Well, Guess I Joined This "Little" Group Now...

[Patriot_1776]

Just got through ordering a Winchester Mod. 70 Coyote in 223 WSSM.  Great looking rifle for a great looking/performing cartridge.  Anyone got some tips I should observe when I start putting the first rounds through it?  The breaking in of the barrel is not a prob, just want to know what else there is to with a little high performance cartridge like this.  Making sure to let the barrel cool when it gets warm will always be in the front of my mind as well, so that spectrum is also covered.    I figured the perfect scope for it would be the Leupold Vari-X II 6-18x40mm AOT (Adjustable Objective Target) FD reticle.  Sight it in 1.5" high at 100yds, and should I be able hold on 'em out to 350.  I'm hoping to get into varmint hunting soon, as I have the appropriate tools to do it with.  Any pet loads I should try that have proved very accurate for some out there?  Much appreciated.   Patriot

I forgot to mention, would the 1:10" twist rate be fast enough to properly stabilize the heavier bullets in 22 Caliber?

[Lawdog]

Patriot,

I have a Winchester Coyote M70 in .223 WSSM.  Excellent rifle/cartridge combination.  I mounted a Burris Black Diamond 8X-32X 50mm(excellet scope) on mine.  It comes with a 3” sunshade that really helps on those sunny days(I would get one for that Leupold if I were you).  If I could be of any help with loads drop me a PM with your e-mail address and I would b glad to share.  Lawdog
 

[Patriot_1776]

Thanks Lawdog for offering your help with loads, I'll consider that when I need a few pointers.  After I break it in, and shoot all the factory ammo (40 rds of 55gr Super-X PSP on the way) I would likely load either Barnes' 53gr. TSX, or Barnes' 45gr. X-bullet. When I reload, my first powder I would start off with would likely be Hodgdon's BL-C(2).  Seems to offer really good ballistics and performance with the many different bullets.  I'm hoping to keep velocities around 3850-4000fps.  As for now, target shooting is all I'm able to do, so I want to find a reasonably fast, yet very accurate load.    

I've never really pondered on this much, but what exactly does a sunshade help with?  I would like to get a a couple for my scopes, but never really knew the benefit. Patriot

P.S.  Lawdog, could you also tell me the Coyote's barrel muzzle dia.?  Thanks