Looking for opinions

[MHWASH]

I've got a Ruger stainless steel MKII short action rifle action. This will be a coyote rifle. I all ready have a 22-250 and .260. I don't care about a dual purpose caliber. I'm thinking .223, .223AI fast twist, 6mmAI, 20 TAC, 6-223, 25TCU. Give me your thoughts.

[257 Wby Mag]

I'd roll with a 243 or 6mm. A.I. em if you want, run 55's, you'll have a coyote killin sonafabitch. Post some pics when you get done. Later

[boneaddict]

THere are no opinions on this site.

[KillBilly]

Go with a .270 short mag

[jjhunter]

Depends on what you are looking for?  If you want to shoot small bullets fast - I would go with a 6mm or .243 and shoot 55 grn BT's.  If you want to shoot a heavier bullet, let's say 75 or 87 grn V-max, I'd go with a 6 ackley.  If you want a high volume plinker, go with the 223.  If you want long range, go with the 6 ackley and shoot 105's or 107's from Berger or Sierra. (your short action will become a single shot if you do this)  I'd stay away from the other ones.......the .204 will do everything that the .20 tactical will do with out prep work or custom dies. 

[Gutpile]

I'd roll with a 243 or 6mm. A.I.

 

I'm excited. Get this thing built so I can play too.

[bighorns2bushytails]

go with a 243!!  i really liked mine though i rarely got to shoot it.  sorta wishing i never got rid of it.  think my next rifle will be another 243.

--BH2BT

[Gutpile]

go with a 243!!  i really liked mine though i rarely got to shoot it.  sorta wishing i never got rid of it.  think my next rifle will be another 243.

--BH2BT

You just told me I didn't need one when I said I was gonna get a 243 or a 6. Now your shopping? That does it! I'm buying one for sure!! 

[jjhunter]

Hey Gut, you should check out the Savage VLP in .243 with the dtachable box mag.  I think that is what I am going to buy.  55 grain BT's at 4K!

[Gutpile]

Hey Gut, you should check out the Savage VLP in .243 with the dtachable box mag.  I think that is what I am going to buy.  55 grain BT's at 4K!

I was considering a savage. I want as lightweight a package I can find though. I've got the hankering for a 243 or a 6mm in a bad way.

[woodswalker]

I've got a Ruger stainless steel MKII short action rifle action. This will be a coyote rifle. I all ready have a 22-250 and .260. I don't care about a dual purpose caliber. I'm thinking .223, .223AI fast twist, 6mmAI, 20 TAC, 6-223, 25TCU. Give me your thoughts.

250 Savage Ackley Improved.  Reach WAY out there, brings you stout 257 Roberts ballistics loaded with modern powders in a strong action...and works in your SA rifle.  

The 250/3000 Improved offers performance equal to or better than the 257 Roberts. It will, for example, push the 100 grain bullet at a muzzle velocity of 3200 fps, as compared to the factory 257 loading of the same bullet that is listed at 2900 fps. The commercial 250/3000 loading of the 100 grain bullet, incidentally, is rated at 2820 fps.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ackley_Improved
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/.250-3000_Savage
http://www.reloadbench.com/cartridges/w2503000.html
http://www.accuratereloading.com/250ai.html

[Gutpile]

Hey Gut, you should check out the Savage VLP in .243 with the dtachable box mag.  I think that is what I am going to buy.  55 grain BT's at 4K!

10 lbs!!!    My 220 swift weighs 10 pounds so I wont be going that route. That would be a coyote killing MF though!

[jjhunter]

How much does the Savage Predator weigh?  That rifle would  be quick handling and accurate.  Good calling rifle for sure!   I am pretty sure they come in 243!  Maybe I should look at that - good advice, self.

[Gutpile]

How much does the Savage Predator weigh?  That rifle would  be quick handling and accurate.  Good calling rifle for sure!   I am pretty sure they come in 243!  Maybe I should look at that - good advice, self.

7.5 lbs.   I've been thinking about that model. I'll race ya!!!! 

[JackOfAllTrades]

6mm Ackley in a heart beat!  JJhunter pretty much hit the nail on the head.

The 6AI will push a 65gn bullet at 3950fps or a 100gn bullet at or more than 3,400fps.  This edges the 243Ackley by a couple hundred fps in the heavier bullets, while a 243Ackley would be a bit better with the lighter bullets. That all eaquals a long range doggie buster!

While a 243Ackley isn't in your list...
If the rifle/barrel you already have is chambered in .243", then all you need is a smith to ream your barrel/chamber and you're in business.

-Steve

[MHWASH]

 For  long range, would I really be gaining anything with any of the .24s over my .260?

 I don't really want,need another rifle, but this action was given to me, and I hate to waste it.

[jdb]

omg please do a .224 tth its the 6mm necked to .22 then you use a fast twist barrel and shoot heavy for caliber .22 caliber bullets. I think it pushes the 60 grain partition at about 3800 build it and allow me to live vicariously

[AWS]

I've got a 243 that I bought for a long range coyote gun and never use it.  It's too hard on fur and eats too much powder.  If I need a heavy hitter I've got a 6x45mm that is crazy accurate and a 6mm-204 that shoots realy nice also.  For hunting coyotes for fur I find the 222 Rem 223 Rem and a 22-204 just the ticket.  I'm going to do some serious hunting with a 218 Bee this season also.   I tried the 250 Savage and 25-204 both pushing 75gr HP's at 3150fps and was leaving football sized exit, nice deer cartridges but too much for coyotes.  I'm going to try it again with 90gr GK's out here on the coast where there is a chance of calling some larger critters.

