Entry Level 'yote set up

[troutkingmaster]

I am looking to start predator hunting and am looking to get a decent setup on a budget (below $500) As much as I would like to get a nice bolt set up, I have been thinking about the H&R Ultimate Varmint break action in 22-250 and a decent Simmons scope and a bipod. Does anyone have any experience with the H&R break actions? Also, any good options that I am overlooking?

[WalleyeGod]

Cabelas has a Savage 110 bolt action scoped combo in their recent flyer for under 5 bills. I know the 110 normally is available in 22-250 and their HSOforum lists it for their combo. Might be worth a quick call to your nearest Cabelas store. It does not sport a bipod at that price however. The bolt and magazine within would allow quicker follow up shots for you. Not that you need them.

WG

[picksbigwagon]

I second Walleye for the savage combo, mine is 2nd hand from Fleet Farm, not the prettiest dog on the fight, but is highly accurate. Mine is a 243.

[Gordie]

I also shoot a 243 but its a single shot rossi and its a tack driver and thinking of useing my .308 with some handloads for yotes this year

[mnhunter79]

Weatherby Vanguard .243 black syn.$300.

Nikon prostaff scope. $150.

Decent enough bi-pod. $20-$100.

TOTAL=$500 ish.

[troutkingmaster]

Thanks for the input guys, I had looked at the combo cabelas had and I really do like savage. My only question about that setup was the 3x9 scope. i was thinking I would want higher magnification...what do you all use?

[picksbigwagon]

I use 3-9, usually set on 6. I have been thinking of stepping up a little bit, but I know my hands are not steady enough for a 20x scope

[bonefish]

I agree with Picks, 3x9 or maybe 4x16 is good for Minnesota. I think most people have a tendancy to over magnify on predator guns around here. We all watch the videos and want to dream about getting constant chances at that "long" shot. Reality is, that unless you plan to go west of MN on a regular basis, most of your shots are going to be well within the range of a 3x9. You also need to think about the condiditons your hunting in. If you get them coming in fast in low light condidions (which is common), too much magnifiation can be a problem when you have a split second to pick them up in the scope and get a shot off.

I also agree with others on a savage for a starter gun. Not that other brands don't build good rifles, but in your price range, Savage has the best out of box accuracy I've seen. You may want to check some of the larger gun shops like Ahlmans in Morristown, and others around the state. I've been shopping for a gun in that price range too. I've seen a TON of higher quality, lightly used, .223's and .22-250's on the racks lately. Quite a few shops have the higher grade, heavy barreled savages with scopes in the $300- 500 range.

[WalleyeGod]

3x9 for yotes is great. If you wanted a little more maybe 4x12 at most. I used a straight 6x for many years on fox. My current walking coyote rifle sports a 3x9.

WG

[troutkingmaster]

Thanks again for the responses. After doing a little more research on the H&Rs I think I am going to wait til I can afford a Savage or 700. Now I just need to find someone to take my Savage 93R17 off my hands to help finance the new one...

[walleyes12]

Before buying a new setup I would use whatever rifle you have , buy a cheap hand call, and see if predator hunting is something you want to actully get into.

[CRAZYEYES]

I've tried coyote hunting the last couple years but have'nt wanted to put a bunch of dough down on a new rifle to hunt coyotes 2 or 3 times a year so I've been using my 700 bolt in 270. I've found some 95 grain loads and it works just fine but does leve a pretty big hole. My buddy thats really into it has a howa 223. Pretty slick rig but I think he paid quite abit for it.

[WalleyeGod]

trout:

A move you will be very satisfied with I am sure.

My guess is if you list your 17 here someone will need a Christmas present.

WG

[troutkingmaster]

Yea, I am thinking about posting it here rather than taking it to a LGS. I was hoping to get 200 out of it since it is scoped (BSA sweet 17) but I may be a bit optimistic. I also stumbled on to Stevens on the Savage HSOforum, I have heard the only real difference is the lack of the accutrigger. Anyone have any opinions on them? Am I better off to buy the Savage? I have the accutrigger on the 93R17 so I know how awesome that is but if that was the only difference, i think I would be happy with the Stevens.

[Fish&Fowl]

Weatherby Vanguard .243 black syn.$300.

Nikon prostaff scope. $150.

Decent enough bi-pod. $20-$100.

TOTAL=$500 ish.

Definitely the best I could think of for your budget...I'm partial to .22-250. PLEASE don't get a Simmons scope, you'd be much better off with a cheaper Nikon or at least Bushnell or something. If you have something up to 10-12 power, that should be plenty to start off with.

[bonefish]

I just noticed that Cabelas has the Savage 110 combo on sale for $369 ($30 off)in their newest ad for Owatonna and Rogers. Thats a great price, but I think it may be a Simmons scope so you'll want to upgrade as soon as you can.

[Jmnhunter]

i'm set up with the savage model 11 22-250, with a 4-16x44 scope; i was looking into the howa packages at scheels around $500 (223 or 22-250) 223 shells are cheap!

[troutkingmaster]

Thanks for all the input guys. I think I am set on getting that stevens 200 setup from cabelas for 369. I hear that it is a fairly accurate rifle. Does anyone know what brand scope they put on them? I looked on the savage HSOforum and it does not say. Thanks again

[jigginjim]

I seen Elwood talking about a 308 for yotes. I thought about using my 30-06 with the hiper, 55gr, shells but was told they drift all over, and at 200yrd. forget it. Anybody try those rounds?

[bigg edd]

I have a box of the 55g 30-06 shells but have not shot them yet. I loaded 110 grain vmax for the '06 on our last prarie dog hunt. Very flat shooting and h-e-double hockey sticks on praire dogs. I am going to bring at least 200 rounds next trip to shoot while the 223's cool off.

[roosterslayer]

don't forget the CZ american 223. I might just have one with a 3x9x40 nikon monarch UCC around that price, if you leave an email.

[tanman]

build your own shooting sticks i built mine for 5 dollars in materials work breat easy to carry