« previous next »
Pages: [1] 2 3   Go Down

Author Topic: Lightweight .243? Worth the Effort?  (Read 2753 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline Big Blue

  • GBO Supporter
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1334
  • Gender: Male
Lightweight .243? Worth the Effort?
« on: February 08, 2006, 01:28:10 PM »
I've been thinking of a real lightweight .243 rifle for coyotes at close, under 100 yard, range. I can't think of a lighter rifle than the NEF lightweight. Now I haven't heard the best in regards to lightweight barrels from NEF, so what do you guys think? Can I get a lightweight and still get MOC (minute of coyote)groups?
Don
Logged

Offline quickdtoo

  • Global Moderator
  • Trade Count: (149)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 43301
  • Gender: Male
Lightweight .243? Worth the Effort?
« Reply #1 on: February 08, 2006, 02:05:11 PM »
Don, there are several superlight .243 shooters here that have moa or better rifles, Howard NZ comes to mind first. Perklo has a thread in the FAQ on accurizing a wood stocked superlight .243, almost at the bottom of the page. Be patient!! :wink:

Tim

http://www.graybeardoutdoors.com/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=69409
Logged
"Always do right, this will gratify some and astonish the rest" -  Mark Twain

Offline mitchell

  • Trade Count: (8)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2067
  • Gender: Male
Lightweight .243? Worth the Effort?
« Reply #2 on: February 08, 2006, 03:03:43 PM »
short answer no.




just buy the regular or the bull barrel a little extra weight never hurt anybody.
Logged
curiosity killed the cat , but i was lead suspect for a while

Offline Big Blue

  • GBO Supporter
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1334
  • Gender: Male
Lightweight .243? Worth the Effort?
« Reply #3 on: February 08, 2006, 03:20:55 PM »
Quote from: mitchell
short answer no.




just buy the regular or the bull barrel a little extra weight never hurt anybody.


mitchel,
The only reason I would want one is for the 5.5lb. weight and handier length. If I did decide I can live with the extra weight of the heavy barrel, I'd stay with the 8.75lb.  Savage 12FV for the task.
Don
Logged

Offline MSP Ret

  • GBO Supporter
  • Trade Count: (173)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 8940
  • Gender: Male
Lightweight .243? Worth the Effort?
« Reply #4 on: February 08, 2006, 03:23:38 PM »
Well since you asked...I agree with Mitchell on this one, the short answer is no. I have never felt the urge to get either a .243 or a superlight barrel. If however you like a .243, want a superlight barrel and have no great desire for small groups, and you only want "deer" hunting accuracy there is no reason a superlight .243 Handi should not fill the bill....It's your gun so get what you want. If it were me from what they make right now I'd get a 30-30 or a 7-08 for those 100 yard and under shots, and for utility and cost of ammo the 30-30 could not be beat....BUT, it's your gun, it will work for what you want, so get it and hunt with it with a smile on your face....<><.... :grin:
Logged
"Giving up your gun to someone else on demand is called surrender. It means that you have given up your ability to protect yourself to a power that is greater than you." - David Yeagley

Offline Big Blue

  • GBO Supporter
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1334
  • Gender: Male
Lightweight .243? Worth the Effort?
« Reply #5 on: February 08, 2006, 03:33:05 PM »
Tim,
Thanks for the link! While it's always great to find your rifle shooting MOA even after some didling, it really isn't even necessary for my purposes. I could easily be happy with 2 MOA from this rifle. I plan to use it in heavily wooded area for night coyote shooting. I very much doubt I'd ever get a shot out as far as 100 yards, probably more like 30 yards. Meanwhile I'll be toting along a light, decoy, and calls, plus the weight of the rifle. Add walking through the woods in total darkness and the lighter the better makes a lot of sense.
Don
Logged

Offline quickdtoo

  • Global Moderator
  • Trade Count: (149)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 43301
  • Gender: Male
Lightweight .243? Worth the Effort?
« Reply #6 on: February 08, 2006, 03:54:19 PM »
Don,

I think as long as you can consistently count on the first round going where you want it, the 2nd and 3rd aren't of much importance, unless you get a chance for a double of course, and it seems that shooting the superlight warm to hot is the problem. I know even my bull barreled ultra .243 gets pretty warm after just 3 shots, so I can imagine what the superlight does after a few rounds.

