What's the best coyote gun?

berjerkin · #1 10-30-2008, 10:17 PM

forget my other thread about your favorite 22-250, what is your fav coyote gun? what caliber, what ammo, how much does a box of shells cost off the shelf for it? ANY CALIBER, ANY BRAND, LET ME KNOW!

Prdtrgttr · #2 10-31-2008, 12:04 AM

For the the type of coyote hunting I do, I love light sporter weight rifles. An example would be the Remington LVSF. I prefer lighter calibers, 223's, 204's, and one of my favorite the 17 Remington.
I reload, so I am really not that concerned about shelf price...
Did I mention that I love to call coyotes.

gatorr · #3 10-31-2008, 02:24 AM

.220 swift with handloaded 55 grain ballistic tips at 3900 ft/sec. Very accurate long range rifle.

#4 10-31-2008, 05:28 AM

My coyote gun is a .223 Rem Stevens 200 which I've bedded, SSS trigger, and airbrushed. I handload 55gr. Hornady VMax's. Just yesterday I took a bitch 'yote at 223 yards (how fitting). The VMax made a tiny entry hole and no exit hole. The pelt was a beautiful reddish colour and the Hutterite was all smiles when I gave it to him.

sickfast · #5 10-31-2008, 06:49 AM

Remington 700 VLS in 6MM with a bushnell 6500 elite 4.5x30x50...55 gr ballistic silver tips..(4000 fps) hand loads......I LOVE IT Coyotes hate it...

AB2506 · #6 10-31-2008, 08:43 AM

Kimber varmint in 22-250. Just bought a Remington Model 7 predator in 17 Fireball. The 22-250 is loaded with handloads using varget and 55 gr vmax at about 3700. So far have only tried factory with the Fireball. Last fewshots at the bench were dropping into one hole. Have not tried it on coyotes though.

I have used the 25-06 with 87 gr bullets and the 6mm with 70 gr. Too much damage to the pelts. Had some heavy barrelled 223s. Too heavy to pack and did not like the bullet performance. Went to the 22-250 before I tried the Vmax extensively. I think that would have made a difference.

Several friends have gone to 204s. They seem to work well.

If I was buying a coyote rifle, I would buy a 22-250, or 204 in a standard barrel. I call, so I don't need a heavy barrel. Portability is more important.

Bobby B. · #7 10-31-2008, 08:56 AM

My current coyote rig is chambered for the 6/284. It's a Sako 579 action, Hart 26" barrel, Harry Lawson stock, 6-18 Swarovski with the Ballistic Turret and a Canjar trigger. Last Wednesday, a buddy and I went out to the Genesee range and this rig shot 3 rounds into 1 1/2 at 350 yds. Velocity was a tad over 3800 fps with the 70 grain NBT. Recoil is mild. Should be a decent coyote rig. I shoot coyotes simply to kill them, not to collect the fur.

FWIW, I would prefer greater magnification than 18 power, 24 power is a noticeable advantage at the longer ranges. Nonetheless, the Swarovski Ballistic Turret is a truly clever innovation.

Bobby B.

6tmile · #8 10-31-2008, 09:34 AM

I have 2 204's one is a savage vlp,This is my long distance gun, the second is onr that i carry with me all the time it is a nef handi single shot, I use this one for shots under 200 yards, at 200 yds it will group around 1"moa, the svage is a tack driver out to 350 when I do my part, the savage is heavy for carry, but I have some stands where I can get set up with my bipod and reach out there and tip them over

Dick284 · #9 10-31-2008, 09:35 AM

It depends,

Do you call em, or do you run and gun em?

Calling, a 223/204 in a sporter configuration is really all one needs.

If you pretty much try to ambush them in the wide open spaces high magnification optics and flat shooting calibers in various configurations from long barrel, and heavy barreld rifles, down to sporter rifles may suffice.
For the long stuff calibers like 22-250, 220 swift, 243, 6mm, 25'06, even 270Win often crop up.

Everyone has their favorites, depending on how they hunt.

Scott N · #10 10-31-2008, 09:44 AM

I use two rifles for coyotes.... my favourite is my Sako Vixen varmint weight barrel 222. Usually I use 50 gr Hornady SX bullets @ just over 3000 fps. The scope is an older Burris Fullfield 4X12X40 with a fine crosshair.

