Which Caliber?

[huntnphool]

The 243 and up were all to big in my opinion. The little 6.5 was enough for any small critters I may encounter

 The 6.5 (.264) is bigger than the .243

[bearpaw]

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.

I think that's a good all around varmint choice! 

For closer ranges you could load full metal jacket bullets or use Barnes, they don't make near the hole a soft point or hollow point will make! For years I shot coyotes with a 220 swift, almost identical ballistics, and sold the fur. If you use the right bullets at the right distance and know your ballistics you will be good for anywhere from 10 to 500 yards. You are a taxi, if you make a big hole just sow it up, that's what i did and I got just as much for the fur!

I eventually swapped out the 220 for a 257 Wtby, I doubt anything kills coyotes any better than a 257 roy, but keep the needle and thread handy!  Actually you can minimize fur damage with your choice of bullets in the 257 too.

[yorketransport]

The 243 and up were all to big in my opinion. The little 6.5 was enough for any small critters I may encounter

 The 6.5 (.264) is bigger than the .243

I should have known that there would be at least one heckler out there.  243 win is bigger than I like   

[Blacklab]

223 Wylde would a great choice. Lot's of great bullet choice's for anything you want to shoot. Being up close an personal or for longer ranges. 

[Jonathan_S]

It's been said but VMax bullets are your friend for not ruining the pelt. 

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

[Dan-o]

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









Too soon

Only if you keep your shots under 75 yards!

[Curly]

This would be a nice varmint rifle if ammo wasn't so hard to find: 250 Savage
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=533280897

Or a Savage model 99 would be pretty nice too in the 250 Savage.

[coachcw]

If its just a varmint gun then probably a .223 , cool factor 6.5 grendal . a ar based rifle would be sweet for doubles . the .243 would defiantly stretch your effective range though . 26 nosler it is then !

[Jonathan_S]

.223 --->26 Nosler

That escalated quickly

[BULLBLASTER]

.223 --->26 Nosler

That escalated quickly

[BOWHUNTER45]

Any of the above mentioned will do just fine ..The only one I do not own is a .204 ..but I may need to fix that ! ha !

[Mxracer532]

I used to use a 22-250 with 52gn Nosler BTs and 52gn Bergers. I even shot a coyote at about 10 yards with a 52gn Seirra HP and surprisingly didn't have an exit. I loaded hot, 40 grains of H380. The Noslers worked awesome but every so often would have a splash (huge entrance) or monster exit. The Bergers I felt did the best of both as far as killing power and pelt damage. The Seirras didn't anchor coyotes as well as the others.
Now I shoot a .243 and 95gn VLD's, close range alot of times I don't get an exit, but when I do I'm glad I don't care about pelt damage. (3136fps)

[257wbymagkiller]

Can't go wrong with .204, .223, 22-250  they are are fun calibers. I've always ended up taking my 22-250

[CAMPMEAT]

Every critter I've shot with my 22 mag died. Everything I've shot with my 17HMR has not. Every critter I've shot with me 223 died with no big holes. Everything I've shot with my 22-250 was blown apart. Haven't killed anything with my 204. Everything I've shot with my 17 WSM got blown apart, but were only as big as Jackelopes Tea Cup Poodle.

I'd go with any 223 brand rifle and use ONLY FMJ from my experiences, if your not selling hides or mounting it. I've never had a blown up coyote from the FMJ, 55 grain.

[JJB11B]

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