Post by: BlackRiverTaxidermy on December 26, 2015, 12:29:43 PM
Much appreciated and Happy Holidays!
Joel - Black River Taxidermy
Post by: heronblu on December 26, 2015, 12:40:07 PM
Post by: jackelope on December 26, 2015, 12:47:22 PM
The .223 and the .22-250 are shooting the same bullet, I suppose you probably know that. The .22-250 has more horsepower behind it. At that point, bullet choice will be important to avoid the crater-sized holes. Choose a bullet that splatters like a Varmint Grenade or a V-max and you'll be a lot better off.
Post by: bobcat on December 26, 2015, 12:56:30 PM
22-250 is faster than needed and I wouldn't choose it if you want small holes.
Post by: jasnt on December 26, 2015, 01:13:47 PM
Post by: Karl Blanchard on December 26, 2015, 01:16:33 PM
Post by: Karl Blanchard on December 26, 2015, 01:17:22 PM
Too soon :dunno: :chuckle:
Post by: Bofire on December 26, 2015, 02:38:40 PM
Carl
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on December 26, 2015, 02:44:02 PM
for me in Washington 22-250, you can hunt cougar with it but not big game. due to laws. So during big games seasons you can use a 22 caliber in case you call a cougar, 22-250 kicks ass on all the rest of the varmits, it's the best in the state due to laws.
Carl
What ? :dunno:
Post by: jasnt on December 26, 2015, 02:51:44 PM
i think he is talking about hunting coyotes during mf deer or elk seasons and possibly calling a cougar.for me in Washington 22-250, you can hunt cougar with it but not big game. due to laws. So during big games seasons you can use a 22 caliber in case you call a cougar, 22-250 kicks ass on all the rest of the varmits, it's the best in the state due to laws.
Carl
What ? :dunno:
Post by: Bofire on December 26, 2015, 03:34:42 PM
Carl
Post by: BlackRiverTaxidermy on December 27, 2015, 09:23:57 AM
Post by: widebear on December 27, 2015, 10:42:21 AM
Post by: jasnt on December 27, 2015, 10:48:31 AM
Just food for thought. Been shooting yotes for 50 plus years and tried all kinds of calibers all mentioned above except for the 220 Swift. I use a Model 7 243 loaded with 70 grain ballistic tips now and by far the most consistent for killing without tearing them up. However you have to load them to 3200 to 3300 fps to make them perform well on the pelts. Plus you have a legal caliber for large game which all my Grandkids have started with. The one caliber I really had no luck with is the 204. Tried all kinds of bullets and loads but lots of dogs ran off.ill 2nd the 243. Though for pelt damage or lack of I've had my best results with 58gr vmax at 3575-3725. 1/4" hole in and not exit. All have dropped on the spot. Also very fun round for busting sage rats or whistle pigs or porcupine or .....
Post by: yorketransport on December 27, 2015, 10:57:45 AM
6.5 Grendel..................................... :chuckle:
Too soon :dunno: :chuckle:
This was going to be my suggestion. I've tried a couple different setups as my general walking in the woods guns and the Grendel in a CZ 527 is my new favorite. I always felt a little under gunned with the 204 and the 22 centerfires didn't seem much better. The 243 and up were all to big in my opinion. The little 6.5 was enough for any small critters I may encounter (specifically porcupines) and sufficient for cougar at most ranges. Plus I hear that it's a great long range elk round. :chuckle:
Post by: huntnphool on December 27, 2015, 11:36:24 AM
The 243 and up were all to big in my opinion. The little 6.5 was enough for any small critters I may encounterQuote from: link=topic=188564.msg2489684#msg2489684 date=1451164642
The 6.5 (.264) is bigger than the .243 ;)
Post by: bearpaw on December 27, 2015, 12:03:05 PM
Awesome...thank you for all the input. Was leaning towards the 22-250, and I think after reading a lot of the input I may go with that choice.
I think that's a good all around varmint choice! :tup:
For closer ranges you could load full metal jacket bullets or use Barnes, they don't make near the hole a soft point or hollow point will make! For years I shot coyotes with a 220 swift, almost identical ballistics, and sold the fur. If you use the right bullets at the right distance and know your ballistics you will be good for anywhere from 10 to 500 yards. You are a taxi, if you make a big hole just sow it up, that's what i did and I got just as much for the fur! :dunno:
I eventually swapped out the 220 for a 257 Wtby, I doubt anything kills coyotes any better than a 257 roy, but keep the needle and thread handy! :chuckle: Actually you can minimize fur damage with your choice of bullets in the 257 too.
Post by: yorketransport on December 27, 2015, 12:54:45 PM
The 243 and up were all to big in my opinion. The little 6.5 was enough for any small critters I may encounterQuote from: link=topic=188564.msg2489684#msg2489684 date=1451164642
The 6.5 (.264) is bigger than the .243 ;)
I should have known that there would be at least one heckler out there. 243 win is bigger than I like :chuckle:
Post by: Blacklab on December 30, 2015, 09:36:51 AM
Post by: Jonathan_S on December 30, 2015, 09:45:08 AM
The .22-250 is a hotrod cartridge but easy as pie to reload. Buy H380, put in 38.0 grains, seal it with a 55grain VMax and go have fun. Work it up if desired
Post by: Dan-o on December 30, 2015, 09:55:36 AM
6.5 Grendel..................................... :chuckle:
Too soon :dunno: :chuckle:
Only if you keep your shots under 75 yards!
