.22-250, .243, or .223?

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samth

New member
Hello! I am new to coyote hunting. I have been using a 30-06 but I'm looking to get a smaller caliber. I hunt near a lot of farms and the 30-06 is quite loud, not to mention the damage it will do. I was leaning toward a .243 or a .22-250. I know that the .223 is the quietest, but I want the power and range of the .243 or .22-250. I also like the .243 because I could use it deer hunting too, but how loud is it?
 
All are good options! Get one of each and put them in a baseball pitching rotation!
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Do what I did....bought one of each!
A .243 is a "loud" round as well as a great all around caliber.
I have used all 3 to hunt deer as well.
Good luck!
 
The 243 will be loud enough for your neighbors to hear and loud enough to ring your ears, but it will be noticeably quieter than a 30-06.
 
Neither the 243 or the 22/250 will be any quieter than a 06 and the 223 only marginally quieter.

What ranges do you usually get shots at, and are you interested in saving fur?
 
I have a .243 , I dont find the noise too bad. My brother uses a 30.06 on ocassion . He uses the managed recoil rounds , with decent results. Might be the way to go if you are saving up the cash.
 
So Samth, as you can see, all are good choices, each with their own fan club. Probably just as important is what type of firearm you would like to get. I have bolt actions, a pump, a lever action and autos that each have their attractive points and all are accurate enough for hunting. By that I mean they all shoot sub-MOA when I do my part. So, I suggest you get what appeals to you and suits your needs! But, as some have noted, the best plan is to get one of each and have fun wringing them out!
 
Well I don't have the money right now to buy them all, especially since I am just getting into coyote hunting. Maybe after a while I will be able to, but for a starter I just want to get one. I might save the fur on a good one, but I have never tanned anything before. since they all are good calibers it might just come down to which I can find thats the most affordable. Im going to look at some used guns first, but I have also seen good deals on savages. Any ideas on a good bolt action for $500-$600?
 
I have rem700s in all three calibers and coyotes can't tell the difference. As a matter of fact, I suggest you look for all three used and buy the first one that becomes available.
 
Savage is the way to go. Great price with a great trigger. Wouldn't trade mine for any other manufacturer.
 
For a predator rifle on a budget, I went with the Savage Model 11 Trophy Hunter XP in 204 Ruger with a Nikon scope. I paid $515 at the local gun shop.

I can't recommend it enough! Light, good trigger, good action, and awesomely accurate!
 
I have had all three (plus the 220 Swift) The 243 is a good all around round. The 22-250 is a good round but not as versatile. The 223 is cheaper for bulk shooting if you are going to use it for ground squirrels/whistle pigs. All are "center-fire" loud. the 223 a little less so.

All of them do well on coyotes, so it is really a choice between chocolate, strawberry or vanilla. Your pleasure.
 
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