Hunting Washington Forum

Other Hunting => Coyote, Small Game, Varmints => Topic started by: BigFoot02 on January 26, 2012, 05:54:08 AM

Title: what is the best small game rifle?
Post by: BigFoot02 on January 26, 2012, 05:54:08 AM: I own a fox pro game calll but my smallest rifle is a .308...... What is the best caliber for shooting coyotes and bobcats? I have been leaning towards buying a .243 any ideas for my dilema? :dunno:
Title: Re: what is the best small game rifle?
Post by: 280win on January 26, 2012, 06:12:57 AM: (https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi36.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fe4%2F280win%2FDCP_0814.jpg&hash=b3f1483305097cd827ff64afd8b5c84100cd3036)
I really like my tikka t3 243,but i like my rem 700 in 223 to
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi36.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fe4%2F280win%2F121611101412.jpg&hash=18bcdec069fe08dd43c18f6c7f397c451996f539)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi36.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fe4%2F280win%2F112410081312.jpg&hash=9095a44aa047609ed63d94c14f5e86c473ed8b34)

280
Title: Re: what is the best small game rifle?
Post by: BigFoot02 on January 26, 2012, 06:20:36 AM: Good lookin guns right there.
Title: Re: what is the best small game rifle?
Post by: Big10gauge on January 26, 2012, 06:27:06 AM: 243 is a excellent coyote gun but too much for bobcats. Maybe compromise with a 223 but wouldn't recommend that you try to knock coyotes down past 250/300 yrds with it. You can do it but your results will probably be inconsistent. Or just get a 20 cal for bobcats.
Title: Re: what is the best small game rifle?
Post by: whitey on January 26, 2012, 07:08:33 AM: .308 will work just fine.. :yike:
An AR-15 with a flat top upper is a nice choice, put a nice piece of glass on it and your ready to roll..
Title: Re: what is the best small game rifle?
Post by: Snopczynski on January 26, 2012, 07:24:27 AM: I like the 22-250 a lot. If you go with a .223, then get an AR platform. They can be very versatile.
Title: Re: what is the best small game rifle?
Post by: Gringo31 on January 26, 2012, 07:29:03 AM: Quote
What is the best caliber for shooting coyotes and bobcats?

It depends on what you planning on doing with them.
Title: Re: what is the best small game rifle?
Post by: sirmissalot on January 26, 2012, 08:02:15 AM: 220 Swift :tup:
Title: Re: what is the best small game rifle?
Post by: Huntboy on January 26, 2012, 08:28:45 AM: A lot of it depends on which side of the state you hunt and how long your shots are going to be. :twocents:
Title: Re: what is the best small game rifle?
Post by: KenPCPilot on January 26, 2012, 08:34:48 AM: I have a Remington 700 VTR .308 and love it. If you are wanting to save hides there maybe some challenge with a .308. I shoot Hornaday SST 125 gr .308 bullets. They are fast and flatter shooting. I am a good shooter but not an expert and I can chip away at the diamond bullseye on targets at 200 yards. The only bad thing is Hornaday makes them exclusively for Cabelas so you have to order them on line or as I do free shipping at site to store and pick them up at the Lacey Cabelas as I only live 3 miles from there. The good thing they are only $23.00 a box of 20 if you go the the "Bargain Cave" link at Cabelas.com. You can buy the bullets if you reload or know someone who reloads and have them made that way too. I know someday I will invest in a lighter caliber varmit rifle but for now my .308 does the trick. You might also search Predator Masters website on rifle choices. My rife is mounted on an Axiom recoil reducing pistol grip stock. Full floating barrel. The recoil is very light. Plus the 700 VTR has a factory machined muzzle break for further recoil reduction and barrel jump.
Title: Re: what is the best small game rifle?
Post by: Goshawk on January 26, 2012, 06:26:55 PM: Nothing wrong with the .308 and lighter bullets for coyotes; and excellent choice.

If your looking for an excuse for a new gun, then the AR15 in either 22-250 Remington or the 25WSSM will really reach out there and be very accurate doing it. The 25WSSM doubles for Deer sized game too.
Title: Re: what is the best small game rifle?
Post by: Special T on January 27, 2012, 12:08:39 PM: Use your 308 will ball ammo! I use ball in my 06...

My ultimate gun is a savage model 24. not made anymore. :'( .223 over a 12 gauge.
Title: Re: what is the best small game rifle?
Post by: MtnMuley on January 27, 2012, 12:55:47 PM: Quote
what is the best small game rifle?

That's kinda like asking, "What's the best sound to use outta my FoxPro?" Gonna get a bunch of different answers based on preference type. That being said, for what your asking, I say the 204 Ruger -- Load up or load down. :twocents:
Title: Re: what is the best small game rifle?
Post by: trippledigitss on January 27, 2012, 01:27:41 PM: Quote from: MtnMuley on January 27, 2012, 12:55:47 PM

Quote
what is the best small game rifle?

That's kinda like asking, "What's the best sound to use outta my FoxPro?" Gonna get a bunch of different answers based on preference type. That being said, for what your asking, I say the 204 Ruger -- Load up or load down. :twocents:

Yeah its definitely a good pot stirring question! :chuckle: :stirthepot: :chuckle:

I would say 22-250 but I like .223 cuz its cheap, widely available, and there are some good varmint/hunting rounds too. :dunno:
Title: Re: what is the best small game rifle?
Post by: rynokron on January 27, 2012, 07:15:46 PM: Well, I have an AR in .223, a Savage model 11 in .243, and a Benelli 12 guage. They all have their place. Depends on where I am going...
Title: Re: what is the best small game rifle?
Post by: Skywagon_185 on January 27, 2012, 07:29:09 PM: The .204 Ruger will reach out and touch them all. An honest 300 yd. gun.

Mike
Title: Re: what is the best small game rifle?
Post by: marlin on January 27, 2012, 07:40:14 PM: Ive got an AR in .223 and a .308. Im thinking of loading some of the 110gr. V-Max bullets in the .308
Title: Re: what is the best small game rifle?
Post by: carpsniperg2 on January 27, 2012, 08:21:31 PM: 22-250 is the best cartridge in my mind. As far as a rifle I love the ar style rifles for small game.
Title: Re: what is the best small game rifle?
Post by: Bofire on January 28, 2012, 10:02:36 AM: 223 is good in any kind of rifle, I have 22-250 and 243 also, I use the 243 alot, in my mind the 243 will do anything the 22-250 will but not vicea-versa.
Carl