Author Topic: What for a coyote Handi? (Read 1382 times)

alien319 · « **on:** August 20, 2009, 10:28:09 AM »

I was thinking about getting a nice handi in .204 or .223, but then I all of the sudden thought it would be nice to get the .357 or .44 mag Handi's that I see so many of you have! What to do, what to do?!?! Please help. Will the .357 suffice for a Coyote gun too? I know it will take them and all but what do you all think? I could use it for close in white tail too! What are y'alls opinions?

LaOtto222 · « **Reply #1 on:** August 20, 2009, 10:37:01 AM »

Do you want to save the pelts? If you do not, then the 357 would be great if you do not shoot much over 125 yards or so. If you ream it to Max then you could stretch it up to 200 yards + you can use it for deer in about the same ranges. If you are going to shoot coyotes beyond 200 yards, then go with the 204 or 223. What ever you get, make sure it does not weight a ton. A 10 pound rifle gets mighty heavy in short order if you pickup and move once in a while and they do not swing quick on those close running shots.

alien319 · « **Reply #2 on:** August 20, 2009, 10:40:07 AM »

Yeah, I'm not planning on saving too many pelts. I just enjoy hunting those critters. I have looked at the MAX but I get a little confused on that subject. I think the .357 is a dandy cartridge that suits the Handi well.

searlock · « **Reply #3 on:** August 20, 2009, 10:53:15 AM »

best choices in my book would be .243 .270 30-06 in that order if you dont like recoil. great calibers all and good for reloading.

Jimbo47 · « **Reply #4 on:** August 20, 2009, 10:59:17 AM »

.223 is hard to beat.

Most are tack drivers out of the box, and it's the perfect size for coyotes, at either close in, or moderately long range!

Second choice would be a .243 if you are really wanting to reach out there, and also want to hunt deer with it!

In my opinion get the .223 first and those others as you feel the need.
You will then be like the rest of us, in that one Handi isn't ever enough!

canon6 · « **Reply #5 on:** August 20, 2009, 11:15:32 AM »

+1 for the 357.Versitile and if you reload it can be a real eye opener.

Doug

cwlongshot · « **Reply #6 on:** August 20, 2009, 11:22:31 AM »

They will ALL work just fine!!! (Truthfully, I never shot a 204, but I hear tell they shoot mighty fine.)

CW

Badnews Bob · « **Reply #7 on:** August 20, 2009, 11:42:58 AM »

I shoot my .357 a lot more than I do my .223s and have taken several deer with them. My max is even better.

bigvarmnt · « **Reply #8 on:** August 20, 2009, 12:11:42 PM »

223 Super Light has worked well for me. I will try 357 if I ever get a barrel. Depends on whether it's a multi purpose tool. I'd get both and be good to go.

Jimbo47 · « **Reply #9 on:** August 20, 2009, 12:17:53 PM »

I've got the .357 mag. reamed to max, and I'd have to agree with all those who recommend it as it's all what is claimed, and mine is no exception.

The only thing though is it has limitations as for as being a long range rifle that would get out over 200 like those others mentioned.

Close in, it would match up or exceed the others, but it has it's limitations, when it comes to long range, and I know you can lob a big bullet in just about anywhere, but day in day out, it's not build for long range.

gendoc · « **Reply #10 on:** August 20, 2009, 12:37:10 PM »

the .204 is a great kiyot shooter out to 400 yards
a good mil-dot scope is a must for different yardage shots

the .223 is also the perfect choice, out to 200yards.

i like both and my hand grabs for distance.

its not going to be much longer until they start come'n on your back porch
(around here anyway)..........then its scatter gun time!!!

gendoc · « **Reply #11 on:** August 20, 2009, 12:52:06 PM »

hey alien,
just noticed the osprey!!!! what a chopper, uh plane, both!!!!!!

alien319 · « **Reply #12 on:** August 20, 2009, 01:15:41 PM »

Yeah, she's a beast (the Osprey that is)!!!! I have always liked the .357 mag in revolvers. We'll see i guess. Maybe both would be good! HAHA that always solves issues!

Datil · « **Reply #13 on:** August 20, 2009, 01:34:31 PM »

The best Handi for yote is the one you have in your hand when you see a coyote!!!
Any or all from 204 to 45-70. Datil

Spanky · « **Reply #14 on:** August 20, 2009, 01:54:34 PM »

My 32-20 Handi.

Spanky

mitch132 · « **Reply #15 on:** August 20, 2009, 02:08:12 PM »

.243 Winchester with 55 grain Nosler BT's for a true "Shock and Awe" effect!

cwlongshot · « **Reply #16 on:** August 20, 2009, 02:25:01 PM »

Quote from: Spanky on August 20, 2009, 01:54:34 PM

My 32-20 Handi.

Spanky

OOH NICE!!! I have one too!!! Its goona make a DANDY short range song dog rifle. Haven't shot anything sans paper so far.....

CW

chipmunk · « **Reply #17 on:** August 20, 2009, 02:46:22 PM »

.223 is perfect! IMO it will put them down no problem out to 400yards as long as you do your job. Plus with the right bullets you will do almost no damage to the pelts just in case you want to keep them.

The only reason to get a .357 is if you want it for other reasons. I don't have one but as I'm sure you know they have quite the reputation as a fun cartridge!

Kal52 · « **Reply #18 on:** August 20, 2009, 03:49:29 PM »

Id think the .223 would be the more obvious choice, can still find one in a heavy barrel if you like, for now anyway

but, the obvious choice is seldom the most fun so, heck, .357 is good too, although you may hate it once that sucker hangs up on you past your comfort zone.

you may want to go with the .30-30 very versitile, and cheap if you dont reload, plus in your sig you have one already so that is a plus, can reload for both.

