collapse

Advertisement


Author Topic: .223 or .243 for Yotes in Washington  (Read 9511 times)

Offline jds15151

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Tracker
  • **
  • Join Date: Jan 2010
  • Posts: 37
  • Location: Central Texas/Yakima
.223 or .243 for Yotes in Washington
« on: February 09, 2010, 08:55:14 AM »
Getting ready to move to Washington for 14 months of training the National Guard at Yakima Training Center. So I have decided to reward myself with a new gun. The problem is that I am going back and forth between .223 and .243. Trying to stay with a standard easily available caliber. What do you Yote hunters recommend for Washington? I like the .223 because of less potential pelt damage, but was thinking the .243 because of distance and wind conditions. Any thoughts from those of you that hunt up there all the time? Thanks

Offline TeacherMan

  • Business Sponsor
  • Trade Count: (+4)
  • Frontiersman
  • *****
  • Join Date: Jul 2008
  • Posts: 4407
  • Location: North Idaho
Re: .223 or .243 for Yotes in Washington
« Reply #1 on: February 09, 2010, 09:14:37 AM »
I like 243 because you can use it for deer also in WA  :twocents:
If you shoot the first one you will never get that true trophy.

Offline C-Money

  • Non-Hunting Topics
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Explorer
  • ******
  • Join Date: Sep 2008
  • Posts: 10939
  • Location: Grant County
  • Self proclaimed 3pt master
Re: .223 or .243 for Yotes in Washington
« Reply #2 on: February 09, 2010, 09:27:45 AM »
I agree with teacherman. I use a .243 for coyotes. If you can, should be plenty of coyotes on the firing center to go after! Really, if you want a .223, thats cool too! I'd like a .223 for coyotes. I like any reason to buy a new gun!
I felt like a one legged cat trying to bury a terd on a frozen pond!

Offline Rgrady35

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Scout
  • ****
  • Join Date: Jan 2009
  • Posts: 271
  • Location: Spokane Valley
Re: .223 or .243 for Yotes in Washington
« Reply #3 on: February 09, 2010, 09:29:35 AM »
 :yeah: To hunt deer or larger game in WA you must use a 6mm (.243) or larger caliber.
"Beer is proof that God loves us."
Ben Franklin

Offline jds15151

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Tracker
  • **
  • Join Date: Jan 2010
  • Posts: 37
  • Location: Central Texas/Yakima
Re: .223 or .243 for Yotes in Washington
« Reply #4 on: February 09, 2010, 09:37:30 AM »
I'm also bringing an AR-15, .308, .30-06, and 22lr so I think I will have almost everything covered. Just looking for a new rifle. Thanks for the recommendations and keep them coming. I still haven't decided.

Offline Straight Shooter

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Longhunter
  • *****
  • Join Date: Mar 2009
  • Posts: 841
  • Location: Eastern Washington
Re: .223 or .243 for Yotes in Washington
« Reply #5 on: February 09, 2010, 10:04:50 AM »
I absolutely love the .223 cartridge, but I ordered a Marlin XS7 in .243 a few days ago from Cabelas (they're on sale).  I have 6 boxes of Hornady 58 gr moly V-Max loads waiting for the rifle to arrive.  Don't think that I'll use it for anything other than predators since I prefer .308 and .30-06 for big game.
United States Air Force, Retired - Apr '85-Nov '05
Operation ENDURING FREEDOM & Operation IRAQI FREEDOM Veteran

Offline shaneman153D

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Hunter
  • ***
  • Join Date: Sep 2009
  • Posts: 228
  • Location: Whitman/Adams County line
Re: .223 or .243 for Yotes in Washington
« Reply #6 on: February 09, 2010, 10:07:50 AM »
If it's just for coyotes you may want to look at something in between.  22-250, 220 swift, etc.  Actually you can get a .223 WSSM upper for your AR, Oly arms and Dtech make them.  I personally wasn't happy with my .223, but it was a 16" bbl and most shots here are 300+.  I've got a .243 now.

