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Offline kmeyer

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Caliber decision
« on: February 05, 2009, 12:53:49 PM »
   I am about to purchase a "encore pro hunter" and trying to decide between 223,22-250 and 204. It will be used for target and coyote/bobcat hunting. I was leaning 223 for factory ammo availability, but recently got into pistol reloading as well. So now I'm reconsidering the caliber since I will reload for it.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!
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Offline 1 farmer

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Re: Caliber decision
« Reply #1 on: February 05, 2009, 01:03:58 PM »
Its a tough call. I bought a new encore last year in 22-250. I already had the stuff to reload for that caliber. If I had to start from scratch I probably would go with 223. Its cheaper to reload and if you buy factory ammo its cheaper and there are more options of bullets loaded from different companys. My dad has a 204 and its a nice caliber just not alot of bullet options as the other two.
I have been thinking of picking up a 223 barrel for mine but am also thinking of a 243 since I already have the 22-250.
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Offline Slowpoke Slim

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Re: Caliber decision
« Reply #2 on: February 05, 2009, 04:04:41 PM »
I was ready to say 223, until you said "bobcat". Hmmm, dunno now. Are you after pelts for resale, or just after a cat for your own trophy room? Gotta watch for those exit holes if you're cashing in pelts. Maybe the 223 but 40 gr bullets instead? Or a 221 fireball? I still get exits with my 223 and 50 gr vmax about half the time on 'yotes, unless distance is over 100-150 yards. I'd be afraid of blowing a hole out of a nice cat pelt if one came in close before I got him.

I don't have a 204, but my target shooting buddy does. He's never varminted with it (pity), so sorry I can't comment on that one. I would think a 22-250 would be too much of a good thing on cats. Maybe real good on 'yotes if your ground is wide open and shots are long. Where I've been calling the shots have been pretty close, usually less than 100 yds, and that would make a mess of things...

I'm not so concerned with it in the summer months because the pelts out here are all junk by then. 120 degree heat equals junk fur.

I just picked up a 17 Rem bbl for my Contender from Ladobe (thanks Larry!), I'm hoping that becomes my "go to" bbl for pelts. Still rounding up components and dies for it though.
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Offline Grumulkin

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Re: Caliber decision
« Reply #3 on: February 06, 2009, 02:56:21 AM »
Any of the 3 would do fine.  For ammunition availability and economy, get the 223.  If you wish to minimize pelt damage, go for heavier bullets or FMJs/solids.
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Offline kmeyer

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Re: Caliber decision
« Reply #4 on: February 06, 2009, 11:56:57 AM »
Even though I plan to reload, after sleeping on it, I think I am going to go 223. Thanks guys.
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