New Coyote Gun!?

[alien319]

Hey guys it's been a while since I posted on here but I am thinking about getting a coyote gun.  They are starting to be a bigger problem where I live. I am thinking about getting a .22-250, however I think a .223 with a bull barrel will suffice just right.  My shots will not be as far as what I would need a .22-250 for.  I have been looking at AR's since I am in the Marine Corps, however those prices are not agreeing with me very well.      I am looking into a Handi for this task.  Much cheaper, plus I can get a better set of glass on it for the money.  I know you guys have great info and opinions about these rifles and I respect you guys very much.  If you need more info let me know!  Thanks guys!

[brennemanj83]

I would say the 223 would suit you just fine.Its more economical to shoot and would do well on coyotes out to 300yds.I had a handi 223 once and I absolutly loved it.Wish i would have never gotten rid of it.

[alien319]

yeah thats what i'm thinking just would like some of yall's opinions to reinforce mine! I really like the ultra varmint. I was wondering about the Survivor as well.  Does anyone have one of those?

[trotterlg]

Just depends on what you want to do with them.  If you just need them dead then get at .270 or .243 and have at it.  If you want the pelts then the only handi rifle to go with is a .204, and that is a little big, you really want one of the 17 CF, but then H&R doesn't make one.  Good luck, sounds like you are in for a lot of fun this winter.  Larry

[alien319]

Yeah dead is all i need,  fur pelts are real popular around here for some reason.  I am just excited to get out there! 

[RelicHound]

just about anything will get the job done..My yote gun is a 22-250 and it does a fantastic job,I shoot 50gr hornady varmint express rounds and they dont do alot of damage to the pelt incase you do want to save them,but then Ive never been worried about what kinda damage is done as long as they drop. the 223 would be cheaper to shoot and will do the job just as well Im sure.

[Jimbo47]

.223 would be my choice.   Does the job, reasonably quiet, and ammo is less expensive and easy to get, which gives you more excuses to go to the range.

[cwlongshot]

My shots will not be as far as what I would need a .22-250 for.

 This tells me, "why waste the time with one then". I mean the shells are more money and the report is louder. Just go get the .223, make it a Ultra varmint and you will be VERY HAPPY.

For me here in Connecticut, the 17HMR, 22H, 25-20, 12ga and my compound bow are my staples for the song dog population. I dont generally need anything thats too noisy or shoots across countys. The encounters are usually close and when they get long we are only talking 100-125 yards all but the bow/12ga will work perfectly well for them. I gat three in one morning a couple seasons back with the compound as they paraded under my tree while deer hunting. They never knew I was even there. I picked them off, one at a time, as they stopped to see why there buddie in front of them was pinned to the ground snarling and yipping. 

CW

[mcwoodduck]

My 22 Mag with a 6X weaver scope works just fine.
and I can keep a couple in my right hand and still shoot, fast reloads and when hunting I do not have the "reloader" in in my head saying now that you just shot the second one where did the brass from the first one go?  Rimfire don't care, ammo is cheaper than 22 hornet or 223 and every shop has some from 32 grain hp up to the federal 50 grain JHP.

[Westbound]

My grandad always used a 22lr, or the ol' 410 single shot if they were close enough.  
I don't remember any of the getting away if they were shot.
With that experience with my grandad, i would say that a 223 would be really potent!
I've also seen coyotes shot with every gun known to man on deer leases.  I do have to say the "deadest" coyote i saw was one nailed with a 45-70 corelokt at 75 yards.  I bet that booger rolled three times when hit.

When it comes to coyotes, get a gun that will shoot accurately for the ranges you will shoot and have at them.  they seem to die easy!

[MSP Ret]

I use my .22 Mag Spostster with a Survivor stock setup for Maine coyotes out to about 100 yards with great results. I also have a very accurate .223 Handi for long shots. Either one works great. A couple of my coyote hunting buddies from Maine now use use .22 Mag Sportsters as well after they saw how well mine performed. One of them has and sometimes uses a Marlin 336 in .35 Remington, his deer gun,which he loads with 150 grain pointed bullets for coyotes, a factory round, for long range coyote hunting. He loads one in the chamber and one in the magazine tube and it works very well, knocks them down FAST....<><....

[PHATINJUN]

Most economical is the 223 and I love mine...but flat out long range if ya need it would be the 270 or the 25/06. Thank you for your service. Kurt

[Spanky]

I use my .22 Mag Spostster with a Survivor stock setup for Maine coyotes out to about 100 yards with great results. I also have a very accurate .223 Handi for long shots. Either one works great. A couple of my coyote  buddies from Maine use .22 Mag Sportsters after they saw how well mine performed. One of them has a Marlin 336 in .35 Remington, his deer gun,whicj he load with 150 grain pointed bullets for coyotes, a factory round, for long range coyote hunting. He loads one in the chamber and one in the magazine tube and it works very well, knocks them down FAST....<><....

You're right about a 35 putting them down fast Andy!!
I shot one in the neck at about 40 yards with my 35 Whelen with a 250 grain Core Lokt.
It wasn't pretty!!

Alien...

Don't overlook the 22 Hornet.
A hollow point from the Hornet will make a dog real dead in a hurry.

Of course... being Marines, we have a soft spot for the 223.
A 223 Ultra with some good glass would reach out and touch 'em at longer ranges than the Hornet.

Whatever you choose... get the best glass you can afford for it.



Spanky

[jdwolf]

Get the 223.  It's all you need!

[alien319]

Thanks for all of your replies!  Spanky, you know we definitely have that soft spot!  Easy to shoot, accurate and cheap!  I would like a 22 hornet as well though. I think that would be great for 200 yards or less.  I think i'll go with the .223 though for the first handi. You know i'll end up getting more than one!!!