Offline Big10gauge

  • Site Sponsor
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Sourdough
  • *****
  • Join Date: Aug 2008
  • Posts: 1306
  • Location: Central Wa
Re: .223 or .243 for Yotes in Washington
« Reply #7 on: February 09, 2010, 10:17:12 AM »
Since it looks like you're going to be in the Yakima area, I'd consider the .243 since it's flatter shooting and has good varmint weight bullets and a lot more energy.
[smg id=6490]

Offline Shootmoore

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Sourdough
  • *****
  • Join Date: Nov 2009
  • Posts: 1301
  • Location: Skagit
Re: .223 or .243 for Yotes in Washington
« Reply #8 on: February 09, 2010, 10:21:30 AM »
I shoot a Ruger MII Varmiter in .223 for Yotes and really like it.  That being said I am currently building a 16" .223 upper for my CAR 15 for a compact yote gun as well.  Both should serve me well, although for Balistic performance down in the Yak and Ellinsburg area I would suggest a .243 for ballistic performance.

The wind is known to blow down in that neck of the woods on occassion.

Growing up my yote gun was a Winchester 670 in .243 using 80 grain match fmj's.  I made alot of my hunting money growing up noogin shooting yotes with that gun.  Payed for several rifle and shotguns, hunting tags and ammo.  Of course back then the pelts were worth a lot more.  My thoughts are you can't go wrong with either.  If I was a rich man I would buy both  :chuckle:

Shootmoore

Offline coriantonk

  • Washington For Wildlife
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Scout
  • ****
  • Join Date: May 2009
  • Posts: 492
  • Location: Tacoma
Re: .223 or .243 for Yotes in Washington
« Reply #9 on: February 09, 2010, 11:26:51 AM »
Sorry Straight Shooter,  I bought the last Marlin XS7 at the lacey Cabellas on saturday for my wife.  Cant wait to get to the range to have her try it out.  I might have to use it on a yote or two myself.  :IBCOOL:
There's a reason they call it hunting, not killing.

Offline demontang

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Frontiersman
  • *****
  • Join Date: Jul 2008
  • Posts: 3412
  • Location: Selah
Re: .223 or .243 for Yotes in Washington
« Reply #10 on: February 09, 2010, 12:03:53 PM »
I use a 223 for yotes. I just got a .243 and it's a shooter. If you don't reload the 223 with 40gr vmax are a good round for yotes.

Offline Straight Shooter

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Longhunter
  • *****
  • Join Date: Mar 2009
  • Posts: 841
  • Location: Eastern Washington
Re: .223 or .243 for Yotes in Washington
« Reply #11 on: February 09, 2010, 12:12:34 PM »
Sorry Straight Shooter,  I bought the last Marlin XS7 at the lacey Cabellas on saturday for my wife.  Cant wait to get to the range to have her try it out.  I might have to use it on a yote or two myself.  :IBCOOL:

 :chuckle:  You might have bought the last XS7 (in .243) in the Pacific Northwest!!  :chuckle:  I was a bit irked that the Cabelas in Post Falls didn't have a .243 in stock (the month-long sale was less than a week old).  Hopefully, they can find one at another store... or it can take up to a month to get one from their supplier.  No sweat... I'm starting to get into the fishing-mode anyway.  :IBCOOL:
United States Air Force, Retired - Apr '85-Nov '05
Operation ENDURING FREEDOM & Operation IRAQI FREEDOM Veteran

Offline Rudy

  • Political & Covid-19 Topics
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Sourdough
  • *****
  • Join Date: Dec 2009
  • Posts: 1107
  • Location: Tri-Cities
Re: .223 or .243 for Yotes in Washington
« Reply #12 on: February 09, 2010, 09:42:12 PM »
I know alot of guys who prefer the .243, because they can hunt deer with it too (as mentioned above).  I personally like my 22-250 for the song dogs, but would jump at the chance to buy a .223 or.243.

