Which Caliber?

[bobcat]

I'd definitely go with the 204 Ruger. Although the 223 is nice to have due to all the cheap factory ammo available for it. It would do the job as well. The 204 Ruger just has a bit more of the "cool factor."

22-250 is faster than needed and I wouldn't choose it if you want small holes.

I've seen equally nasty holes from .220 swift .22-250 and .204 ruger, as always bullet selection and shot placement are the key factors. .204 is moving about 400fps faster than a standard .22-250

Yes, you're right and it's really just a matter of personal preference. The bullet used is a much more important factor than the headstamp on the cartridge.

[JJB11B]

.220 swift is another good choice, btw if you consider a .22-250 try and find one with a tighter twist ratio than 1:14

[jstone]

Shot a coyote with a 30-30 core locks.... Very Big Hole. Dont use that. I used to use a .22 semi auto when i was going up in wenatchee. Worked great you just have to be close.

[C-Money]

If it was just for coons I would recommend the .17hmr. Throw in coyotes and bobcats, .223, lots of available ammo. Not so hard on the fur.

[theleo]

  The .22-250 is a hotrod cartridge but easy as pie to reload.  Buy H380, put in 38.0 grains, seal it with a 55grain VMax and go have fun.  Work it up if desired

This is my exact load for my model 700 VLS, but I do opt for magnum primers with ball powders like H380. Every coyote I have ever shot with this combo, inside of 300 yards, had only an entrance hole and host were DRT. Some made it 20 yards dead on their feat before they started cart wheeling. The ones 300 yards and beyond generally made the 20 yard dash and had a 1/2" exit hole.

[Curly]

I didn't see anyone recommend the 6x45.  I would think that would be a good choice.

[Jonathan_S]

  The .22-250 is a hotrod cartridge but easy as pie to reload.  Buy H380, put in 38.0 grains, seal it with a 55grain VMax and go have fun.  Work it up if desired

This is my exact load for my model 700 VLS, but I do opt for magnum primers with ball powders like H380. Every coyote I have ever shot with this combo, inside of 300 yards, had only an entrance hole and host were DRT. Some made it 20 yards dead on their feat before they started cart wheeling. The ones 300 yards and beyond generally made the 20 yard dash and had a 1/2" exit hole.

It plants them...every solid body hit is a dead dog in my experience. 

[Karl Blanchard]

  The .22-250 is a hotrod cartridge but easy as pie to reload.  Buy H380, put in 38.0 grains, seal it with a 55grain VMax and go have fun.  Work it up if desired

This is my exact load for my model 700 VLS, but I do opt for magnum primers with ball powders like H380. Every coyote I have ever shot with this combo, inside of 300 yards, had only an entrance hole and host were DRT. Some made it 20 yards dead on their feat before they started cart wheeling. The ones 300 yards and beyond generally made the 20 yard dash and had a 1/2" exit hole.

It plants them...every solid body hit is a dead dog in my experience.

Hard to walk away from a fast moving vmax out of the 250.  I'm running imr3031 though.

If you aren't interested in saving pelts its hard to beat the old .243 too!  I run a 58gr Vmax at 3,700 fps out of mine and it is my hands down favorite for coyote hunting.

[theleo]

If we aren't worrying about pelts, a 280ai with 110 grain TNT's anchors them with authority. I got about a 1" hole going in with no exit whole on the off side, but they were very flexible when I went to remove them from the field.