New to predator shooting!

[foxman]

For a while now i've wanted to do some predator shooting.Mainly for when the line aint producing much. I figure it'll give me a chance to get out and have a good time. I've been searching around and decided i wanted a .223 . What are your go to 223s for a decent price? as well as rounds ? Im kind of on a spending limit. thanx in advance-matt

[trappincoyotes39]

I would consider another caliber than the .223 in your area for mainly coyotes. In time your going to want something else.

[lb]

I was going to say that. A 22-250 would be a better choice. But, maybe he has in mind a self loader? (code for AR)

[foxman]

Im totally new to all of this. And would definitely be open to other gun options.What is it about the 22-250 that u prefer over the 223?

[akona20]

There are a number of questions to consider first.
1. Are you a good shooter without further trainer?
2. Do you only shoot when you know you have a kill?

When you can honestly answer both of those questions then we can move on to calibre and rifle type.

Personaly I like a 22-250 and have for a long time but I am a trained shooter and I shoot only when I believe I have a kill in the sights.

So where do you fit?

[foxman]

I've been an avid shooter for a long time. I may be young. But i can shoot. And was taught only to shoot when you know you have that kill. I dont see the point and getting all coyote feverish and blowing rounds over there back and pissing off farmers.

[lb]

Maybe we should ask what lead this man to conclude that a 223 was the right choice? It's actually marginal, for coyotes, in all possible applications.

We can say, without fear of contradiction, that a 22 rimfire is not enough and a 300 mag. is probably more than is needed.

So, with that in mind, what is the process in which we arrive at just the right formula? Do we error on the side of "inadequate" or "overkill"? As Goldilocks said; Yum, this porridge is just right! Or, am I mixing fairy tales? A 223 might be a good choice if economy were a consideration or lesser animals than coyotes was the target. All around, it's hard to find fault with a 22-250, and don't forget, you can load it down to 223 levels of performance.

[akona20]

Well foxman I guess we are in a debate that many people will have differing answers for but given your reply above the 22-250 ahould go the trick and in small magazine bolt action. Which one and which scope is open to debate but it appears you can shoot so that is your choice.

[17HMR]

I hunt the same type of ground that you would be hunting and really like my savage model 110 .243 , it will also double as a good deer rifle in our area, as well as being less $ than most.

[trappincoyotes39]

Matt I would look for something bigger than the .223. I know amoo is some cheaper but in time you will see there are better coyote calibers than the .223. The gun should cost you the same no matter caliber, ammo more exsepnsive but the results will be worth the added investment for sure.

[lb]

I agree with that. My dirty little secret is that I have been using a 223Ackley for the past three years as an Arizona daylight gun; close cover conditions. With the 55 Vmax, it settles hash.

And that's the problem. As soon as you allow and bless the use of the 223Remington, somebody decides to use 50 grain squirrel bullets on coyotes.

[trappnman]

As soon as you allow and bless the use of the 223Remington, somebody decides to use 50 grain squirrel bullets on coyotes. [/]

so true in so many things

[springer78]

I'm amazed that so many people find the 223 inadequate for coyotes. I have used it on hogs, deer, and varmits and it never fails. With the proper bullet it will do anything that I want and more. I would agree with 17HMR that the Savage 110 is excellent. anyone with a set of allen wrenches can get the accutrigger dialed in and they are a joy to shoot.

[JWarren]

I always carry a .223 handi rifle (200$), dropped a big badger yesterday with full metal jacket at 150 yards, thing never twitched and I couldn't find the entrance or exit holes, day before that busted a coyote at 200 with a sierra soft point, he never twitched either, if I could hit anything past 2-300 yards (and wanted to sew more) I would probably get a 22-250

[jadams]

Don't forget the CZ 527 in .17 Rem. Nice little fur rifle.

[stickbowhntr]

I have one of the CZ 527's in .17 rem and another in .223 both great guns and would like ot get shooting the .17 rem a little more.

[jadams]

That 527 worked well on a bedded coyote today. Ended up with a nice adult female with one shot at +300 yds. Made my day. I will put her up this weekend and see where the BB sized hole is. Not a trace of damage or blood. Thru the scope her mouth opened wide open and thats the only movement made.

[springer78]

What does that 527 run for price? might have to look at it.

[Shane006]

In my opinion shot placement no mater what caliber is used is most improtant. So then it makes the question of capability of the shooter and adequecy of the caliber the limiting factor in the hunting situation. Can foxman place the bullet in the kill zone at 300+ yards better with a 223 or a 22-250? or any other caliber? Will the area being hunted even warrent 300+ yard shots? Its all relative to his situation.