Huge Coyote Rifle Dilema

Whitetail77 · #1 11-22-2013, 09:16 AM

So here it is in a nutshell........

I've posted on here before asking about the 204 and was convinced that I "needed" one!! I have an XCR in 223 that I plan on using for coyotes. This is my first tactical style rifle, but I was also thinking that I could use a hunting style rifle for a coyote rig backup or something I could switch back and forth between if I wanted to.

The question isn't weather to buy another rifle, but should I be looking for a 204, or go with another 223 and not have to worry about another caliber....???

Most of my shots would be limited to 200-300 yards at most, but there might be the odd one that streaches out to 400. Not sure if I need another caliber, but it kind of makes sense.

Help!!!!

SkytopBrewster · #2 11-22-2013, 09:24 AM

Buy as many guns as you can afford.

Prdtrgttr · #3 11-22-2013, 09:24 AM

Keep the 223...and yes, I've owned a 204.

bezner · #4 11-22-2013, 09:31 AM

What about using a .17 , they are flat shooting and cheap to buy....as in every rifle shot placement is always the key

58thecat · #5 11-22-2013, 09:44 AM

Go in the woods with what you got, relax, do some calling, kill a yote, come home and have a beer. There now that was not too difficult and problem solved!

stob · #6 11-22-2013, 10:18 AM

shot a ton with a .222 a 40 gr at 3400 - 3500fps

have a 22-250 had a 204... the 22-250 is a 40 gr at 4300fps

i prefer the 222 40 gr for everything

RBI · #7 11-22-2013, 10:43 AM

My thoughts are this ...unless you are hunting yokes for just their coats, and you already have a 223 , a 204 , I think , is just about the same thing, If you have always wanted a 204 , and your mind is set on it then it doesn't much matter what any body else tells you. ( 204 is a nice round ) But to me if you were to go to the likes of 243 or better yet 7mm-08, you would have just as good or better ( more stopping power ) , than the 204 , plus you end up with a rifle that can also be used for Big Game.

gerby · #8 11-22-2013, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 58thecat

go in the woods with what you got, relax, do some calling, kill a yote, come home and have a beer. There now that was not too difficult and problem solved!:sha_shakeshout:

amen

rembo · #9 11-22-2013, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 58thecat

Go in the woods with what you got, relax, do some calling, kill a yote, come home and have a beer. There now that was not too difficult and problem solved!

I'm with this guy.......some guys miss the true fun in all of this by spending too much time and energy agonizing over this or that chambering or rifle...just get out and point something at a 'yote....you'll feel better,..and the 'yote won't.

gtr · #10 11-22-2013, 01:49 PM

The 204 is great to shoot.The yotes wont know the difference.

Okotokian · #11 11-22-2013, 02:11 PM

A BACK-UP to your main coyote rifle? My, you do have money to burn (lucky guy!). LOL I've never had a rifle not work such that I needed a back-up, but if I did I'd probably just use my big game rifle until I got the first one fixed. Coyotes will still be dead. Maybe even "deader".

gunluvr · #12 11-22-2013, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SkytopBrewster

Buy as many guns as you can afford.

And then put another on the card.

wally338 · #13 11-22-2013, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Whitetail77

So here it is in a nutshell........

I've posted on here before asking about the 204 and was convinced that I "needed" one!! I have an XCR in 223 that I plan on using for coyotes. This is my first tactical style rifle, but I was also thinking that I could use a hunting style rifle for a coyote rig backup or something I could switch back and forth between if I wanted to.

The question isn't weather to buy another rifle, but should I be looking for a 204, or go with another 223 and not have to worry about another caliber....???

Most of my shots would be limited to 200-300 yards at most, but there might be the odd one that streaches out to 400. Not sure if I need another caliber, but it kind of makes sense.

Help!!!!

You might want to think about buying a really nice scope for the XCR instead of buying another gun. If I where scoping a XCR I would be looking at something like a Nightforce 2.5-10x32.

Whitetail77 · #14 11-22-2013, 05:10 PM

Hi Guys,

I'm not buying a back up to a back up, but just addicted to guns...LOL.
I put a Leupold VX3 4.5x12 on the XCR.
I know everything will still be dead regardless of what I shoot it with, but wonder if I would use a 204 more with gophers and coyotes.

Everyone talks about the quite low recoil 204 thats a blast to shoot. Don't get me wrong. I love the 223 as well.

gunluvr · #15 11-22-2013, 05:58 PM

Unless you handload, 223 ammo is way less expensive. Even then it's so cheap it's not worth handloading. I use Win. Super X 45gr.HP @ $34/40 rnds. for gophers & fun.

Vingiu · #16 11-22-2013, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bezner

What about using a .17 , they are flat shooting and cheap to buy....as in every rifle shot placement is always the key

you better be trollin'…

In response to the OP… .223 is a pretty good cartridge. Why not get another gun in the same caliber? A .203 won't be that different in terms of shooting yotes, but WILL force you to buy more unnecessary boxes of ammunition.

