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Author Topic: what caliber barrel for Coyotes and chucks?  (Read 961 times)

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Offline Mulegunner

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what caliber barrel for Coyotes and chucks?
« on: December 24, 2005, 10:21:04 AM »
I currently own a handi in a 45-70 and just love the caliber for deer and bear. Im looking to get a new barrel this year for shooting coyotes, chucks and whatever. Im thinking real hard about the 24" bull barrel in .223 or .243. However, Im really indecisive and now have started to think about other calibers as well. I know nothing about calibers like the .204 Ruger, 22-250, or the .22 Hornet either. Im not really interested in the Hornet .... I already own a .22 magnum rifle and I think that fills my nitch for that. Im looking to get a setup that lets me reach out 200 -300 yards with a fairly flat trajectory. Any input would be appreaciated. Like I said Im looking for a smaller caliber that will fill the "coyote" nitch and not ruin the bank account.
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Offline MSP Ret

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what caliber barrel for Coyotes and chucks?
« Reply #1 on: December 24, 2005, 10:46:26 AM »
for 200-300 yards the .223 will do nicely, and cheaply too with store bought ammo if you don't reload. The .223 will do everything you ask of it within those ranges. If you want something a bit newer and that uses much more expensive ammo (I don't see why) try the 22-250 or .204. My suggestion, go with the .223, ESPECIALLY if you don't reload....Merry Christmas....<><.... :grin:
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Offline quickdtoo

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what caliber barrel for Coyotes and chucks?
« Reply #2 on: December 24, 2005, 11:18:38 AM »
The .204 has the edge over the .22-250 and .223 for varmints with lighter bullets, flatter shooting and less recoil, easy on barrels.  All new .223s will have a 1:9" twist rate, the fluted ultra already has that twist rate if you're interested in shooting the heavier bullets. The 24" fluted bull barrel is available in .204, .223, .22-250 and .243 if they suit your fancy. Don't discount the Hornet, it's got a healthy edge on the 22mag and costs less to shoot if you handload. I have all of em, I'd opt for the .204 for varmints out to 450yds and coyotes to 350yds. If you don't handload, I'd go for the .223, it's cheaper to shoot and good for 250-300yds.

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Offline jim62

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what caliber barrel for Coyotes and chucks?
« Reply #3 on: December 24, 2005, 11:35:32 AM »
I think you have gotten some very good advice here.

My first varmint rifle was a 22-250 and I have hardly ever been without one during the last 25 years.It's a great round(as is the .243) but for use in a Handi, it would not be my first pic.

In a Handi rifle, my first choice would be a .223 for all around use .At the 2-300 yard mark, the round will pretty much do everything the larger rounds will with less expense and barrel wear.

I also think for volume shooting, the .223 based rounds are easier on the handi rifle frames due to the reduced trust on the action.Even though the .223 operates at high pressures ,the reduced size of the case head means it is not more stressfull on the frame than mid range 45-70 rounds.L

The .204 is a heck of a round for top performance sniping vermin past 300 yards, but a good .223 load runs a very close second and for your use,I would definitely still with the .223.

For best accuracy in handloads be SURE and try 40,50g and 55g Hornady V max slugs.Over the last 10 years, in .22 centerfires ranging from .22 hornets to .22o Swifts  those bullets have consistently outperformed nearly any other brand of slug I have tried in my rifles.The Vmax Hornadys are a heck of a varmint bullet!
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Offline myarmor

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what caliber barrel for Coyotes and chucks?
« Reply #4 on: December 24, 2005, 05:50:39 PM »
If you reload then 204 or even 22-250.
Want cheap plinking and very good accuracy too, 223 fits your bill.
Just depends on your situation. The 204 and 22-250 ballistically can leave the little 223 in the dust. But that doesn't change the fact that it's a great round, even if it's not the hottest or flattest....humm kinda like the 30-06 :grin: :agree:
-Aaron
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Offline trotterlg

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what caliber barrel for Coyotes and chucks?
« Reply #5 on: December 24, 2005, 07:00:41 PM »
The 22-250 is really king of the varmint rifles.  It started life as a wildcat and was so good it was adopted as a factory round.  It will do it all, and you can find a huge variety of ammo and bullets for it at most any gun store.  Larry
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Offline De41mag

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what caliber barrel for Coyotes and chucks?
« Reply #6 on: December 25, 2005, 07:07:14 PM »
Mule;

I'd go with a .223, just because the ammo is cheap and the round is extremely accurate. And a .223 will take yotes with ease. My Ultra .223 is shooting the 60gr. Hornady V-Max's GREAT! And mine is a 1 in 12 inch twist barrel. A friend of mine has an Ultra in the same caliber and he has already shot two yotes using the Winchester White Box 45gr. JHP's. Both of them fell in their tracks after being hit with the .223. And you can get the Winchesters in the 40 round Value Pack at Wally World for around $14.00.
Just my two cents.

Dennis  :D
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Offline Norseman112

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what caliber barrel for Coyotes and chucks?
« Reply #7 on: December 26, 2005, 01:52:47 AM »
The .223 is a good performer.  The 204 is a nice caliber, however .223 ammo is cheap and its everwhere.

John
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Offline Swift One

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what caliber barrel for Coyotes and chucks?
« Reply #8 on: December 27, 2005, 09:15:54 AM »
For the ranges you are wanting, I would opt for the .223 also. I have one in a Handi Bull barrel and it is super accurate with 50gr Sierra Blitz Bullets.  Does a great job on making ckean kills on Coyotes too.

However, a 22-250 bolt action is in my future for day time shooting.  I have always wanted one.
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Offline mitchell

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what caliber barrel for Coyotes and chucks?
« Reply #9 on: December 27, 2005, 12:10:53 PM »
i have tried to reply on this topic like 5 times but every time i do the site goes south.



in my opinion if your going to save hides then you need a 204 or a 223 (i would go for the 204) but if your not the 243 is a great coyote gun. you can point and shoot out past 350 yards and it will kill with authority. and for ground hog the 243 will rip them in half .
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Offline tomr

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what caliber barrel for Coyotes and chucks?
« Reply #10 on: December 28, 2005, 07:45:45 AM »
Ok, at 200-300 yds "flat shooting" you say, both the 204 and the 22-250 are good. If you want to kill the yote every time you better stick w/ the 22-250. My 204 w/26" barrel is collecting dust w/ no scope at this point because of yotes running off after well placed shots, and this happened more than once. BUT, if you need a clean hide the 204 is ok for that, if he falls. The only reason I pull out my 223(AR) is if I need firepower for multiple dogs or pigs up closer.
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Offline t-roy

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what caliber barrel for Coyotes and chucks?
« Reply #11 on: December 28, 2005, 08:11:26 AM »
hey tomr,
wanna sell that .204?
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Offline quickdtoo

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what caliber barrel for Coyotes and chucks?
« Reply #12 on: December 28, 2005, 08:51:47 AM »
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