Tim
Logged
"Always do right, this will gratify some and astonish the rest" -  Mark Twain

Offline trotterlg

  • GBO Supporter
  • Trade Count: (36)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3978
  • Gender: Male
Lightweight .243? Worth the Effort?
« Reply #7 on: February 08, 2006, 06:32:34 PM »
Handi's aren't all that light weight.  Most likely you could get a bolt rifle down to a lighter weight than a handi can be gotten down to.  The frame or receiver on a handi is heavy and there isn't much you can do to lighten it up.  Larry
Logged
A gun is just like a parachute, if you ever really need one, nothing else will do.

Offline MSP Ret

  • GBO Supporter
  • Trade Count: (173)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 8940
  • Gender: Male
Lightweight .243? Worth the Effort?
« Reply #8 on: February 09, 2006, 02:28:46 AM »
:? , Larry, would you like to borrow my certified scale? Your a nice guy Larry but I think I smell sour grapes here, we all know of your discouragement with, and recent dislike of Handis. the question and discussion was about the feasibility of a superlight barrelled .243 Handi as a close range coyote gun, and for that it would work just fine, and quite inexpensively also. I have done a lot of coyote hunting in the heavily wooded woods of Maine with my H&R's, using my ,223, 7x57, and .22 Mag (and I have deer and small game hunted PA also) so I think I can comment on the usefullness of a Handi for coyotes in wooded areas, and in both Maine and PA they will work fine!!!. I just bought a regular contour .223 barrel to set up for coyotes instead of my .223 Bull barrellled Handi, the Bull barrel is very accurate but for the woods where I hunt coyotes that extreme accuracy is not needed, one shot within a couple of inches at 50-100 yards is more than accurate enough, and I am fairly positive either my gun with a regular barrel or the .243 with a superlight barrel this discussion started about is more than up to that task. As I said in my firest response to this thread I have never really had a desire to own either a .243 or a superlight barrelled Handi but for the questioned task it will do well, and if that is what BIG BLUE wants he should get it, after all it will work fine for the task at hand and fill his needs and it is going to be HIS gun. It could even double as a nice lightweight deer gun for PA if shots were kept within the ranges discussed....<><.... :grin:
Logged
"Giving up your gun to someone else on demand is called surrender. It means that you have given up your ability to protect yourself to a power that is greater than you." - David Yeagley

Offline myarmor

  • Trade Count: (46)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3239
  • Gender: Male
Lightweight .243? Worth the Effort?
« Reply #9 on: February 09, 2006, 05:01:10 AM »
The light weight barrels have always cought me attention, mainly for the same reasons as Don stated. But they have been noted for their, "Stubborn" behavior to shoot. Doesn't mean they can't, just seems to takes a little more from the shooter to get it right, like Tim said Patience. That being said though, I ask..why not just buy the standard contour?

1-It's not all that heavier than the light weight.

2-You gain an extra 2" of barrel length for a little added velocity-but still making the over all rifle length very short, compared to a Bolt action.

3- They have a much better reputation of being shooters, than the light weight brothers.

4-Through the barrel program, they are both the same price 8)

Still, the beauty of it all is that it's your choice. Buy what YOU want to buy, cause you are going to be the one shooting it not us :-)
-Aaron
Logged

Offline quickdtoo

  • Global Moderator
  • Trade Count: (149)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 43301
  • Gender: Male
Lightweight .243? Worth the Effort?
« Reply #10 on: February 09, 2006, 06:03:40 AM »
Don,

Another consideration in the superlight for close range coyotes would be the .22 Hornet, I've seen some pretty nice praise on its accuracy, something to think on.