Gramps had one rifle that served him well, I like how the old guys did it. One rifle, maybe a couple, but only one or two calibers

DaleJ · #17 11-22-2013, 09:32 PM

IMHO any caliber less than 224 is a waste. I've had 20's and 17's but they were given away or re-barreled to something better. A fast twist 223 is a real long range contender.

Fishonthefly · #18 11-22-2013, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 58thecat

Go in the woods with what you got, relax, do some calling, kill a yote, come home and have a beer. There now that was not too difficult and problem solved!

x2 well said

tikka250 · #19 11-22-2013, 09:46 PM

[QUOTE=Whitetail77;2207244]Hi Guys,

I'm not buying a back up to a back up, but just addicted to guns...LOL.

sounds like my dilemma. i have a perfectly fine 22-250 yet i am more than convinced that i need a heavy barreled 223 because apparently im too impatient when it comes to target and gopher shooting. haha
i think it all comes down to what you can afford if you can handle the price of buying ammo for the 204 then go with that but if you shoot a lot and dont want to spend the extra cash stick with another 223.

South west trappin RG · #20 11-22-2013, 09:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stob

shot a ton with a .222 a 40 gr at 3400 - 3500fps

have a 22-250 had a 204... the 22-250 is a 40 gr at 4300fps

i prefer the 222 40 gr for everything

One hole in and usually no hole out. I love the triple douce.

308Icon · #21 11-22-2013, 10:06 PM

just the thread i was looking for,i am looking to purchase a yote rifle in the new year but can not decide on which one.im looking at a 22/250 or a 223 in a savage weather warrior.....any feed back would be awesome and what grain of bullet to use,thanks.

ftw · #22 11-22-2013, 10:13 PM

I use a 223 and my gun loves hornady super performance varmint. its a 53 grain bullet @3400 fps. hold over at 400 yards is about 16 inches sited for 200 yards. drops them on the spot.

Flight01 · #23 11-22-2013, 11:23 PM

I like the 223 and it is cheap to shoot. If I were you I'd just keep scouring the Internet looking for a gorgeous rifle that calls your name. If it comes in 223 then buy it!! Guns are so dang beautiful you will find one

TRAPPER92 · #24 11-22-2013, 11:27 PM

I got a 204 and if you're lookin to save the hide its the best way to go! I've shot a few yotes with this calibre and the biggest exit hole was the size of a loony (after being skinned and fleshed)!

To me, a 22-250 is out because they can potentially ruin the pelt. Don't have too much experience with the 223's....

TRAPPER92 · #25 11-22-2013, 11:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ftw

I use a 223 and my gun loves hornady super performance varmint. its a 53 grain bullet @3400 fps. hold over at 400 yards is about 16 inches sited for 200 yards. drops them on the spot.

I use a 32 grain .204 cal - 4200 fps and at 400 yards you can aim a few inches above the back and they drop in their tracks.....

308Icon · #26 11-23-2013, 01:26 PM

thanks for the info gentlemen....really like the savage weather warrior 16/116 fcss.

Whitetail77 · #27 11-25-2013, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flight01

I like the 223 and it is cheap to shoot. If I were you I'd just keep scouring the Internet looking for a gorgeous rifle that calls your name. If it comes in 223 then buy it!! Guns are so dang beautiful you will find one

LOL....This is the exact root of my problem. I saw one I've been eyeing for a long time and regreted not buying it the first time. Then it was sold and I couldn't find one for over a year and a half. Saw one "in stock" last week anb here I am know debating buying another 223 unless something convinces me to look for a 204. The gun I'm eyeing doesn't come in 204.

manitoban · #28 11-25-2013, 10:06 PM

regardless of caliber id look for a fast handling rifle thats great to shoot offhand. I love my heavy barrel long range guns but more often than not when I am calling with my long range rig they show up damn near on top of me and I hand cap myself with a 13lb rig and long barrel with high magnification scope.

my back up ,close range rig will be a 700sps in 223 to go with my custom 243AI

good luck and enjoy the countless hours of trying to make a decision

Whitetail77 · #29 11-26-2013, 07:36 AM

Well it's official......I'm an idiot....I mean wreckless....I mean a gun nut. Bought the 223 I've been eyeing. Just hope both my 223's like the same ammo now(probably very unlikely). Thanks for your input everyone.

Tactical Lever · #30 11-26-2013, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Whitetail77

Well it's official......I'm an idiot....I mean wreckless....I mean a gun nut. Bought the 223 I've been eyeing. Just hope both my 223's like the same ammo now(probably very unlikely). Thanks for your input everyone.

Well at least you can still pool your components and use the same dies, if you are reloading. Nice to be able to shoot to the same aiming point as well. May need a special cleaning rod for under .22 cal? I know it's needed for .17, anyway.