Coyote rig

[Cowtown guy]

I am thinking of putting together a rig for Coyotes for this winter. I am interested in selling the fur so I don't want huge holes blown in them. Is a 204 a consideration? How does the bullet fair in the wind? I will be doing a lot of southern Alberta calling and shooting and it gets pretty breezy.
My second choice was the .223. Does a guy have to worry about blowouts? I realize that every once in a while some sewing will have to be done. I just don't want it to be the norm.
Any other suggestions?

[gube]

I shoot lots of yotes. My preference now is with the 204. Bullet selection is the key. My favorite is the 35 gr berger. Tiny 20 cal hole, insides are like jello and usually no exit. The 40 gr bergers and the 45 gr hornady sp are also good selections. I do have a large supply of 38 gr "wildcats" that I plan to use for next season but still need to do some load development with them. Seeing the impacts through the scope is also a nice bonus. When calling, most shots are under 200 yds. I have whacked a few at just over 400 yds with no issues. The plastic tip bullets will also work but I have had a few "splashes" when I've hit the shoulder blade which makes for large holes. Not very often, but have had a few. It's basically a ballistic twin to the 22-250 using a 1/3 less powder.
Here is a photo of some of the available bullets that I use.
http://www.204ruger.com/forum/viewto...&sd=a&start=15
Lot's of specific 204 info on that site.

One other thing to make note of is do you plan on re-loading? If you do the 204 would be my first choice. If you don't then the 223 or the 22-250 would be a better choice. Factory 204 ammo is quite expensive (over a buck a pop).

[Cowtown guy]

Thanks Gube. Good stuff to know. I would be loading my own for sure. Less powder was the main reason for thinking of the 223 over the 22-250. If the ballistics are the same roughly for the 204 as they are for the 22-250 then my mind is leaning heavily in the 204's favor. It would also be better for the pocket book when shooting gophers as well.
The Wildcat bullets with the rbbt look cool. I was looking at them at Richard's place last year before he sold. Techno looking for sure. Let me know how they fly if you could.

[matt 270WSM]

I have a 204 and I LOVE it!!!

[DAVE]

I have the 204,223,22-250 no complaints have lots of fun shooting them all.

[Prdtrgttr]

I too hunt coyotes a lot for their fur; although now that the market is terrible this may change.
If you are shooting stationary coyotes in typical calling situations your shots will probably average around 100 yds. They do for me, and I live in some pretty open country.
I shoot a 17 Remington and in terms of fur-friendly it's one of the best.
I also have a 204, and have shot coyotes with both the 40gr and 35 gr Bergers.
I've also seen alot of coyotes shot with the 223 and 22-250.
From what I've seen the 250 is by far the hardest on fur,
Additionally, I've noticed little difference between the 223 and 204 in terms of being fur-friendly.
Both calibers are excellent choices for the reloader who wants to harvest fur.
Good luck to you!

[Cowtown guy]

Thanks for the replies guys. All of the advice is much appreciated. Also thanks to the guys who PM'd me.

[roger]

depending on your terrain and conditions a 17hmr is a cool 100ish yard tool.
it is real nice around cows, buildings, livestock or in places were pass thru's or noise are not acceptable.
it kills with authourity, but does have limitations.

[EagleEye54]

I think the best choice is the one I have! Checkout the Remington Model 7 Predator in any of its calibers. Reasonable priced and a nice magnum contour camo 22" fluted barrel. Mount a 2-7x33mm VX-II Leupold on top (it is just the right size for this smaller gun) and you have a dynamite walking coyote gun setup. 8# all in. Mine is a 223 REM which I prefer for 'yotes but a 204 Ruger ain't shabby either. I'd stay clear of the 22-250 if you want to save pelts. By the way, mine shoots well too...under one inch with factory loaded 55 V-MAX. Have not worked up a load yet.

[Okotokian]

Is a .243 a bit too much gun for yotes (assuming you want the fur)? The reason I asked is that I've been toying with the idea of ditching my .270. Originally bought it as my "do anything" rifle, but I've come to realize that the likelihood of me hunting elk, moose, or black bear is pretty slim as I always hunt alone and handling 500 or more pounds of animal is a bit daunting. Coyotes, antelope (when I can get a tag), sheep and deer are much more likely regular game for me.

Keeping the .270 and getting a separate smaller caliber is not an option.... well, not an option with my wife anyway. LOL

[Cowtown guy]

I have a .243. That is the main reason for this thread. I have blown baseball sized holes thru them. I am interested in the hides so for me it isn't a good option in my experience so far.

[Pathfinder76]

Use a different bullet. The Speer 70gr TNT comes to mind.

[Cowtown guy]

I have tried the 55 grain Ballistic tips and the 62 grain Varmint Grenades. You haven't had a problem with the speer then?

[Pathfinder76]

That is correct. Know lots of guys that use them to save pelts.

[Cowtown guy]

Good to know.

I am still getting a new gun though.

[EagleEye54]

One can never have too many.