Easy solution to your problem......buy both!  :brew:
We are.....PENN STATE

Offline rainshadow1

  • RainShadow Game Calls & Custom Knives
  • Business Sponsor
  • Trade Count: (+4)
  • Frontiersman
  • *****
  • Join Date: Sep 2007
  • Posts: 3438
  • Location: Selah, WA - Sequim, WA
  • Custom Calls and Knives
    • http://www.facebook.com/pages/RainShadow-Game-Calls-Custom-Knives/133406026689512?ref=hl
    • RainShadow Game Calls & Custom Knives
Re: .223 or .243 for Yotes in Washington
« Reply #13 on: February 09, 2010, 10:05:01 PM »
.243 is a great Cougar round!

Just sayin' ! :P
- - Steve
View and Purchase/Order Custom Calls!
Cougar Hunters!!! Check out Calling Products and Call-In Stories!
View the Blade Gallery, & Purchase/Order a Custom Knife!
 www.rain-shadow.com

RainShadow Game Calls & Custom Knives on Facebook

Labrador Retrievers - https://rainshadowlabradors.com

Offline jds15151

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Tracker
  • **
  • Join Date: Jan 2010
  • Posts: 37
  • Location: Central Texas/Yakima
Re: .223 or .243 for Yotes in Washington
« Reply #14 on: February 10, 2010, 06:28:44 AM »
.243 is a great Cougar round!

Just sayin' ! :P

Thanks for all of the replies. After reading all of them I was pretty much set on the .243, at least for this gun, but rainshadow1 sealed the deal. I have always wanted to get a cougar and I am really hoping to get my chance on this deployment. Now I just have to pick out a rifle. :dunno: I am thinking synthetic or aftermarket, or maybe a laminated veneer like the Remington varmint guns because of the temperatures up there. Bull barrel or plain? It seems to me that you walk a lot more up there from stand to stand than they do down here in Texas so maybe a regular barrel style that I can hit with first round out of a cold barrel? Thanks again and hope to meet some of you when I get up there.  Jeff

Offline demontang

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Frontiersman
  • *****
  • Join Date: Jul 2008
  • Posts: 3412
  • Location: Selah
Re: .223 or .243 for Yotes in Washington
« Reply #15 on: February 10, 2010, 11:46:26 AM »
If you hav a ar15 already look and the 243 wssm uppers for it :twocents:

Offline Rudy

  • Political & Covid-19 Topics
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Sourdough
  • *****
  • Join Date: Dec 2009
  • Posts: 1107
  • Location: Tri-Cities
Re: .223 or .243 for Yotes in Washington
« Reply #16 on: February 10, 2010, 12:12:18 PM »
 :yeah:  and dont forget to send me a PM when you get to Yakima.  Thats only about an hour and a half from where I'm out, we cand efinatly hook up and kill some dogs.
We are.....PENN STATE

Offline Intruder

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Sourdough
  • *****
  • Join Date: Sep 2007
  • Posts: 1722
  • Location: Spo-Vegas
Re: .223 or .243 for Yotes in Washington
« Reply #17 on: February 10, 2010, 12:24:14 PM »
Both are fine.  243, as many have pointed out, gives you versatility to hunt big game and more giddy-up.  223 is much cheaper to shoot and better for other varmints (ground squirrels) etc.  Really comes down to what's more important to you. 

Offline Wile E. Hunter

  • Long Range Hammer Dropper
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Scout
  • ****
  • Join Date: Feb 2009
  • Posts: 307
  • Location: Spokane Valley, WA
Re: .223 or .243 for Yotes in Washington
« Reply #18 on: February 11, 2010, 11:33:15 AM »
I looked at both of those calibers, and ended up getting the 25-06 instead of the .243 because it seemed to be a better "combination rifle" for long range Coyotes, and light deer. I also did end up getting a flat top for my match AR, that has become my "go-to gun" for pelts with a 40 grn blitzking. One other consideration.... If you get an AR, you get a lot quicker second shot when you pull in a double, or triple...

Wile E.

