.22 cal bullets outta a swift

[stickbowhntr]

What would you use for coyotes? I have been toying with 50 bal tips in a .223 and 55's in a 22-250 and to be honest like the 50's at 223 vel better for my use. The 22-250 way too much and lots pcs with chest shots and heads just gone if I hit that. Not at this time worried on saving a lot of fur but don't want 6" holes either.

[lb]

I have killed my share of coyotes and have an opinion about proper bullets. To be honest, there are times when I have seen dead coyotes killed with 22-250 and 243W and you can hardly tell the difference. So, the actual bullet is something to consider, light, heavy, hollow point, ballistic tips and everything else.

In .224" I have come to believe that serious coyote bullets have to be 55 grain and above. With a couple exceptions, like 52 and 53 match bullets. But forget about 50 grain bullets, they are made primarily for prairie dogs and squirrels, and that goes for 40 and 45 grain bullets, as well.

I think I would start with the 55 Nosler Ballistic Tip and see if you get acceptable accuracy. If you don't want excessive damage, stay away from the VMax, but otherwise, it is a very accurate bullet and kills very well.

I use 64 and 65 grain bullets, match quality and they perform well, which is to say, they kill reliably and they are accurate and they don't cause excessive damage on an animal the size of a coyote. The only problem is that the velocity doesn't look as impressive, especially compared to 50 grain bullets. For long range work, they catch up and hit much harder, so velocity is just a number.

That's my message. Pick a heavy bullet and you will be much happier, in the long run. LB

[stickbowhntr]

Can I get the 64 and 65 griain to stabilize at swift velocities and 14 twist? The Smith I had rebarrel mine did 14 twist and I was very unhappy - would never use nor recommend him for multiude of reasons but hindsite 20/20. I wanted 12 twist but....I was so pissed that its been 7 years since rebuild and I have yet to shoot it ...just stubborn I guess.NOW ITS TIME.

[lb]

I think the guy should have consulted you, but in the long run, your barrel will outlast a 12 twist, all things being equal. My 22-250Ackley has a 1 in 14" twist and handles 65s, very well. Okay, the trend is to fast twists and long bullets, but at the very least, you can stabilize anything but the most radical 55 grain bullet with your twist and I think you might be surprised at how well your barrel handles 64 grain bullets. Never know unless you try. You have already waited too long. LB

[stickbowhntr]

I sent him a list ....wanted throated for 65 bergers, a barrel stub cut off of the throat so I could moniter throat wash, and MATATE finish ,12 twist ...it came back none of that and I will never do business with them aqgain even though his DAD one great Benchrester and an old friend.when the kid took over business the quailty went away.Worst , the absolute worst part they used a rental reamer and could not redo anything .

[lb]

Well, get started. I'm curious how this will turn out, and I'm optimistic. It might not be what you wanted and ordered, but it should do what you need doing, hopefully without excessive headspace? LB

[stickbowhntr]

I already know the bullet to land jump is in excess of .025 to begin and thats with the bergers out as far as the magazine allows so almost want to have barrel set back and rechanbered but will see what it shoots first ---this time maybe to Hollands or Pac Nor if they can correct it

[lb]

Think of it like Weatherby "freebore" and awesome velocity.

I'm beginning to see what you mean. Maybe send it to someone competent?

Good luck, LB