SAKO 85; Coyote Gun, Which caliber?

[shekaree]

I am dead set on Sako 85 but not sure which caliber to pick? I have 30-06 and 300 win mag and now I am thinking to get into coyote hunting so just need to know from experienced coyotes shooters which caliber is best for long range shots on yotes in Alberta?

22-250,
223 or
243

I don't reload at all and I do a lot of shooting!


Thanks

Hard to go wrong with a .22-250.

[JohninAB]

Based on the fact you do not reload and do a lot of shooting the 223 maybe a good choice as you can buy surplus ammo for it cheap. If you were reloading then my nod would go to the 22-250.

[Scott N]

I'd have to agree with Sheep and John that the 22-250 is probably the most versatile calibre of the ones you mention. The 243 might be a better choice for long range, but if you are planning on keeping the pelts, it will do more damage than the other two on the majority of shots. The 223 would be a good choice if you plan on calling them in close, and will probably be a little more "fur friendly" on most shots. Of course your choice of bullets will make a difference no matter what calibre you choose. The 204 Ruger might be another one you want to add to your list of considerations. Over all though, I think the 22-250 is a pretty good all round coyote round.

[AB2506]

I've tried the 6mm (similar to the 243), 223, and 25-06. I now have a 22-250 and think that it is the best all around coyote round. It slams the coyote down in a hurry (much better than the 223) and does not harm the fur like the 25-06 or 6mm. Until you try it, you will not believe how ideal it is for coyotes.

The only other caliber, I wouldn't mind trying, is the 204 Ruger, but the 22-250 is working so good for me, I probably never will.

If I lived and called regularily where there are lots of bears and cougar, I might consider a 243, just in case a large predator decided to make me lunch.

I really like the 22-250 with 55 gr VMax bullets. Try it, you'll like it!