Tim
Logged
"Always do right, this will gratify some and astonish the rest" -  Mark Twain

Offline Hunternz

  • GBO Supporter
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 86
  • Gender: Male
Lightweight .243? Worth the Effort?
« Reply #11 on: February 09, 2006, 08:06:36 AM »
Hi Don,
yes with careful handloading (took 5 range trips and three bullet types and countless powder loads) my superlight shoots Hornady 95gr sst under an 1" with three shots and if I shoot carefully and slowly off the bench I have put 10 shots under 2". I used the oring on the forend and seat the bullets out to almost to the lands and grooves. Happily shoot feral goats out to 250yds with a good rest but most of my hunting is in the bush where the superlight is a pleasure to use being so light and compact and the shots rearly beyond 50yds.
Regards Howard.
Logged

Offline coop2564

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • A Real Regular
  • ****
  • Posts: 525
Lightweight .243? Worth the Effort?
« Reply #12 on: February 09, 2006, 08:45:23 AM »
I've got a 243 super light barrel.  Its really finicky about the bullets, wants nothing to due with 100 gr, I haven't found one yet it will group better than 3'' .  85gr sierra gamekings it does 1.5'' on a good day usally 2'' .
Logged
Browning Illusion Bow
Omega Thumbhole .50_NEF Huntsman .50
Knight KP1 .243_Custom Rem 700 .308_Browning Safari Bar .300 WSM, Ruger No.1 30-06
Taurus .41 rem mag Raging Bull_S&W M&P 40C_Browning BuckMark .22_Savage 93R .17HMR

Offline trotterlg

  • GBO Supporter
  • Trade Count: (36)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3978
  • Gender: Male
Lightweight .243? Worth the Effort?
« Reply #13 on: February 09, 2006, 10:37:41 AM »
The handi action that I had (an SB2) was a full half pound heavier than my savage 10 receiver and bolt with the scope bases on it.  That is the only reason that I am saying the handi is not that light.  To make a handi lighter the only thing you have to work with is the barrel if you have a plastic stock there is not much way to lighten it up any other way.  I do still have a handi in 22 Mag, and I like it for what it is, but is is not a light weight rifle.  Even my turned down barrel 17 remington on the SB2 frame weighed in at the same weight as my 22-250 Savage with a 26 inch barrel.  Larry
Logged
A gun is just like a parachute, if you ever really need one, nothing else will do.

Offline mitchell

  • Trade Count: (8)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2067
  • Gender: Male
Lightweight .243? Worth the Effort?
« Reply #14 on: February 09, 2006, 12:15:17 PM »
really?????

well i know for a fact that my 22 hornet superlight was 5 and 1/2 lbs and here's a savage with synthetic stock that's 6.5 lbs.

http://www.savagearms.com/111fcxp3.htm

personally i don't know what the big deal is about trying to shave off a half pound here and there. what the big difference between a 7 lb gun and a 10 lb gun??? that like not taking an extra bottle of water just caz it weighs too much. gosh i mean with all the stuff we take in the woods with us whats an extra 3 lbs of gun. if you don't like to carry it get a sling.
Logged
curiosity killed the cat , but i was lead suspect for a while

Offline trotterlg

  • GBO Supporter
  • Trade Count: (36)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3978
  • Gender: Male
Lightweight .243? Worth the Effort?
« Reply #15 on: February 09, 2006, 01:54:09 PM »
Anyone who has ever gone hunting will tell you there is a big difference between a 10 pound rifle and a 6 pound one, unless you just hunt from the truck.  Larry
Logged
A gun is just like a parachute, if you ever really need one, nothing else will do.

Offline quickdtoo

  • Global Moderator
  • Trade Count: (149)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 43301
  • Gender: Male
Lightweight .243? Worth the Effort?
« Reply #16 on: February 09, 2006, 02:04:52 PM »
A young fella like Mitchell might not notice a pound or three, but I sure as heck do, to the point of carrying less ammo, water, lunch, a lighter knife or whatever when I hunt 10 miles a day on an elk hunt, a few ounces multiplied times every step adds up in a hurry. That's why "mountain Rifles" are lighter compared to other models.

