Long range varmint shooting

[Oneshot1Kill]

So, i got a problem starting up with ground squirrels and coyotes who don't feel like getting within bow range, so i was wondering what kind of gun i should get. Found a great deal on a 17HMR, but i'm not too sure cause its such a little bullet.. Shots can be from 30yds to 300yds. Feel free to throw out other calibers that would be good or reasons why/why not the 17 hmr would be good.
Thanks ya'll

[Gutpile]

17hmr will never kill a yote at 300 yards, probably only affective at ranges of 75 or less unless you make a perfect shot. 22 mags are regarded as 100 yard max coyote guns. You need to start with a 204 and work your way up. .223, 22-250, .243, 220 swift. 17hmr? No way at those distances. Probably fine for small vermin but 300 yards would really be pushing it IMO.

[Oneshot1Kill]

So which would be the best then? And i want it so it wont completely destroy the ground squirrels(like my 30-06 does or 7mm-08). But it still has to kill a coyote. Usually the coyotes are closer then 300, more around 200-250 but to be able to hit something out to 300yds and kill it is my goal(and i'm a good shot so i just need a good gun)

[Gutpile]

What you want doesn't exist. Any centerfire will probably blow them apart (squirrels) but no rimfire will kill a yote cleanly at the ranges you've described. .223 would be the cheapest caliber to find ammo for. So I'd probably start there if coyotes are on your A list. If the ground squirrels are on the A list then start with a 22 or .17 mag.  Arent ground squirrels protected in WA?

[Blacklab]

I LIKE THE 223 BUT FOR SQUIRRELS? YOU SHOULD STICK WITH THE 17

[Ray]

So which would be the best then? And i want it so it wont completely destroy the ground squirrels(like my 30-06 does or 7mm-08). But it still has to kill a coyote. Usually the coyotes are closer then 300, more around 200-250 but to be able to hit something out to 300yds and kill it is my goal(and i'm a good shot so i just need a good gun)

.223

[Oneshot1Kill]

I just call um ground squirrels cause their on the ground most the time i see um yet are as abundant as squirrels. And other guys call um Rockchucks, others call um marmots, others have even called um prarie dogs, so i'm calling um ground squirrels. haha, but yes, i mainly want a gun that can reach out to 300yds and knock a varmint off his stump or dirt mound. Though coyotes have been out there too, so maybe i could just buy a call and get the 17?

[Gutpile]

Nope, for marmots I'd go with a .223 or .204 to start with. I think even a .204 may be a stretch on yotes at 300 yrds but not chucks. IMO you'll be disappointed with a 17 HMR for the purpose you've described. Sounds to me like your gonna do it anyways but I'd advise against it.

[Ray]

A rockchuck is actually a marmot. A ground squirrel is not a marmot and niether is prairie dog. It's good to know what you shoot at in order to be certain what you are doing is legal. Not taking any shots at you... just speaking wisely.

If I was you I would just buy a .223 I shoot lots of ground squirrels and it serves fine with 40 grain bullets.

[Ray]

.223

A little graphic...

http://www.backcountryhunting.net/photo-gallery/albums/userpics/10002/normal_IMG_0332.JPG

[Oneshot1Kill]

Anybody got any brands or what not of .223 i should look at? My brother has a remington m700 VTR but has had it for a year and hasn't sighted it in and has it looked up so i can't use that. Looking for an inexpensive bolt-action

[Gutpile]

Here try this........

http://www.gunbroker.com

Do a search for .223's. that'll give you an idea what to look for. EVERYBODY makes a .223. You'll find one somewhere in your price range. Good luck.

[MtnMuley]

If you're only shooting out to 300yds, the 223 is a good choice.  Cheap and common ammo.  I would still choose the 22-250.

[demontang]

if i was getting a bolt gun id go with a 22-250

[Jburke]

Check the pawn shops and gun shops around your area for a used one.  You can usually find pretty good deals on them.  It's really hard to recommend any one manufacturer, it all comes down to personal preference.  I don't know of any that are actually bad guns.