Need help on caliber choice

[lenny 308]

Hi, I'm sure that this has been asked a hundred times but I will ask again.  I am looking for a caliber to shoot coyotes with and can't decide between a .22-250 and a .243.  Are there any real advantages to the .243 over the .22-250.  I appreciate any help you can give me.  Thanks in advance.Lenny

[trotterlg]

They are both vast overkills for a Coyote.  You can kill an Elk with a .243, why would you want to shot a 25 pound doggie with one?  Larry

[lenny 308]

I don't think either caliber is overkill considering that a lot of shots I would be taking would be 250 + yards. 

[trotterlg]

Well then I guess you know.  Larry

[OLDHandgunner]

I prefer the 22-250. It is an awesome coyote gun. And most guns in the 22-250 will shoot very tight groups. The 243 has a little advantage on windy days with the little heavier bullet. But not all 243's are super accurate. This is only my personal opinion. I have nothing against the 243. It is one fine caliber. But I have owed a 22-250 since the mid 60's when it became a factory round. Have bought a couple since then from different manufactures and they all shoot extremely well. If your looking for a gun to hunt both varmints and deer, I'd go with the 243. But if it's a coyote gun you want go with the 22-250.

[~Ace~]

Both will do the job, and do it Well... the .22-250 will be Much more "Fur Friendly" with most rounds. If it's a dedicated Yote gun, and you save hides, it would be the better one.

The .243 Drops them like a ton of bricks But is not always Fur Friendly, it can double as a Light Deer gun...

Generally the .22-250 don't last as long, there hard on the throats, so if you shoot alot, that may be a concern.

Not a wrong answer here, Both are on the upper end of a Yote gun, and both are very proven.

[RangerRiz]

There is NO such thing as over kill. This is fact not opinions. There are particulars that will be involved in any situation that will set the parameters for the individual involved. I could give a hoot about fur. If i were to build a designated yote gun it would be a 25-06 with a varmint twist. I like real dead groundhogs and would like to see the same of a dirty chicken, lamb, or calf eating yote. So if you don't want fur go with the 243 if you think you might want to save some fur go with the 22-250 and choose your bullet wisely.

                                                                                                                                                                                     Ranger

[Prebanpaul]

well i guess i have been killing those deer with way to big of a gun if a 243 in a good elk gun.  Better get out my daughters chipmunk and use .22 shorts on my deer.  I want them just a little dead not really dead.

[Catfish]

Either will do the job and do it well. I have 2 guns that I got just for coyote. One is an AR flat top with a 3 x 9 Leupold that I carry when hunting with dogs. The other is a .22-6mm. I am pushing an 80 gn. Sierra MK at abt 3,500 fps., that`s for stand hunting and as set up good for 500 in a 10 to 15 mph wind if the coyote holds still. I do use a range finder and drop chart and in relative calm can do pretty well from 700 to 900 yrds. With the .22-250 or the .243, eather one, you should be able do get 500 to 650 yrds. if you take the time to to work up a drop chart.

[rex6666]

Cat fish
i have heard mention several times about hunting coyotes with a certain rifle when using dogs
please explain about the dogs.
I grew up running coyotes with greyhounds, but guns were strictly forbidden.

[Ahab]

So whats wrong with the .204 Ruger?

[Qaz]

 The caliber really depends on where you are hunting. If the shots are long and that means past 300 yards, then the 22-250 or the 243. In most calling range any centerfire 22 or a 204. But Larry is right, the 17 centerfires excel in this game. Personnally, I like to call them in close and pop them off with a 223 or 12ga. Where I live you get very few long shots and they are not standing there waiting to be shot and they are usually coming in fast on the 20-30yd shots. You really need to tailor the gun to where and how you hunt. If the 17FB comes out in a CZ 527, that would be just about perfect.

Qaz

[latigo_allen]

I guess my favorite answer to this question is,,,,buy both and have lots of fun. If that is not feasable then I would go with Ace's advice. I have a 204 and 22 250, like the heck outa both if the shots are starting to get longer then the 22 250 gets the nod. It sure is nice to take the 243 or 257 out too. Make your choice pick the gun that feels best to you  and get out there hunting.

[MSP Ret]

My favorite and my most used coyote guns are a .22 Mag and a .223....<><....