Offline Straight Shooter

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Longhunter
  • *****
  • Join Date: Mar 2009
  • Posts: 841
  • Location: Eastern Washington
Re: .223 or .243 for Yotes in Washington
« Reply #19 on: February 11, 2010, 12:02:03 PM »
I looked at both of those calibers, and ended up getting the 25-06 instead of the .243 because it seemed to be a better "combination rifle" for long range Coyotes, and light deer. I also did end up getting a flat top for my match AR, that has become my "go-to gun" for pelts with a 40 grn blitzking. One other consideration.... If you get an AR, you get a lot quicker second shot when you pull in a double, or triple...

Wile E.

Great advice.  I went the .243 route (back-ordered one from Cabelas last Saturday), but I'm already looking at getting a .25-06 for the reason you stated above (I know, another reason to buy another rifle  :chuckle:).  I'm running 40 gr V-Max's (Fiocchi) out of my two ARs... the A3 bull barrel will print "1/4 groups and the M4 will do "1/2 from the same load.  With a #3 Timney trigger on the A3 bull barrel, you're talking about a fast-shooting and accurate rig.  :tup:
United States Air Force, Retired - Apr '85-Nov '05
Operation ENDURING FREEDOM & Operation IRAQI FREEDOM Veteran

Offline Wile E. Hunter

  • Long Range Hammer Dropper
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Scout
  • ****
  • Join Date: Feb 2009
  • Posts: 307
  • Location: Spokane Valley, WA
Re: .223 or .243 for Yotes in Washington
« Reply #20 on: February 11, 2010, 01:03:36 PM »
Might want to consider cancelling the back order if you're truly considering getting a .25-06. The .243 and .25-06 are so similar in the ballistic dept. it's not worth having both, in my opinion. I think the .25-06 wins out, and that's why I have one instead of the .243. Mine is a 700 Sendero, but they don't make it in that caliber anymore. Your call, but I don't have enough room left in my gunsafe to have both. Hmmm, maybe it's time to buy a second gun safe!   :rolleyes:

Wile E.

Offline Special T

  • Truth the new Hate Speech.
  • Business Sponsor
  • Trade Count: (+13)
  • Legend
  • *****
  • Join Date: Aug 2009
  • Posts: 25038
  • Location: Skagit Valley
  • Make it Rain!
    • Silver Arrow Bowmen
    • Silver Arrow Bowmen
Re: .223 or .243 for Yotes in Washington
« Reply #21 on: February 11, 2010, 01:09:29 PM »
Sundance   Or anyone else Where does it say you cannot use FMJ rounds for hunting in this state? I just got done looking in the regs and couldn't find it anywhere? is it one of those WAC that aren't posted in the regs? I would think that it might me illegal for big game, but didn't read it anywhere???
In archery we have something like the way of the superior man. When the archer misses the center of the target, he turns round and seeks for the cause of his failure in himself. 

Confucius

Offline Straight Shooter

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Longhunter
  • *****
  • Join Date: Mar 2009
  • Posts: 841
  • Location: Eastern Washington
Re: .223 or .243 for Yotes in Washington
« Reply #22 on: February 11, 2010, 02:22:17 PM »
Might want to consider cancelling the back order if you're truly considering getting a .25-06. The .243 and .25-06 are so similar in the ballistic dept. it's not worth having both, in my opinion. I think the .25-06 wins out, and that's why I have one instead of the .243. Mine is a 700 Sendero, but they don't make it in that caliber anymore. Your call, but I don't have enough room left in my gunsafe to have both. Hmmm, maybe it's time to buy a second gun safe!   :rolleyes:

Wile E.

I hear you.  I went and "put the cart before the horse" and picked up 6 boxes of Hornady 58 gr V-Max loads for the .243... so, I'm going to press on with the purchase.  Cabelas has the Marlins on sale every few months for $259.99, so I'll probably pick up a .25-06 down the road.  I bought my dad a Winchester 70 Coyote in .25 WSSM two years ago and gave him back a Ruger 77 in .257 Roberts (that he gave me when I was stationed in Texas 12 years ago)... hopefully, I'll be driving down to San Diego in the next few month... and at least, bum the Roberts back from him.   :chuckle:  You're definitely right on about not having room but, buying guns is my sickness and I can't stop... I NEED HELP!  :o
United States Air Force, Retired - Apr '85-Nov '05
Operation ENDURING FREEDOM & Operation IRAQI FREEDOM Veteran

