Best Caliber for predators?????

[Biggerhammer]

The 22-250 will blow big holes bobcats and coyotes unless you handload solid bullets.

Noslers Hold together well and make a nice exit.

I've shot several Bobcats with a .243 Winchester and a 100gr Partition and the exit holes were max size of a quarter. Died where they laid, both were shot trying to lay flat in cut wheat field.

[JJB11B]

The 22-250 will blow big holes bobcats and coyotes unless you handload solid bullets.

Noslers Hold together well and make a nice exit.

I've shot several Bobcats with a .243 Winchester and a 100gr Partition and the exit holes were max size of a quarter. Died where they laid, both were shot trying to lay flat in cut wheat field.

I should have been more specific. Partitions....Ill see if I can look up the load I run in my Rem 700 22-250 Ive killed out to 450-500 yards with that load and it just smacks the P!SS outta the dogs

[mountainman]

A couple critters out of many taken with the 22-250. Max charges and ballistic tips or the old supply of blitzkings. One hole in, no hole out! Hawiian punch'ed the internals, perfect pelts!

[Biggerhammer]

I would opt for a 58gr V-Max at 4k from a .243 Win before I would give up bullet diameter.

[Heredoggydoggy]

I would opt for a 58gr V-Max at 4k from a .243 Win before I would give up bullet diameter.

So far, that's the bullet I've shot out of my 6mm(.243)X6.8 SPC.  Flat shooting and accurate.  I'd hate to see what it would do to a critter!

[Jim the Plumber]

First picture, 338 Lapua with a 300 grain MK. Shot this one on the run at 315yards. Hit her going away.
Second one was a 150gr BT out of my DPMS 308, also running but towards the caller.
Best all around in my opinion, 5.56. Followed by the one you happen to be carrying when the opportunity arises.
 

[mountainman]

A little hole in that first one buddy!

[mountainman]

First picture, 338 Lapua with a 300 grain MK. Shot this one on the run at 315yards. Hit her going away.
Second one was a 150gr BT out of my DPMS 308, also running but towards the caller.
Best all around in my opinion, 5.56. Followed by the one you happen to be carrying when the opportunity arises.
 

agree with your last statement. Have had critters fall from calibers from the 17 hmr up to my trusty 338 edge. They dont get away as long as the shot is a good one, and you dont step beyond the limits of the round. Bigger calibers work every bit as good as the smaller, fast rounds. And since pelts are not worth anything near what they were back in the 70's and 80's, its all predator control and plain old good practice!