Which Caliber?

[BlackRiverTaxidermy]

In the market for a new varmit rifle. By varmit I mean primarily coyotes, racoons, and bobcat. I settled in the past with either a .22 or a much larger caliber. The .22 does put them down, but I would like something with a little more range/accuracy, however I still want something small enough to not put a crater-sized hole in the hide. The choices I have been looking at are a .17 HMR, 22-250, or 223. The 223 is getting a little bigger on the caliber size tho. Any advice, references, stories or other choices that I should look into? Anyone with a .204 that would have some advice on that gun?
Much appreciated and Happy Holidays!
Joel - Black River Taxidermy

[heronblu]

I bought a ruger m77 in .22-250 a little over a year ago and it has become not only my favorite varmit rifle but my favorite gun overall. I think many on this site will agree that the .22-250 is a fantastic caliber if not your best choice for varmint. Had I not found the gun I own now, I would have bought the Ruger American predator in the same caliber.

[jackelope]

Depending on what you want for range, the new .17wsm is cool. A lot better than the .17HMR. I think the .204 Ruger has a diehard following in the varmint world.
The .223 and the .22-250 are shooting the same bullet, I suppose you probably know that. The .22-250 has more horsepower behind it. At that point, bullet choice will be important to avoid the crater-sized holes. Choose a bullet that splatters like a Varmint Grenade or a V-max and you'll be a  lot better off.

[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.

[jasnt]

20 tactical or 17 hornet 17 rem come to mind. I've had poor luck with the 17rimfires for coyote

[Karl Blanchard]

Pelt friendly, accurate, lots of ammo, most definitely deadly.  If I could only have one, it would be a bolt action .223

[Karl Blanchard]

6.5 Grendel.....................................









Too soon

[Bofire]

for me in Washington 22-250, you can hunt cougar with it but not big game. due to laws. So during big games seasons you can use a 22 caliber in case you call a cougar, 22-250 kicks ass on all the rest of the varmits, it's the best in the state due to laws.

Carl

[Boss .300 winmag]

for me in Washington 22-250, you can hunt cougar with it but not big game. due to laws. So during big games seasons you can use a 22 caliber in case you call a cougar, 22-250 kicks ass on all the rest of the varmits, it's the best in the state due to laws.

Carl

What ?

[jasnt]

for me in Washington 22-250, you can hunt cougar with it but not big game. due to laws. So during big games seasons you can use a 22 caliber in case you call a cougar, 22-250 kicks ass on all the rest of the varmits, it's the best in the state due to laws.

Carl

What ?

i think he is talking about hunting coyotes during mf deer or elk seasons and possibly calling a cougar.

[Bofire]

yes, I call predators all year, but never hunt big game. I can call predators during deer/elk season while using a 22-250 while not having a big game tag, I can hunt cougar with a 22-250. I can hunt any varmit with a 22-250. but I cannot hunt cougar with less than 22 caliber. So for my one gun all year round caliber , 22-250 works for everything I hunt. Washington law. smaller calibers work for varmits and might work for cougars, but the law says no for cougars. I would hate to try to call a coyote have a cougar come in and not be able to shoot cause I brought my 204.

Carl

[BlackRiverTaxidermy]

Awesome...thank you for all the input. Was leaning towards the 22-250, and I think after reading a lot of the input I may go with that choice.

[widebear]

Just food for thought. Been shooting yotes for 50 plus years and tried all kinds of calibers all mentioned above except for the 220 Swift. I use a Model 7 243 loaded with 70 grain ballistic tips now and by far the most consistent for killing without tearing them up. However you have to load them to 3200 to 3300 fps to make them perform well on the pelts. Plus you have a legal caliber for large game which all my Grandkids have started with. The one caliber I really had no luck with is the 204. Tried all kinds of bullets and loads but lots of dogs ran off.

[jasnt]

Just food for thought. Been shooting yotes for 50 plus years and tried all kinds of calibers all mentioned above except for the 220 Swift. I use a Model 7 243 loaded with 70 grain ballistic tips now and by far the most consistent for killing without tearing them up. However you have to load them to 3200 to 3300 fps to make them perform well on the pelts. Plus you have a legal caliber for large game which all my Grandkids have started with. The one caliber I really had no luck with is the 204. Tried all kinds of bullets and loads but lots of dogs ran off.

ill 2nd the 243. Though for pelt damage or lack of I've had my best results with 58gr vmax at 3575-3725. 1/4" hole in and not exit. All have dropped on the spot. Also very fun round for busting sage rats or whistle pigs or porcupine or .....

[yorketransport]

6.5 Grendel.....................................









Too soon

This was going to be my suggestion. I've tried a couple different setups as my general walking in the woods guns and the Grendel in a CZ 527 is my new favorite. I always felt a little under gunned with the 204 and the 22 centerfires didn't seem much better. The 243 and up were all to big in my opinion. The little 6.5 was enough for any small critters I may encounter (specifically porcupines) and sufficient for cougar at most ranges. Plus I hear that it's a great long range elk round.