Offline Oldguy

  • Trade Count: (+2)
  • Longhunter
  • *****
  • Join Date: Apr 2007
  • Posts: 695
Re: .223 or .243 for Yotes in Washington
« Reply #23 on: February 20, 2010, 10:08:15 AM »
Sundance   Or anyone else Where does it say you cannot use FMJ rounds for hunting in this state? I just got done looking in the regs and couldn't find it anywhere? is it one of those WAC that aren't posted in the regs? I would think that it might me illegal for big game, but didn't read it anywhere???

I too question the FMJ not legal for hunting in Washington. I'm a H.E. instructor and have never heard of this one.

Offline carpsniperg2

  • Site Sponsor
  • Global Moderator
  • Trade Count: (+126)
  • Legend
  • *****
  • Join Date: Sep 2009
  • Posts: 31528
  • Location: Goldendale,WA
Re: .223 or .243 for Yotes in Washington
« Reply #24 on: February 20, 2010, 11:03:21 AM »
fmj bullets are legal here we do not have any bullet restrictions other than must be .240 or bigger cal from what i know. my 223 ar-15 works well for me when i do most of my yote hunting i don't shoot over 250y because hit % goes down past that and i dont like to shoot just to shoot but the 243 works good also i have shot allot with a 243 as well
Owner: SPLIT DIAMOND TACTICAL
Firearms/Transfers/Parts/Optics
2011 HW Head Competition Winner

Offline demontang

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Frontiersman
  • *****
  • Join Date: Jul 2008
  • Posts: 3412
  • Location: Selah
Re: .223 or .243 for Yotes in Washington
« Reply #25 on: February 20, 2010, 02:47:10 PM »
FMJ realy is practical or ethical if you ask me. Theres just to high of a chance you will just wound the animal. :twocents:

Offline jasnt

  • ELR junkie
  • Political & Covid-19 Topics
  • Trade Count: (+5)
  • Old Salt
  • ******
  • Join Date: Feb 2010
  • Posts: 6539
  • Location: deer park
  • Out shooting
  • Groups: WSTA
Re: .223 or .243 for Yotes in Washington
« Reply #26 on: February 21, 2010, 12:15:02 PM »
i love my .243   real accurate round  and good distace too
https://www.howlforwildlife.org/take_action  It takes 10 seconds and it’s free. To easy to make an excuse not to make your voice heard!!!!!!

The commission shall attempt to maximize the public recreational game fishing and hunting opportunities of all citizens, including juvenile, disabled, and senior citizens.
https://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=77.04.012

Offline Pathfinder101

  • The Chosen YAR
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Explorer
  • ******
  • Join Date: Jan 2009
  • Posts: 11929
  • Location: Southeast WA
  • Semper Primus
Re: .223 or .243 for Yotes in Washington
« Reply #27 on: February 21, 2010, 12:38:31 PM »
I think a Remington 700 in .243 is a good choice.  Whether or not you get the bull barrel should be determined by how much you plan to hike, how good shape you are in, and how much weight you want to carry...  Here's the question:  Will you look at a ridge and think to yourself "I'll bet that would be a good place to go, but I don't want to lug this thing all the way up there."...?  If you think you may do that, then just get the standard barrel...
Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes.  That way, when you criticize them, you're a mile away and you have their shoes.

Offline fishnate

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Hunter
  • ***
  • Join Date: Apr 2009
  • Posts: 195
  • Location: NCW
  • It is what it is!
Re: .223 or .243 for Yotes in Washington
« Reply #28 on: February 21, 2010, 02:46:46 PM »
.243 hands down love it for yotes! Mine is a sythethic with fluted heavy barrel model 70.  It is heavy but just man up and when I switch to my lighter deer rifle it seems so light and I am ready to go :twocents:

Offline Special T

  • Truth the new Hate Speech.
  • Business Sponsor
  • Trade Count: (+13)
  • Legend
  • *****
  • Join Date: Aug 2009
  • Posts: 25038
  • Location: Skagit Valley
  • Make it Rain!
    • Silver Arrow Bowmen
    • Silver Arrow Bowmen
Re: .223 or .243 for Yotes in Washington
« Reply #29 on: February 21, 2010, 07:23:28 PM »
I'm guessing from the lack of response ball ammo must be legal... I also looked for it in the regs... but i think 30-06 ball isn't gona leave to many wounded yotes limping around....
In archery we have something like the way of the superior man. When the archer misses the center of the target, he turns round and seeks for the cause of his failure in himself. 

