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Old 11-08-2016, 03:50 AM
Jordan Jordan is offline
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Default One rifle for coyotes and varmints: What would it be?

If you could own just one rifle for coyotes, chucks and varmints, what would it be? Caliber, configuration and bullets please.

Thanks guys!

Jordan
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  #2  
Old 11-08-2016, 03:53 AM
Mark D Mark D is online now
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17 Tactical and 30 gold bullet . most coyotes bang flop kills .
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Old 11-08-2016, 04:03 AM
georgeld georgeld is offline
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Believe I'd go with a .223 myself.
I like the long barrels 26" on my 223.
Much depends on how much you'll be shooting and
the brass availability. I was stuck with 100 cases for years
with a .222mag, and it was a PITA, just get started and run
out of ammo n have to run back to the house for more beer
and reload 'em. Many a day I fired 400 rounds that way.
That's exactly why I went with the .223 when it was rebarreled.

Tapered to .650" at the muzzle. 14:1 was my choice
because of the bullet wts I prefer.

Furs: 40gr V'max,
other stuff or not saving fur go with the 55gr.

Whole bunch of cartridge choices these days.
Much depends on the range of your shots and how
well you're in practice. You came to the right place
in asking for help spending money though. have fun.
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Last edited by georgeld; 11-08-2016 at 04:10 AM. Reason: touch up
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Old 11-08-2016, 05:43 AM
foxhunter foxhunter is offline
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One rifle , that's blasphemy. that like saying which of your children do you love most.
First choice, I would say a 20 tactical in a sako L461 or a1 with a 22" .65 at the muzzle and a lightweight synthetic stock. you carry the rifle more than you shoot so I stay away from rifles that need wheels to go afield.

second choice would be a Kimber Montana as barreled from the factory in a 20 tactical (substitute your own caliber choice).

keep in mind what the barrel is chambered in is secondary, most all chambering's will get the job done from 17 fireball on up to a 6x45.
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Old 11-08-2016, 07:38 AM
Foxhunter223 Foxhunter223 is offline
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Like Georgeld I tend to lean towards the 223 as well. I use a Sako L461 in 223 fitted with a 26" barrel but went with a 10 twist. For field shooting I use mostly 54gn projectiles we make ourselves and find that they drop fox on the spot.



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Old 11-08-2016, 11:14 AM
varmintshooter varmintshooter is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jordan View Post
If you could own just one rifle for coyotes, chucks and varmints, what would it be? Caliber, configuration and bullets please.

Thanks guys!

Jordan
I would go with a 223 8 twist. A year ago I would have said bolt action 24" barrel in a heavy sporter contour, that's when I bought a prairie panther by dpms. On the first nite out I called in a triple (coyote) and 3 shots later I had 3 down, I also got a single. I could never have done it with a bolt action. The more I shoot the AR the more I like it. With that said I believe the type of gun is personal preference.
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Old 11-08-2016, 11:43 AM
Stevo Stevo is offline
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I would say 20 Practical. And 32gr Bullets. Easy to make out of Georges .223 Brass and easy on the fur. 11 Twist so I could use the bigger bullets if I wanted.
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Old 11-08-2016, 01:21 PM
Qaz Qaz is offline
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No question about it, 223 period. I have never had a problem getting ammo, even in the middle of nowhere!!
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Old 11-08-2016, 01:30 PM
TAJ45 TAJ45 is offline
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Default You didn't say anything abt colony/volume shooting... Or

So, even though I have a 19-223, 20Prac, 20BR, 20VT reamer on the shelf, 223s, bone stock 22-250 Savage, then into the sixes, I would lean heavily toward the 22-250 , 22 BR or 6BR, twisted 9" for the option of heavier pills and more speed, retained velocity and anchoring power. The 6BR is even used for mid range F Class but best twisted at 8 for that.

Colony use is a different story. It's nice having choices, eh? Lotsa fun if you keep it that way.
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Old 11-08-2016, 02:14 PM
drover drover is offline
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223. Reasoning - There is literally tons of good brass available at reasonable prices (think LC military), a multitude of good bullets in practically any weight you desire. A great selection of firearms, single-shots, bolt actions, semi-autos, whatever your heart desires. If you don't want to handload then there is the availability of factory ammo at reasonable prices.

I have a few of the other calibers mentioned but the one that goes with me most is a bolt action 223 stoked with 40 gr Nosler ballistic tips driven at near 3700 fps and I am set for everything from ground squirrels to coyotes. If I had to own just one gun then it would be a 223 bolt action.

Edited to add - another reason for the 223 in a bolt action is that with a little careful shopping there are a great many rifles available for around $350 that will shoot MOA right off the shelf. Examples - Rem 700, Savage, Howa, Ruger and probably some others I haven't thought of.

drover

Last edited by drover; 11-08-2016 at 02:39 PM.
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