As a rancher, I prefer a Ruger Ranch rIfle carbine in 308 NATO. Perfect for any surprise shot on a coyote.
Dedicated varminters pack a ton of gear and lie in wait for the varmint. Heavy barrelled guns with a small HPBT
bullet from a 22-250 Varminter at mach 4 is good for flat shooting, but that is overkill.
I have three 22-250s, and all have the 1:12 twist that limits them to small bullets. Any 22-250 likely will do
the job, equip it with a 6-24 x 40 Bushnell Banner mounted very low. An H&R handi-rifle with a 24" heavy barrel
sells for $200 and does very well for me, when I don't want to bring out my nicer rifles.
If you reload, a .224 sabot in a 30/06 is a good, all purpose solution, provided that your
scope is friendly to deer hunting and varminting. I see my share of rich city fellers
who own the best and shoot the worst , so I recommend the thrifty approach until
your skill exceeds your gear. Oh, and take your old pickup to visit the rancher, and get
acquainted before the hunt. We had to limit hunting due to the drought and the probability
of lighting a grass fire from your hot engine.
300-500 yard shots are normal, so take a blanket or wear Carhart bibs and boots to battle sand burs.
Keep a snakeshooter on your hip, since snakes live in p-dog towns.