Now, this is what I have done. I got a .223 for the long shots, and a 12ga pard for the close ups, I just got the 10ga turkey as well if Im feeling strong that day. Im now looking to get the TDC just so I have one, just in case you know something happens, like looking in the locker and realizing I dont have one.

good luck to ya

Dave

briannmilewis · « **Reply #19 on:** August 20, 2009, 06:29:13 PM »

Let me advocate the 22 Hornet or a 221 Fireball if you are calling coyotes in close, and don't really want to shoot deer with the same rifle.

They are very cheap to reload, the Hornet gives you about 525 rounds for 1lb of powder, and is good to 150 yards.

If you take the 221 Fireball option (a 22 Hornet rechambered) you should be good to 200 yards, with authority. The 221 FB case holds about 80% of the powder compared to a 223, but a coyote within 200 yards will be just as dead. I guess I am just a cheapskate when it comes down to it.

If I ever find a job again, Mid-Missouri coyotes look out, they are first on my list.

shvlhead.45 · « **Reply #20 on:** August 20, 2009, 06:54:24 PM »

I'm thinking .22-250 in say a 24" fluted bull barrel would work even better then the .223 or .204. Plan to add one to my .308 frame soon for the same purpose.

maglvr44 · « **Reply #21 on:** August 20, 2009, 07:31:47 PM »

Hornet!

briannmilewis · « **Reply #22 on:** August 20, 2009, 07:45:19 PM »

Quote from: shvlhead.45 on August 20, 2009, 06:54:24 PM

I'm thinking .22-250 in say a 24" fluted bull barrel would work even better then the .223 or .204. Plan to add one to my .308 frame soon for the same purpose.

Did you know you could get a 22 Hornet barrel rechambered for a 22 BR Rem? Uses 20% less powder than a 22-250, and is only 4% less in performance! I think that cartridge is the deal of the century.

LaOtto222 · « **Reply #23 on:** August 20, 2009, 11:32:08 PM »

I am working on a 22 BR project right now, but not in a Handi. You will need to neck down 6mmBR cases as 22BR cases are no longer available. More than likely you will need to turn necks too, the necks thicken up when you reduce them down. But as you said it is a dandy cartridge, almost as much punch as a 22-250 and should be easier on throats. If you get a later model 22 Hornet, it will have a 1-9" twist barrel. That should send some 65 - 70 grain bullets down range with authority. If you are willing to put up with a little case prep up front, the 22BR is one heck of a cartridge.

briannmilewis · « **Reply #24 on:** August 21, 2009, 12:23:17 AM »

I have also read that the case life of the BR cartridges is phenominal.

Please keep us all posted on the progress as well as the range reports and pics of targets or very dead critters.

jeepmann1948 · « **Reply #25 on:** August 21, 2009, 12:41:42 AM »

Get on that you like and use it ! dead is dead no matter what cartridge /caliber you use. Hits are more important than anything else.
ps:
the BR series is great! But..........
A 22-250 has sent many a dog to the ground!

billy_56081 · « **Reply #26 on:** August 21, 2009, 01:48:01 AM »

For saftey, I like to use a caliber with a varmint type bullet. I like to use bullets that are designed to break up when they his something, lessoning the chance of ricochet.

petemi · « **Reply #27 on:** August 21, 2009, 04:47:12 AM »

Hey....CW...how'd ya get in my shop?

?? I know ya took those pics on my work bench. Didn't know anyone eles in the world had anything that looked like that.

It's no wonder I can't find anything.

In my short experience with it, my hands down favorite would be my .357 Maximum. It shoots MOA or sub-MOA and I've shot it 300 yards accurately. I would'nt try a deer at that distance, but it will put a coyote into eternity. Flat shoot....Flat shoot....B.S. If you learn your rifle, most any rifle, you can hit anything you can see......if it'll kill at that distance is another question. Too many people take their guns out and sight them in at 100 yards and they're done. They haven't a clue what happens after that. I take mine out at 25 yards and go from there. Where I live, I have to be able to shoot from 25 to 400 yards. The only way to do that is to KNOW your rifle. Ya gotta shoot lots.

Pete

cwlongshot · « **Reply #28 on:** August 21, 2009, 10:48:04 AM »

Quote from: petemi link=topic=180768.msg 1098875487#msg 1098875487 date=1250866032

Hey....CW...how'd ya get in my shop??? I know ya took those pics on my work bench. Didn't know anyone else in the world had anything that looked like that. It's no wonder I can't find anything.

In my short experience with it, my hands down favorite would be my .357 Maximum. It shoots MOA or sub-MOA and I've shot it 300 yards accurately. I wouldn't try a deer at that distance, but it will put a coyote into eternity. Flat shoot....Flat shoot....B.S. If you learn your rifle, most any rifle, you can hit anything you can see......if it'll kill at that distance is another question. Too many people take their guns out and sight them in at 100 yards and they're done. They haven't a clue what happens after that. I take mine out at 25 yards and go from there. Where I live, I have to be able to shoot from 25 to 400 yards. The only way to do that is to KNOW your rifle. Ya gotta shoot lots.

Pete

Well Pete, what would your 45-70's say???

I knew you and anyone who gives the maxi a chance cannot help but love the Lil-devil.
Your right though, I also love my maxi the best out of all my hands. But then there is my 454... and that previously mentioned 32-20.. Then there is my 12USH that shoots one hole groups and that 307 I reamed with the help of Larry. (trotterlg) Heck who am I kidding, I love them all.

CW

poncaguy · « **Reply #29 on:** August 21, 2009, 03:46:22 PM »

22-250...............