AWS

[JackOfAllTrades]

For  long range, would I really be gaining anything with any of the .24s over my .260?

I think most would consider your 260 as a dual purpose, varmint and medium game rifle.  The .24's in the lighter weights, (lighter than you can go with the 260) will be scootin. If you're looking to shoot the 100gn bullets in .24cal, then no, there is no advantage over your 260.

Personally, with what you listed, (although you don't want a dual purpose round), I'd make it a .308 or go really small, like the .22-250.

-Steve

-Edit.. I went back and re-read your original post. Duh.. You've already got a 22-250. Somehow I missed that. So.. I stick with the 243AI.

[ADAMS]

+1 on what JackOfAllTrades said:

"While a 243Ackley isn't in your list...
If the rifle/barrel you already have is chambered in .243", then all you need is a smith to ream your barrel/chamber and you're in business."

The .243 AI will give you more velocity than a 6mm Rem.

[MHWASH]

I've got a 243 that I bought for a long range coyote gun and never use it.  It's too hard on fur and eats too much powder.  If I need a heavy hitter I've got a 6x45mm that is crazy accurate and a 6mm-204 that shoots realy nice also.  For hunting coyotes for fur I find the 222 Rem 223 Rem and a 22-204 just the ticket.  I'm going to do some serious hunting with a 218 Bee this season also.   I tried the 250 Savage and 25-204 both pushing 75gr HP's at 3150fps and was leaving football sized exit, nice deer cartridges but too much for coyotes.  I'm going to try it again with 90gr GK's out here on the coast where there is a chance of calling some larger critters.

AWS

 I was hoping you would chime in. The 6x45 or simular is real high on my list. What weights are you using and what kind of velocity are you getting with those bullets? Also, what length barrel are you using?

[manfromspam]

i have the perfect 6mm for sale.  and its real light .

[taylorpz]

Seems to me like 22-250 would be the answer to start with for coyotes if you're looking for flat/fast....

But, with all of these mildly exotic cartridges, I would factor in the availability of ammo.  Sure you can get Ackley improved this, and fireball that, etc in your gun, but how easy is it to find the rounds?  If you stick with .223 or .243 you can reasonably expect to be able to walk into most stores and find what you need.  Others?  Not so much.  I would think you'll need to make a significant investment in loading your own ammo (especially getting/sizing brass).  For lots of guys, that's also part of the fun, but just go into it with your eyes open.  That ammo might end up driving how much you actually get to shoot.

[Gutpile]

He's already got a 22-250. Looks like he wants an exotic toy. And he reloads so ammo availablility is of no concern

[longrange7mm]

omg please do a .224 tth its the 6mm necked to .22 then you use a fast twist barrel and shoot heavy for caliber .22 caliber bullets. I think it pushes the 60 grain partition at about 3800 build it and allow me to live vicariously

22-243 you will only get 500 rds and be replacing the barrel but o boy. i cant wait im having one built with a huskemaw mounted on it for my misses christmas present

[AWS]

My 6x45mm is on a Rem 600 with a 22" Pac-Nor 3 groove barrel.  As this a gun for fur hunting I'm shooting 55gr NBT's and BK's at 3350fps.



I'm also running a 6mm-204Ruger with 55's doing 3700fps and 60's at 3600fps, this might be a little hot for fur but I'm counting on the VG's not exiting.

aws

[manfromspam]

love your stock you have on your 600 . where did you buy it ? 

[jjhunter]

omg please do a .224 tth its the 6mm necked to .22 then you use a fast twist barrel and shoot heavy for caliber .22 caliber bullets. I think it pushes the 60 grain partition at about 3800 build it and allow me to live vicariously

22-243 you will only get 500 rds and be replacing the barrel but o boy. i cant wait im having one built with a huskemaw mounted on it for my misses christmas present

I built a 22-6mm about 4 years ago.   Blueprinted 700 action, 26" fluted hart 8-twist, HS stock, 6.5-20x50 Mark IV......shoots 90 grain MK's at 3385 and 75 A-max close to 3600 fps.  Extremely accurate and flat shooting.

[AWS]

The stock is a cheap Ramline, heavy but quite stiff, more accurate than the old stock which was pretty oil soaked and soft after 40yrs of hard use.  The paint job is mine with krylon and some cedar fronds.

AWS

[Huntbear]

Why not a .257 Ackley.  With lighter bullets you are pushing 3200 fps, and you can load 115-120 gr. bullets for deer, still at 3000 fps.  Bullet selection is good for reloading, and it will fit on your short action. 

[MHWASH]

Why not a .257 Ackley.  With lighter bullets you are pushing 3200 fps, and you can load 115-120 gr. bullets for deer, still at 3000 fps.  Bullet selection is good for reloading, and it will fit on your short action. 

 Nothing wrong with the .257 AI, or ever the .250AI, just a little too big gameish.

[sako223]

I personally think the .22-250AI would be great. But the .22 cheetah should impress a coyote.