Confucius

Offline carpsniperg2

  • Site Sponsor
  • Global Moderator
  • Trade Count: (+126)
  • Legend
  • *****
  • Join Date: Sep 2009
  • Posts: 31528
  • Location: Goldendale,WA
Re: .223 or .243 for Yotes in Washington
« Reply #30 on: February 21, 2010, 07:32:52 PM »
yeah  there has been no modern firearm ammo restrictions about type of bullet so i am sure you could use it but as far as killing game clean i would not use them on anything but small game.
Owner: SPLIT DIAMOND TACTICAL
Firearms/Transfers/Parts/Optics
2011 HW Head Competition Winner

Offline btlsoom

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Scout
  • ****
  • Join Date: Jan 2009
  • Posts: 352
  • Location: Bonneylake
Re: .223 or .243 for Yotes in Washington
« Reply #31 on: February 22, 2010, 07:43:19 PM »
I stick with my Encore set up with a heavy .223.

Randy
President Washington Predator Hunting Association
Call like you mean it and mean it when you call..
TC and PSE 4 ME

Offline Bigbuckhunter_1996

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Hunter
  • ***
  • Join Date: Oct 2009
  • Posts: 104
  • Location: Colville
Re: .223 or .243 for Yotes in Washington
« Reply #32 on: February 23, 2010, 07:23:43 PM »
.243 all the way u can take out coyotes then shoot a deer while your on your way home  :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:
7mm Rem Mag

 


* Advertisement

* Recent Topics

Early Huckleberry Bull Moose tag drawn! by HillHound
[Yesterday at 11:25:17 PM]


THE ULTIMATE QUAD!!!! by Deer slayer
[Yesterday at 10:33:55 PM]


AUCTION: SE Idaho DIY Deer or Deer/Elk Hunt by Tbar
[Yesterday at 10:29:43 PM]


Archery elk gear, 2025. by WapitiTalk1
[Yesterday at 09:41:28 PM]


Unknown Suppressors - Whisper Pickle by pickardjw
[Yesterday at 09:11:06 PM]


Utah cow elk hunt by bearpaw
[Yesterday at 07:18:51 PM]


Oregon spring bear by kodiak06
[Yesterday at 04:40:38 PM]


Tree stand for Western Washingtn by kodiak06
[Yesterday at 04:37:01 PM]


Pocket Carry by BKMFR
[Yesterday at 03:34:12 PM]


A lonely Job... by Loup Loup
[Yesterday at 01:15:11 PM]


Range finders & Angle Compensation by Fidelk
[Yesterday at 11:58:48 AM]


Willapa Hills 1 Bear by hunter399
[Yesterday at 10:55:29 AM]


Bearpaw Outfitters Annual July 4th Hunt Sale by bearpaw
[Yesterday at 08:40:03 AM]


KODIAK06 2025 trail cam and personal pics thread by Boss .300 winmag
[Yesterday at 07:53:52 AM]


Yard bucks by Boss .300 winmag
[July 04, 2025, 11:20:39 PM]


Yard babies by Feathernfurr
[July 04, 2025, 10:04:54 PM]


Seeking recommendations on a new scope by coachg
[July 04, 2025, 08:10:21 PM]


Sauk Unit Youth Elk Tips by high_hunter
[July 04, 2025, 08:06:05 PM]


Jupiter Mountain Rayonier Permit- 621 Bull Tag by HntnFsh
[July 04, 2025, 07:58:22 PM]

SimplePortal 2.3.7 © 2008-2025, SimplePortal