My other one is my "econo" walking rifle, a Remington 700 SPS 22-250 with a sporter weight barrel and a Leupold VX1 4X12X40 scope. This rifle seems to prefer Nosler 50 gr BTs @ about 3750 fps.

Stinky Coyote · #11 10-31-2008, 10:05 AM

i'm with Dick on this one...

for calling rig you can't beat the .204 in a light sporter package with a 3-9x type scope....always start calling with 3x on the scope....so many 50 yrd surprises and not easy to get on them with 9x...

truck gun, .22-250 would be my pick for not getting too heavy into ballistics etc. etc. and then if really into it (like Bobby B)..... move into the 6mm stuff (.243's and up) and build a kick butt long range rig (not easy on fur though)

sbtennex · #12 10-31-2008, 10:11 AM

Don't target them enough to use a .20-.22 centerfire, carry a CZ .22WMR because it's a laser gun, incredible accuracy, and kills them just fine out to 150-175 yds. Use a .243 with 55 gr Varminators til we're looking for wolves, then I switch to 55 gr Ballistic Silvertips. Going to try the 68 gr Barnes solids this winter.

Bobby B. · #13 10-31-2008, 11:36 AM

I just remembered what the ultimate coyote rife is, Bradtothebone's 338 Lapua AI. That'll dust'em waaaaay out there.

Bobby B.

Okotokian · #14 10-31-2008, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dick284

even 270Win often crop up.

.

I plan to try yotes for the first time after deer, duck, etc. seasons are over, and I don't intend to buy a new gun for the task. The .270 will have to do... and I don't care about pelt damage anyway.

Okotokian · #15 10-31-2008, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sbtennex

carry a CZ .22WMR because it's a laser gun, incredible accuracy, and kills them just fine out to 150-175 yds. .

I have that exact gun too, but since I don't care about the pelts, figured I'd use the .270 and not worry about range, killing power, etc.

MODEL70 · #16 10-31-2008, 07:15 PM

if your looking for cheap ammo then i would go with the 223 cant be many guns out there with cheaper ammo.and its all round a great choice.personally for me it would be a toss up on the 22-250, 223,243,220 swift,257 roberts,25-06,222, i might even try some of the wssm.as you can tell ive really narrowed the list down.thank goodness i have a really close friend that has pretty much everyone of these guns.so i get a really good oppurtunity to see how each one performs. if it wasnt for money and my wife id probably have all these to.
and also dont cheap out on the gun.lots off people do when it comes to there coyote guns but ask yourself if this makes any sence.you shoot your big game rifle maybe a hand full of times a year and im sure you paid good money for that gun with some of the best optics.now take your coyote gun now and you will be shooting it probably between 50 and 150 (give or take) times a year and many times repeatedly wouldnt it make sence to spend some good money on that gun as well.also the optics should be good as well you will be shooting well over 300 yards.dont get me wrong lots of the inexpensive guns are just fine im just says its kind of weird how we tend to do that. my2cents.

is this thing on!

Trophy Hunter · #17 10-31-2008, 07:46 PM

The best coyote gun is the one that never misses...

But seriosly if you`re wanting to sell them a 223 is the best gun.... If you hand load or not a soft point or ballistic point will leave a small entrance and no exit hole out side 50 yards... Still acurate out to about 250 yards with a little practice...
If you don`t care about the hides a whole bunch then the 220 swift is a fun gun to shoot but damn does it rip a hole... Like the size of a dinner platter... I made smaller holes with the 7 Mag... A lot of fun if you skin them you self Ha Ha.. The only round I found didn`t rip a whole is a FMJ but you need some snow to track them 50 -100 yards...

I`d recommend a T3 Tikka with a sweet 223 scope made by BSA has tumblers and is like a tactical scope only cheaper $120-$150 dollars.. They are not dead on with the yardage on the tumbler but are surprisingly accurate for a cheap scope...