Tim
Logged
"Always do right, this will gratify some and astonish the rest" -  Mark Twain

Offline Big Blue

  • GBO Supporter
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1334
  • Gender: Male
Lightweight .243? Worth the Effort?
« Reply #17 on: February 09, 2006, 02:40:34 PM »
Quote from: mitchell
really?????

well i know for a fact that my 22 hornet superlight was 5 and 1/2 lbs and here's a savage with synthetic stock that's 6.5 lbs.

http://www.savagearms.com/111fcxp3.htm

personally i don't know what the big deal is about trying to shave off a half pound here and there. what the big difference between a 7 lb gun and a 10 lb gun??? that like not taking an extra bottle of water just caz it weighs too much. gosh i mean with all the stuff we take in the woods with us whats an extra 3 lbs of gun. if you don't like to carry it get a sling.


I sure do appreciate all the ideas everyone has posted!
In all honesty I had thought of the Savage rifles as an alternative, but the only one that comes close to the price of the Lightweight Handi is the Model 200. Now I don't see a thing wrong with the 200, but I've yet to see one for sale that wasn't either a .270, 30-06, or a 7mm Rem Mag. I do believe any one of those cartridges would tear a pelt up pretty bad. Even the 111FXCP3 may be had for just under $400, but again not in a cartridge I'd care to use for coyotes. The only Savage that comes close to the weight of the 5.5lb. Handi is the Sierra at 6.25lb. and that is easily a $435 rifle.
As for not noticing the difference with extra weight. Well I've known backpackers that would cut the handle off their toothbrush to save a bit of weight. While during the first 5 or so miles it may not make a big difference, by the end of a long day in the woods, up and down hills, over and under brush, and stumbling around in boulders, it makes a big difference to me.
I can't see getting more than one shot off at a coyote, so heat buildup isn't a big concern. If I tested loads I'd leave it sit until it was cool before firing again. As long as I could get a reliable 2-3" group at 100 yards, it would meet my requirements. From what has been said about the .243 and my own experience with a heavy barrel Handi in .243, they seem to like light bullets. That would be fine with me. The 55gr. bullets can reach close to 4000FPS from a .243. A bit less with the 20" barrel.
Don
Logged

Offline mitchell

  • Trade Count: (8)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2067
  • Gender: Male
Lightweight .243? Worth the Effort?
« Reply #18 on: February 09, 2006, 03:10:59 PM »
a little preseason exersize might be in order fellas.


and trotterlg i was home schooled , that means i was born in a tree stand. i've hunted all my life and my favorite hunting rifle weighs 13 lbs. from field posisions you'll shoot heavy gun better ( FACT) .
Logged
curiosity killed the cat , but i was lead suspect for a while

Offline Nightrain52

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • A Real Regular
  • ****
  • Posts: 814
Lightweight .243? Worth the Effort?
« Reply #19 on: February 09, 2006, 03:15:50 PM »
Big Blue-Unless bullet design has changed a lot since 1985 I shot a coyote standing broadside to me with a 243. I hit this animal just behind the right shoulder. When it exited the left shoulder it tore the left front quarter all to pieces, literaly turned it into hamburger. Looked like it was standing next to a hand grenade that went off. The distance was stepped off at 127 paces. The bullet was an 80 grain Sierra hollowpoint. I would not recomend a 243 if you want to keep the pelts. Some of the modern day deer bullets for the 243 might not blow up this way but I wouldn't count on it especialy if it hits bone. The 243 is an awesome varmint gun but I wouldn't consider it very pelt friendly. :D
Logged
FREEDOM IS WORTH FIGHTING FOR-ARE YOU WILLING TO DIE FOR IT--------IT'S HARD TO SOAR LIKE AN EAGLE WHEN YOU ARE SURROUNDED BY TURKEYS

Offline myarmor

  • Trade Count: (46)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3239
  • Gender: Male
Lightweight .243? Worth the Effort?
« Reply #20 on: February 09, 2006, 05:31:53 PM »
Savage makes them, you might just have to order it.
http://www.savagearms.com/st_200short.htm    

Around $270 at Walmart I believe. You should be able to find one cheaper if you do some digging.

But I say why not get the Handi? If it doesn't work out for ya, there are many fellas here that buy and trade Handi goods.
Go for it  :agree:
Logged

Offline Mac11700

  • GBO Supporter
  • Trade Count: (34)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 6875
Lightweight .243? Worth the Effort?
« Reply #21 on: February 09, 2006, 07:35:15 PM »
Well..I'm surprised this hasn't come up at all...Since your talking ranges of 100 yards or less...why not look at the 17 HMR or the 22 mag for your coyote's..?

