cannot decide on a caliber

[sdailey5]

I have settled on the Savage 12FVSS, but don't know whether or not to go with .308 or .223.  I like the ease of shooting the .223(both on the wallet and the shoulder) but I also feel the need to "go big or go home".  Mainly to be used for coyotes, prairie dogs and other vermin. I was a little worried about .223 being susceptible to wind, but also concerned about barrel life with the .308
I'd like to hear from anyone with an opinion on this matter. Thanks.

[PA-Joe]

243 or 708! 22-250 would also be good. You better start reloading!

[Slamfire]

It took me over 30 years of Deer, Antelope, and Jack Rabbit shootin' to take the gilt edge off my .243, even then it still shot the 100 grain bullets plenty good enough, just didn't like the 80s anymore. Then you just rebore to the next larger size and keep on shootin' 

[JHT]

Sdalley5, while I believe you ultimately will have to decide upon which caliber is best suited for you, and not doubt either caliber is well suited for your purposes, I  do not believe that concern with barrel life should be a concern with either caliber.

Best shooting.

Jay

[mountainview]

What distances are you going to be shooting at? After about 225-250 yds, the 223 starts to drop substantially but it is a dream when shooting a large number of rounds and relatively cheap factory ammo can be obtained for plinking. My .223 cal 12FV really shines with my handloads and given its performance, I am thinking about getting another 12FV in .308 to complement it and for doing some longer range shooting.

[Ron T.]

6mm Remington or maybe a .25/06.........   

[sdailey5]

Thanks for the feedback.

[bigjeepman]

I reload both calibers and both are a joy. You didn't say whether you reload or not but there are many factory choices for both. I have three .223 rifles and my brother has the .308 that I reload for. They can both be extremely accurate ... as if everyone doesn't know that. I prefer the .223 because after shooting quite a bit at the range, I feel nothing in my shoulder and he does. It is just my personal preference for range shooting. We also hunt coyotes but the better down-range benefits of the .308 are not much of a factor as our shots are seldom over 150 yards.

Good luck and good shooting ...