Jason Balesdent · #18 10-31-2008, 08:12 PM

Have a Remington 700 Classic in 6.5 X 55, 100gr sierra varminter bullets at 3200 fps. Drops em like they were hit by a train and surpisingly very little damage. Short range is done by a 12G. shotgun with 2 3/4" Mag. BB loads, just as effective,, more mess. Hanload for my rifle so shelf cost is a moot point (although $40.00 + per box if i buy em)

25-06rem.model700 · #19 10-31-2008, 08:13 PM

my favorite is my model 700 25-06 with a leopold vx1 4-12x40. 75 grain v-max don't even exit just drop them in their tracks. and crazy acurate. im gonna throw a synthetic stock on her when i can and it gonna be painted snow camo. i like it cuz i never know when a wolf or a cougar could be called in where i live so i prefer a little more knockdown power

stinkynuts · #20 10-31-2008, 08:55 PM

you know what the 257 whetherby is basicly a 7mm casing necked down its nice and flat just a bit pricy to shoot just my thougths

raised by wolves · #21 11-01-2008, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sickfast

Remington 700 VLS in 6MM with a bushnell 6500 elite 4.5x30x50...55 gr ballistic silver tips..(4000 fps) hand loads......I LOVE IT Coyotes hate it...

X2 on the rifle!

I love the 6MM Remington in either the heavy or sporter contour barrel. Used both models for fox, coyotes, and deer. I have even dropped moose and elk with this calibre.

My own preference is to stick with a Leupold on top.

roger · #22 11-01-2008, 09:37 PM

personally id rather have one gun that is of the highest quality (that you can afford) and is dual purpose...in this case lite enough to salvage pelts and heavy enough to hunt 'smaller' BG with.
one gun will get shot twice as much

u_cant_rope_the_wind · #23 11-07-2008, 10:23 PM

for my coyote gun i use a 257 Roberts use 75 grain lead at the same time i can load it up to 120 grain lead for Deer i have also shot moose and an elk wth it and a Black bear though most people will say its not recomended for the larger game i will agree to a point in the rt hands and the rt shot presents itself (neck or head ) a moose or elk drop just as though they was hit from a 300RUM i know this for a fact and have pics to proove it / its awsome for a youth and lady and coyotes

fear it

i had one in a modle 70feather weight i sold to my nephew the begger refuses to sell it back to me so i bought one in a Ruger m77 hawkeye both are tack drivers at 100 yards

shirtr · #24 11-08-2008, 01:23 AM

I just like to use which ever one I have along with me at the time and over the years and 100's of coyotes later, they can tell you they don't like any of them. .22LR, .22WM, 17HMR, 223, 22-250, 243, 25-06, 270, 280AI (just the other day), 308, 30-06, 300WM.
I am definitely with the others on using sporter weight rifles though. Easier to pack the yote(s) and the rifle back the truck after calling.

gube · #25 11-08-2008, 01:42 PM

My favorites are my two savage 204's using 35 and 40 gr bergers and hopefully (after some testing) some 38 gr wildcats. I reload so cost of ammo is not an issue. Currently shopping around for a lighter, sporter model as my 204 savages are 10 lb guns and not the greatest for a "carry" rifle. Sometimes I like to bring out my rem 270 win for those really windy days.

Cooeylover · #26 11-08-2008, 02:41 PM

I like my .223 in a BLR with a 3-9x40 bushnell trophy.
My wife likes her .243 savage bolt with the 3-9x40 bushnell trophy with the accu-trigger.

Canuck44 · #27 11-09-2008, 08:53 PM

I just bought a 22-250 in ruger #1 and will give it a try this year. Alos load 90 grain hollow points for my 270 win at around 3450 fps and they are quite good for accuracy but I imagine a bit messy on the pelt.

EagleEye54 · #28 11-10-2008, 11:53 AM

There are lots of right choices but my favorite is the 223 REM in a CZ 527 M1 American topped with a 3x9x40mm Leupold. Accurate, light weight and lower noise than say a 22-250.

Matt B · #29 12-08-2008, 03:57 PM

any of u guys know what would be the best ammo for coyotes for a tikka lite stainless 22-250?

Dick284 · #30 12-08-2008, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt B

any of u guys know what would be the best ammo for coyotes for a tikka lite stainless 22-250?

yup.....
Accurate ammo.

Make and model are irrelevent, test driving and evaluating different ammunition is how you find out.
Sorry but them's the breaks.

Oh ya, something 55gr. or lighter, possibly in a frangable bullet design.