243 for yotes. Need your opinion

[FALFire]

AND I might add, I was eyeballing that Tikka T3 lite in 243 on Sunday up at Wholesale Sports.................I like it    

I was also considering the T3 in 22-250  or perhaps the T3 in 223 with the 8 twist also 

I really like the 243Win caliber.

[Gutpile]

AND I might add, I was eyeballing that Tikka T3 lite in 243 on Sunday up at Wholesale Sports.................I like it    

I was also considering the T3 in 22-250  or perhaps the T3 in 223 with the 8 twist also  

I really like the 243Win caliber.

I love that rifle. Kind of wonder if I should have got a 22-250 now though.    Gonna head out again on wednesday and see if I can't bloody it some more.  

Or maybe take the old swede out? Hmmmmm

[tlbradford]

I would really look at developing a load for the swede for long range hunting if I were you.  Maybe look at the .243AI as something to play with?   

Good problem to have.

[Gutpile]

I would really look at developing a load for the swede for long range hunting if I were you.  Maybe look at the .243AI as something to play with?   

Good problem to have.

The swede's too heavy for that, once in a while but not as a dedicated calling rifle. Thought converting the Tikka to A.I. but probably wont do it. All I know is they are coming in good right now. I can't wait to get back out there. 

[FALFire]

Yeah, I agree, that Swede is sweet but it's a weight issue. I am actually looking at doing an ultra lightweight 223 for my next hunting AR. I think a 20" barrel might due just fine.

[Bofire]

My Tikka is a stainless T3 lite, 243, I have come to use this gun over a long transition. I still have several T3's but this 243 with the 80 grain Federal at 3350 just smokes em! I like 223 and 22-250 but when it comes to my wanting coyotes DEAD, the 243 gets my nod.
Carl

[Big10gauge]

I'm using a 65grVmax at 3700fps in my .243. I've had 1 coyote that managed to get up after getting hit. It's my go to gun for DRT coyotes. I really don't see much difference pelt wise from a 22-250 shooting a 50 gr Nosler at 3900. In my experience it's a combination that would be hard to beat.

[Jerry malbeck]

The quest for the magic load , it never seems to end . 100% satisfaction under all circumstances ? its impossible to find that load , but we can come close , keep trying and when you find a good one please be sure to share it . 

[rasbo]

poke them in the head...

[demontang]

Yeah it takes a bit to find the best load for your gun and what you want it to do. The 95 bt seem to just put the hurt to them but if your looking for fur friendly Id look at the 22 cal but the 243 isnt to hard on them compared to the vmax out of the .223 from what Ive seen so far Im still going to keep shooting the 55gr and 95gr to see how they average out too.

[280win]

2 degrees outside. T3 lite 70 grain nbt one hole in ,no exit got to love it
280

[high country]

my 243 runs the 55gr pills at 4g's I have yet to have a runner go more then in tight circles. I am thinking you have had a run of bad luck morethen anything. I do not like the 55gr pills if it is windy......playing that much slice is tough.

[CAMPMEAT]

Do any of you guys have the T/C Encore ? You can buy barrels cheaper than going out and buying a whole new setup if you're not quite happy with your $1000 guns. That's what I've done. I've got a 22-250, 26 inch bullbarrel that is a tack drivin', killin' machine. I don't save pelts so it works well for me.

[400out]

Do any of you guys have the T/C Encore ? You can buy barrels cheaper than going out and buying a whole new setup if you're not quite happy with your $1000 guns. That's what I've done. I've got a 22-250, 26 inch bullbarrel that is a tack drivin', killin' machine. I don't save pelts so it works well for me.

I just got to hold one of those the other day and I think it will be my next gun! The only thing I saw that might get bad is the amount of scopes a guy needs to make the easy transformation.

[drysideshooter]

Though I know it's somewhat out of the norm, I have been really satisfied with larger than typical calibers for coyote.

Though I also use a 223, 22-250 or 243, at times I also use a 7x57 Mauser, 7mm Rem Mag,  or 30-06.   I've had good experiences with Sierra Matchking bullets. Even though Sierra says they are intended for target shooting, they can work well on coyote sized animals as well.  I first tried this years ago on wolves in Alaska, hunting them with a 7mag using Matchkings.  Out of the 06 I really like Barnes 165gr banded solids.  With SUBSTANTIALY more energy, hits that would be marginal with a smaller bullet result in a solid put down.  I'm not an "over-gun" kind of guy usually, but in the case of coyotes the bigger bullets can make sense to me, especially in windy conditions.  Of course you have to be responsible and realize that the bullet can travel quite some distance with quite a bit of engergy left after it passes through the animal, and be sure where you are shooting.  I also like that if a big cat happens to come in to a call, or I see one while in the field, I'd be comfortable taking the shot with a larger caliber. Even though I usually shoot 70gr Barnes in my favorite AR I would be hesitant to shoot a big cat with it.  243 would be comfortable though, for me at least

I've had friends bring up the weight issues, and that is a consideration. One of my current favorite calling rifles is a Weatherby Mark V ultra lightweight in 06, which is light and easy to carry all day.  Some days I have trouble deciding between it and an AR though.  I find the Mark V easier to carry, but I really like the fast follow up shots with the AR's.

To the original question of this post though, my son uses a 243 quite a bit for coyote, a Remington 600 BDL with the manlicher type stock.  Great gun for a kid, and it flat knocks coyotes down dead.