Plinking and multi-task hunting

[antonyss]

Hello guys,

After owing a 30-06, I decide to get a smaller caliber rifle. The purpose will be:
1. 200 ~ 300 yards plinking (around 50 rnds per month)
2. Coyota hunting (maybe only 1 to 2 times per year?)

I am stuck in between .223 rem and .243 win.
I don't reload recent couple of years, but will go for it in the future.

.223 rem:
PROS:
1. cheap ammos. can find for less than 40 cents per rnd. around $300ish saving per year comparing .243. Even reload, the powder and bullet still cheaper.
2. Ammo flies still pretty flat, not too bad compare to .243
3. Still can reload to 70 gr if needed.

CONS:
1. Cannot use for small deer hunting. Even I have a 30-06 and SKS, I really would not want to carry two rifles.
2. Less choice on bullet weight

.243 win:
PROS:
1. Can go for small deer hunting. May carry for coyota hunting, and chances are, if see a small deer I can still take it down without carrying two rifles but two different weight bullets.
2. More choices on bullet weight (50ish to 100ish)
3. With reloading in the future, the price issue can be reduce.

CONS:
1. Expensive, around $1 per round, even with reloading. In a long run it may cost more.
2. Since I already got a SKS and 30-06, chances are I may just carry one of this for hunting.

Guys please don't be lazy and give me your thoughts and suggestions! Thanks a lot!

[winger7mm]

Well seeing as you have a 30-06 and the 7.62X39, the only way to go is a small caliber. such as a 22 of some sorts, if you are going to reload go with the 22-250. Plenty of power for small to medium targets (wolves) a huge option line for lead and all that stuff. But if you dont want to get into reloading they have whitebox ammo at walmart for like 30 bucks for 40rnds. IMO that would be the way to go. Ps I LOVE my 22-250

[Jordan Smith]

I'd go .223. You can carry your .30-06 for hunting deer, and I'm pretty sure it'll kill the odd coyote that you might see while deer hunting.

[thirty-30]

.17 hmr

[antonyss]

Originally Posted by thirty-30

.17 hmr

Maybe not powerful enough?

[elkhunter11]

.17 hmr

I for one, would not be attempting 300 yard shots on coyotes with a 17HMR.

[MadMarty911]

Originally Posted by elkhunter11

I for one, would not be attempting 300 yard shots on coyotes with a 17HMR.

Nor should you! Ethical kills only! But the .17hmr works great on coyotes out to 150 yards - 1 shot kills.

If you are dead set on a .223 vs .243, I personally would get a .243. I find it more versatile. But if you dont care to use the .223 for deer hunting - as you have a 30-06, might I suggest a 22-250?? Just a tiny bit more for ammo than a .223 and it shoots faster (flatter) and packs a big punch! Just my .02

Where are you at? I have access to a .243, a .17hmr and a .22-250. You can come by and try before you buy! Spend your money on what you want!

[Richard B.]

I have a .308 and a .243 that fills my needs.I don't want to talk you out of another gun but you could easily reload your.30-06 for plinking and coyotes for a lot less money than a new gun

[MadMarty911]

Originally Posted by Richard B.

you could easily reload your.30-06 for plinking and coyotes for a lot less money than a new gun

Good advice. I use 125g bullets for coyotes - work darn well! Unless you want to save the pelt - in which case load near the minimum.

On the other hand, a new gun is always more fun!

[densa44]

For just shooting targets you can't beat the 223, cheap deadly accurate and no recoil.

Before I had more than one gun, I shot .22 accelerators out of the 06, worked pretty good too.

If I just had one gun I'd go with the 243, more expensive to shoot, packs a wallop and kills just about anything.

Coyotes love my 223 with 36 gr. Varmint grenades.

[257Shooter]

I think one question you need to ask yourself is "am i out coyote hunting or deer hunting?"
If you are out doing both, then the 243 fits the bill for the reasons you already stated. On the other side, if you are out for one or the other, your 06 would be your deer rifle and whichever rifle you choose (223 or 243) will be your go to coyote rifle.
For the plinking side my thought is the 223 will fit the bill perfectly. Cheap ammo, flat shooting and, when you start to reload, a lot of fun trying to find the blend of components that works best.

[antonyss]

Thanks guys!

Sorry I was out of access to internet for couple of days… thanks for everybody's reply.

I heard that the .223 surplus ammo don't give you a good group, if that's the case, no point for me to buy cheap ammo for target shooting.

Any ideas?

[HunterDave]

The first thing that you have to decide is if you want the rifle for plinking or target shooting? For plinking I think that cheap .223 ammo would be great. I don't know how it groups for target shooting though.

[antonyss]

Originally Posted by HunterDave

The first thing that you have to decide is if you want the rifle for plinking or target shooting? For plinking I think that cheap .223 ammo would be great. I don't know how it groups for target shooting though.

Maybe more on target shooting side… We cannot put miscellaneous in the range eh?

[catnthehat]

Originally Posted by antonyss

Thanks guys!

Sorry I was out of access to internet for couple of days… thanks for everybody's reply.

I heard that the .223 surplus ammo don't give you a good group, if that's the case, no point for me to buy cheap ammo for target shooting.

Any ideas?

"good groups" can be very subjective.
I have seen surplus ammo shoot 1" groups at 100 yards with a semi auto, and the same ammo print 5 shot groups under 1" with a bolt action.
That won't win a short range BR match, but IMO it's just great for plinking and messing around at the range .
Cat