

Oct 26, 2017 6:55:53 GMT -5 sakorifle said:

Greetings
What calibre have you settled on?
600yds is a long way especially with light bullets if there is any wind at all.
That's one big reason I use 308 up here on the high ground where I live.
Regards
Billy

I'm going with the 22-250. I said I have places that 600 yard shots are possible, not that I'd be taking them. :-)

I got hooked on longer range shooting quite some time ago and think it is a while bunch of fun. I've been known to knock squirrels out of trees at 100 yards, with my longest ranged at just under 130 with a 17HMR.

[nfalls116]

Hate the 10/22? Did you also vote for Hillary?

[firstwd]

Oct 27, 2017 17:05:27 GMT -5 nfalls116 said:

Hate the 10/22? Did you also vote for Hillary?

Now that's just dirty pool.

I have held and shot several and I just can't stand the feeling of a 2x4 in my hands where a gun is supposed to be.

[nfalls116]

Oct 27, 2017 20:58:48 GMT -5 firstwd said:

Oct 27, 2017 17:05:27 GMT -5 nfalls116 said:

Hate the 10/22? Did you also vote for Hillary?

Now that's just dirty pool.

I have held and shot several and I just can't stand the feeling of a 2x4 in my hands where a gun is supposed to be.

Hmmm maybe try the plastic ones then?