Coyote calibers

[FrontenacPike]

Hey guys I really want to get into coyote hunting and don't know what gun to buy. I really want a gun that can reach out and touch them at long distance with accuracy. I'm on a budget and don't have tons of money to spend, I'm hoping to get a scope and gun for under a grand. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[picksbigwagon]

I bought an Olympic Arms K8, AR-15 1:9 twist, .223, 20" stainless steel bull barrel, button rifled. I put a burris scope on it. I am very confident out to 200 yards, but have never taken shots past that at the range. I spent under 1000 for all of the above. A lot of guys use a 22-250 for distance. .243 WSSM and regular .243's can get dialed in like a laser beam as well. How long are we talking? Do you hand load? Get some calls, secure some land, and go have some fun....I just bought a Minaska M1 Bandit caller. awesome little unit, but still haven't spilled any blood yet. Of course time would be nice to chase the song dogs, but it is early in the season too.

Good luck, keep us posted and post pictures of your set up when you decide.

The guy I bought my gun from is located near Bemidji, Mike Milli is his name. He would be able to help steer you in the right direction too.

[HunterLee]

Id get a 204 or 22-250 or even the 25-06 for coyotes. The 204 and the 250 arent to terrible on fox and are good enough to kill them out as far as you can hit them. I personally got a savage 204 with the bull barrel and left handed for bout $475 and then put a 4-12 leapold on it for 250 bucks. Shot fox off their holes at 300 plus. Plus numerous varmits at 200 to 400 yds. Biggest thing is good glass to put on them and if you want ease of finding bullets go witht the 22-250. 204 are only found at the bigger places so far. Good luck.

[FarByondDrivn]

I agree wholeheartedly with the 22-250 idea. I would also recommend the .223 mainly for the cost of the shells. As far as gun type; definitely a bolt. I would recommend a Savage as far as brand. They shoot very well and are priced decent. One word of advice no matter which way you go; don't skimp on the scope. I think you apend at least half of what the gun cost on a good quality piece of glass. Good luck to you!

[JEV]

I shoot a .223 for coyote. A Remington 700 VLS to be exact. It's been more then enough for them. I've shot a couple coyotes in the last couple years and each was shot at a quarter mile. It's surprising how accurate those little bullets are. I also picked up a DPMS 16" Bull barrel .223 AR-15 this spring. I slapped a Leupold 4-12X scope on it and it's been a good shooter so far. I hope to get some coyotes in it's crosshairs yet this winter. Weight wasn't and issue for me, but if your doing a lot of walking you might want to consider that. Both my rifles are a bit on the heavy side. But for the price a .223 is hard to beat.

JEV

[FrontenacPike]

Thanks for all the responses. I've actually looked at the savage .223 a couple times and have been kinda leaning in that direction. After reading your posts I think I want to find out a little about the 22-250 before making my purchase. Blastically what is the difference between the two calibers. I know in price you can't beat the .223 but does anyone have advise in variables like wind, distance, accuracy ect between the two... Thanks again

[HunterLee]

I feel the 22-250 is a flatter shooting gun. All four of us had one until i got a 204. We do alot of long range coyote hunting. My cousing had the 223 for 4 or so years. He was pretty darn good shot out to 300yds but after that. The 22-250 has made him pretty deadly. Both my uncle and dad have the 22-250's and every year the shoot one farther than most people would shoot. I've personally saw a few at 1/2 mile bite the bullet and stay there. My dad also has a ruger mini 14 223, but that seems to drop quite abit after 200yds so that is basically his night calling gun. But remember good scope and good trigger set up will help you shoot straighter farther. The price per box of shells is quite a bit. 223 ive seen for 4 to 5 bucks for 20, and 22-250 is usually 10-14 for 20. or you can get some hollow points for $20 for 50. I'd go with the 250 if your not considered about the price of shells.

[FarByondDrivn]

From what I understand, the difference between the .223 and 22-250 is velocity and, therefore, trajectory. The 22-250 is a necked down .308 shell (I think) and has a lot more oomph. As far as variables like wind, these are light bullets and will be pushed a lot by the wind. Godd shooters (not talking about me here!) learn to compensate for the wind and can still dial them right in there.

[JEV]

Actually the 22-250 is a necked down 250 Savage case. But, as stated, the big gain with the 250 is the velocity. With some handloads a person could really make those little pills scream right along...

JEV

[FarByondDrivn]

Thanks JEV. Knew it was a necked down something or other! Thanks for the info.

[Muddog]

The savage .223 will knock them over as well as the 22-250. If you are calling them in, it has more range then you need.

[FrontenacPike]

Thanks for all the info, I'll let you know what I end up getting. Thinking of making a buy this weekend.

[Jackpine Rob]

Take a serious look at the .204. Several manufacturers are making rifles and cartridges for this round, and by and large the reports are extremely good.

Personally I shoot a .17 Rem, and while some consider this a bit light for yotes, I really like it. The gun writers are calling the .204 a "17 Rem on steroids", so you are getting a real flat trajectory and plenty of horsepower to take down yotes.

In comparing calibers its a good idea for you to use one of the comparison tables like you can find on Remington's HSOforum. You could plug in a .223, 22-250 and .204 at the same time, and see what type of speed, trajectory and hitting power you get in each one. Just a little basic research before you commit your hard-earned $$$.

As others have noted, the .223 is an extremely popular load, and is definitely the easiest and cheapest to find rounds for. The .223 and 22-250 are also for legal for deer in some states.

[Eric Wettschreck]

Just to throw more options your way. A lot of guys I yote hunt with use either 22-250 or a 223. Myself, I use a 7.62 Mauser and I absolutely love it.

Just another choice for you to chew on.

[BigWadeS]

I use my 22-250 with full metal jackets works perfect, even have one with a target barrel for mass yotes or if I ever go prarie dog hunting again

[End of the Line]

I have a .17 Remington and my buddy that I hunt with uses his all the time. We usually call them in. I usually use my .223, but I also have a 220 swift. Any of these calibers would make a fine gun. I have never shot the .204 & 22-250 at coyotes but would like too. I think that any of these calibers would do you just fine if your calling them in. If your shooting long range alot the 22-250 would be my choice for an all around varmint rifle for cost. As suggested ealier for price and quality go with the Savage and put some good money into the scope. I think you could look into a Burris Fullfield II. Very reasonable and has high light transparency. I own a few, as well as Nikon Monarch series. Both are excellent and cheaper than a Leupold. Lots of good advice above that I would agree with.