Wanting a new predator gun, .223, .204, 22-250

[carpsniperg2]

I have shot a lot of yotes over the years with 223's. I have had a lot of runners, with the 223. You knock them down and then they get up and take off. I would say 300 is a good range for that gun. I don't like to shoot my 223's past 200+ yards. Even though they will kill, it can't compare to the 22-250.

[BlackRidge]

I have shot a lot of yotes over the years with 223's. I have had a lot of runners, with the 223. You knock them down and then they get up and take off. I would say 300 is a good range for that gun. I don't like to shoot my 223's past 200+ yards. Even though they will kill, it can't compare to the 22-250.

+1

The 223 can be accurate out to 500yrds under good/ideal conditions, but it wont have much knock-down power at that point, out to 200-250, it still does fairly well. I went with the standard AR15 setup because of how common/inexpensive the 223/5.56 rounds were, theyve gone up a little in price, but its still a fantastic caliber to reload for (plenty of component options to find that perfect round for your gun/barrel). The thing I like about the AR platform is the versatility it brings to the table

The 223 may not be the best varmint round out there, but in comparison to others like the 22-250 & .204, its abundant and inexpensive OTC.

If distance is a deal breakers, the 22-250 is definitely the answer though, well worth the small increase in $$ for ammo for the trade-off in results downrange. That will reach out and touch a yote at 500yrds easy and as carp alluded to, it won't be getting back up to taunt you

[halfpipe88]

Go with a big caliber.  If you don't hit them square on you will still get your coyote.  I've seen too many coyotes hit good with a .223 that still run forever. I shoot a .270 WSM, haven't wounded and lost a coyote yet

[jackelope]

You're talking about possibly needing it for wolves and cats....a .22-250 would be minimum IMO. I'd look real hard at a .243 or .25something or other. A lot of stuff bites back up there where you're hunting so don't mess around.


                                

[Special T]

Thinking man Since you said you already have a 243 I would go with the AR I shot a buddies cold with the Nikon BDC and loved it! If you really need something with more kick then you already own it... It you want relative long rage shooting with rapid follow up shots... Go with the AR Follow up shots with the AR i shot were very nice... greater possibility of a double because it lack the kick the other cal everyone is talking about... You already own a one shot one kill rifle...  

[TeacherMan]

Thanks for all the info guys, I'm saving till June for the AR, I went out today and got a nice Nikon 6-24x42 scope for my .243 and some 58 grain vmax bullets Hornady loads. I will turn it into a predator killer for know. Thanks again!

[Straight Shooter]

Thanks for all the info guys, I'm saving till June for the AR, I went out today and got a nice Nikon 6-24x42 scope for my .243 and some 58 grain vmax bullets Hornady loads. I will turn it into a predator killer for know. Thanks again!

I picked up 6 boxes of the moly-coated 58 gr V-Max loads... shooting sub-MOA at 200 yards. 

[homehunter]

Haven't had any problems killing dogs with my 204

[norsepeak]

got a NIB 223 encore for sale if your interested

[wadu1]

I like 22.250 bolt guns, I run .53 gr Barns TSX-FB on top of 38 gr of H380. Just a simple long range shooter.
 

[BlackRidge]

Thanks for all the info guys, I'm saving till June for the AR, I went out today and got a nice Nikon 6-24x42 scope for my .243 and some 58 grain vmax bullets Hornady loads. I will turn it into a predator killer for know. Thanks again!

When you finally are ready to buy one, check out J&S Gun Parts down in Olympia. Best prices/selection I've seen locally, great guys too, they all worked for Olympic Arms at one point, or still do

[Bofire]

 :)For your use go 243 as you have, I say forget 58/55 grain bullets, close in they have good numbers but not at any range.(past 300 yards). I use 80 grain soft points in mine, damn good killer, deer or coyotes, like you already said an AR would be a good new gun!!
Carl

[204chucknorris]

I am partial on this right now since i have a savage heavy barrel 204 and flat love it! I zeroed it at 300 and have no issues taking shots out to 400. I have not yet had a dog run from a shot! I have shot dogs in the 300 yard range and they dropped in their tracks, I just make sure to get a chest shot! I recently bought a AR in 223 and it has yet to prove itself, but in all fairness I have not had the dog to shoot at yet! Cheap to reload and fast (204) heavier bullets and fast (22-250)! Just my 2 cents! If you get a 204 make sure to watch rate of twist!! 1-10 would be best!

[MuleySniper]

.204 need I say more? I'm a poet and didn't even know it.
MS

[7mag.]

I know the VTR's are a cool looking rifle, but the they have too short a barrel for a 22-250. With the short barrel, you're not going to get great range with a .223 either. I think they are more of a novelty gun than a good varmint killer.