Here's what ole Chuck Hawks has to say on comparing the 17 to the 5mm and the 22mag...

http://www.chuckhawks.com/magnum_rimfire_comparison.htm

Mac
Logged
You can cry me a river... but...build me a bridge and then get over it...

Offline quickdtoo

  • Global Moderator
  • Trade Count: (149)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 43301
  • Gender: Male
Lightweight .243? Worth the Effort?
« Reply #22 on: February 09, 2006, 08:45:23 PM »
The 17hmr only comes in a bull barrel, so it's not gonna be light to carry, not to mention it wouldn't be my first choice as a coyote caliber unless I was limited to a rimfire.

Tim
Logged
"Always do right, this will gratify some and astonish the rest" -  Mark Twain

Offline Hunternz

  • GBO Supporter
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 86
  • Gender: Male
Lightweight .243? Worth the Effort?
« Reply #23 on: February 09, 2006, 10:19:30 PM »
A rifles function and weight are a very personel thing, for my type of hunting, a lightweight rifle ie under 6lbs makes sense as a days hunt is  6hrs plus, is 70% climbing and decending steep hills, on hands and knees through thick bush and the 30% is in stalk mode ie very careful stepping and standing still in the hot areas, fitness is required especially when success means 40+lbs of meat in the pack and 3hrs of steep climbing back to the four wheels, the  H&R superlight .243 is the lightest and shortest .243 rifle with a 20" barrel availible to a man on a limited budget.
Regards Howard.
ps anyone on this great forum who can make it to Dunedin, New Zealand I would take great pleasure to take hunting. :D
Logged

Offline Big Blue

  • GBO Supporter
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1334
  • Gender: Male
Lightweight .243? Worth the Effort?
« Reply #24 on: February 10, 2006, 01:30:02 AM »
Quote from: Mac11700
Well..I'm surprised this hasn't come up at all...Since your talking ranges of 100 yards or less...why not look at the 17 HMR or the 22 mag for your coyote's..?

Here's what ole Chuck Hawks has to say on comparing the 17 to the 5mm and the 22mag...

http://www.chuckhawks.com/magnum_rimfire_comparison.htm

Mac


Mac,
I really hadn't given the rimfires too much thought. How well would the .22 mag. work on coyotes? I know bullet placement is everything, but is this smaller cartridge really feasable for coyotes? Again I'm really not looking at any long range shots, so that's not a concern. If it would be sufficent, it sure would be a lower cost alternative, while retaining the lightweight characteristics of the super lightweight Handi's.
Don
Logged

Offline Mac11700

  • GBO Supporter
  • Trade Count: (34)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 6875
Lightweight .243? Worth the Effort?
« Reply #25 on: February 10, 2006, 04:30:44 AM »
Don:

I do know folks who have shot coyotes with the 22 mag..the range was way less than 100 yards with them..they didn't go real far..but they didn't drop on the spot either.Chuck Hawks seems to like them..and if I had to choose between all of the rifles..I would opt for the heavier barrel over the lighter one(my preference)....with the new bullets that are out they should work ok..and as good as most of these little rifles shoot..bullet placement under 100 yards shouldn't be a problem...and the ammo for it is a whole lot cheaper than the centerfires...The main draw back for me would be not being able to utilize it at longer ranges that may arise....the Hornet can stretch that range somewhat..as with most other centerfires.I know it isn't fun to lug around an extra 4lbs of rifle all day long..but with some of the better slings available..it no-longer has to be painfull either..and when I'm doing a-lot of hiking..the better slings are worth the investment..and when I snap shoot off hand..the extra weight helps me steady my shots easier..I really like and prefere the 24" heavy barrel 243 Ultra Varmint...it is a great caliber..and the one I had shot great  with the 95 CT ballistic tips for me...and now..mitchell has it tuned now for the 55 grainers..both his loads and mine produce sub-1/2" and sub-moa groups respectfully...so to me would be my choice over any super-lite barrels offered...and if you go with a synthetic stock on it..you can shave off a-lot more weight than using the heavy laminates..I've never owned any of the super-lites..and honestly can't say how well they shoot and how well they would work for you....but from what I've seen from what folks post here..they can be tuned to shoot good..but I wouldn't have high hopes of getting one out of the box that will...you'll most likely have to make it shoot the way you want it too..and as long as you realize that..you'll probably do just fine with your original choice..everything else..is my spin on it...and just giving you some other options...