Post by: Curly on December 30, 2015, 10:14:24 AM
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=533280897
Or a Savage model 99 would be pretty nice too in the 250 Savage.
Post by: coachcw on December 30, 2015, 11:33:10 AM
Post by: Jonathan_S on December 30, 2015, 11:45:24 AM
That escalated quickly
Post by: BULLBLASTER on December 30, 2015, 11:51:26 AM
.223 --->26 Nosler:chuckle:
That escalated quickly
Post by: BOWHUNTER45 on December 30, 2015, 11:54:37 AM
Post by: Mxracer532 on December 30, 2015, 12:32:29 PM
Now I shoot a .243 and 95gn VLD's, close range alot of times I don't get an exit, but when I do I'm glad I don't care about pelt damage. (3136fps)
Post by: 257wbymagkiller on December 30, 2015, 12:52:31 PM
Post by: CAMPMEAT on December 30, 2015, 01:08:57 PM
I'd go with any 223 brand rifle and use ONLY FMJ from my experiences, if your not selling hides or mounting it. I've never had a blown up coyote from the FMJ, 55 grain.
Post by: JJB11B on December 30, 2015, 02:25:30 PM
I'd definitely go with the 204 Ruger. Although the 223 is nice to have due to all the cheap factory ammo available for it. It would do the job as well. The 204 Ruger just has a bit more of the "cool factor."I've seen equally nasty holes from .220 swift .22-250 and .204 ruger, as always bullet selection and shot placement are the key factors. .204 is moving about 400fps faster than a standard .22-250
22-250 is faster than needed and I wouldn't choose it if you want small holes.
Post by: bobcat on December 30, 2015, 02:33:05 PM
I'd definitely go with the 204 Ruger. Although the 223 is nice to have due to all the cheap factory ammo available for it. It would do the job as well. The 204 Ruger just has a bit more of the "cool factor."I've seen equally nasty holes from .220 swift .22-250 and .204 ruger, as always bullet selection and shot placement are the key factors. .204 is moving about 400fps faster than a standard .22-250
22-250 is faster than needed and I wouldn't choose it if you want small holes.
Yes, you're right and it's really just a matter of personal preference. The bullet used is a much more important factor than the headstamp on the cartridge.
Post by: JJB11B on December 30, 2015, 02:37:13 PM
Post by: jstone on December 30, 2015, 02:37:47 PM
Post by: C-Money on December 30, 2015, 02:44:38 PM
Post by: theleo on December 30, 2015, 03:19:28 PM
The .22-250 is a hotrod cartridge but easy as pie to reload. Buy H380, put in 38.0 grains, seal it with a 55grain VMax and go have fun. Work it up if desiredThis is my exact load for my model 700 VLS, but I do opt for magnum primers with ball powders like H380. Every coyote I have ever shot with this combo, inside of 300 yards, had only an entrance hole and host were DRT. Some made it 20 yards dead on their feat before they started cart wheeling. The ones 300 yards and beyond generally made the 20 yard dash and had a 1/2" exit hole.
Post by: Curly on December 30, 2015, 03:30:04 PM
Post by: Jonathan_S on December 30, 2015, 03:35:49 PM
The .22-250 is a hotrod cartridge but easy as pie to reload. Buy H380, put in 38.0 grains, seal it with a 55grain VMax and go have fun. Work it up if desiredThis is my exact load for my model 700 VLS, but I do opt for magnum primers with ball powders like H380. Every coyote I have ever shot with this combo, inside of 300 yards, had only an entrance hole and host were DRT. Some made it 20 yards dead on their feat before they started cart wheeling. The ones 300 yards and beyond generally made the 20 yard dash and had a 1/2" exit hole.
It plants them...every solid body hit is a dead dog in my experience.
Post by: Karl Blanchard on December 30, 2015, 03:44:57 PM
Hard to walk away from a fast moving vmax out of the 250. I'm running imr3031 though.The .22-250 is a hotrod cartridge but easy as pie to reload. Buy H380, put in 38.0 grains, seal it with a 55grain VMax and go have fun. Work it up if desiredThis is my exact load for my model 700 VLS, but I do opt for magnum primers with ball powders like H380. Every coyote I have ever shot with this combo, inside of 300 yards, had only an entrance hole and host were DRT. Some made it 20 yards dead on their feat before they started cart wheeling. The ones 300 yards and beyond generally made the 20 yard dash and had a 1/2" exit hole.
It plants them...every solid body hit is a dead dog in my experience.
If you aren't interested in saving pelts its hard to beat the old .243 too! I run a 58gr Vmax at 3,700 fps out of mine and it is my hands down favorite for coyote hunting.
Post by: theleo on December 30, 2015, 04:04:57 PM