No matter which way you go..Good Luck with it :D

Mac
Logged
You can cry me a river... but...build me a bridge and then get over it...

Offline FirstFreedom

  • Trade Count: (1)
  • Avid Poster
  • **
  • Posts: 163
Lightweight .243? Worth the Effort?
« Reply #26 on: February 10, 2006, 05:24:37 AM »
I've been wondering about this too.  How heavy is the Rossi S.S. .243?   It may be a better performer, and as light or lighter than the lightweight NEF.  That may be your (and my) best bet....anyone have the Rossi?

I want to put together the ultimate "long hike, light rifle", for deer mainly.
Logged

Offline Big Blue

  • GBO Supporter
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1334
  • Gender: Male
Lightweight .243? Worth the Effort?
« Reply #27 on: February 10, 2006, 11:07:07 AM »
Quote from: Mac11700
I really like and prefere the 24" heavy barrel 243 Ultra Varmint...it is a great caliber..and the one I had shot great  with the 95 CT ballistic tips for me...and now..mitchell has it tuned now for the 55 grainers..both his loads and mine produce sub-1/2" and sub-moa groups respectfully...so to me would be my choice over any super-lite barrels offered...


Actually I already have the Ultra Varmint in .243, or at least a version of it. It's a NEF commemorative with the heavy barrel, laminate stock, and a medallion set into the stock. It is pretty darn heavy though.

Quote from: Mac11700
No matter which way you go..Good Luck with it :D

Mac

Thanks for all the help!
Don
Logged

Offline myarmor

  • Trade Count: (46)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3239
  • Gender: Male
Lightweight .243? Worth the Effort?
« Reply #28 on: February 11, 2006, 03:46:06 AM »
I personally would want something a little more powerful to use on Coyotes than a 22Mag or 17HMR. I'm not at all saying that they wouldn't work, and at or under 100yards would do ok.
But sense we are taking about it, have you looked into getting a 223 or 204?
Now especially with the new rate of twist for the 223, you have a greater range of bullet selection. Explosive bullets for varmints to punching clean for collecting fur bearing animals.
Just something to consider :-)
Logged

Offline Big Blue

  • GBO Supporter
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Senior Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1334
  • Gender: Male
Lightweight .243? Worth the Effort?
« Reply #29 on: February 11, 2006, 05:13:07 AM »
Quote from: myarmor
I personally would want something a little more powerful to use on Coyotes than a 22Mag or 17HMR.


I've leaned away from the .22 mag. and .17 HMR for that reason. Thinking it over, I would hate to lose a hard won coyote because I used something that was marginal for the task. I was looking around Gander Mt. yesterday and they wll match any price, so I could get one there for the same price as Walmart. By the way, if anyone is looking for one, Gander Mt. has the Handi with the heavy barrel in .223 for $199, which seems like a pretty darn good price to me. They also have a gunsmith to take the rifle to if it has any problems. I'm still tossing the idea around as far as the choice between the Savage 200 and the Handi Super Lightweight. As for calibers, both guns are available in .223 or .243, and the Savage is also available in .22-250. Any of those would do the job, but again there is the concern of pelt damage. I would think the slower velocity of the .223, along with the right bullet choice would be my best bet, but the .243 gives you the opportunity to use it for larger game should the opportunity arise. Any of these calibers, using the more explosive varmint ammo cause quite a bit of pelt damage as do shots through the shoulder. The varmint bullet designs seem better suited to use on prarie dogs and groundhogs. I had contacted Ty Herring, Customer Service Manager for Barnes bullets, and he does not recommend their Varminator bullets for coyotes, but said that the X bullets work better and damage pelts less. The Nosler Ballistic Tips also looks like a good choice.
Don
Logged
Pages: [1] 2 3   Go Up
« previous next »