Hello everyone. I used to visit these forums on a daily basis back when I was a younger kid chasing after eastern coyotes. I joined the Marine Corps in 2012 and I'm just now getting back in the field and trying to pursue some dogs. My current situation is I am stationed in California. I have an awesome bushmaster m4 that I would love to use but to my knowledge it's illegal to posses out here. So I purchased a savage 93R17. I found some great spots to hunt near by however I'm starting to have buyers remorse. I feel like I may have a few coyotes hang up around 5 or 600 yards and just watch me. I really don't think the .17 could make an accurate and ethical shot at anything exceeding 200 yards. So I want to buy a .223 long rifle. I also have a 30-06 but I don't want to blow a hole the size of Texas in these coyotes. So I'm on the fence as to which gun to use. Does anyone have any advice?
.223, .17 hmr or 30-06
- Thread starter Josh1271
- Start date
Keep the .17 HMR. I wouldn't use it on coyotes, but it's the perfect small game caliber IMO. You already have a .223 AR (even though you can't use it in Commiefornia) so I would say either get a .223 bolt action, or as Greg said, get a .243. Save the 30-06 for big game. You should be pretty well rounded after that.
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C'mon Greg...the 223 Rem is far from marginal on coyotes. That is just silly and you know it.
As to the OP's problems, you need to work on your sets and get the better shot...not up the chambering and slinging lead. I realize every Marine is a rifleman first, but the constant 500-600 yard shots is not what it is about.
As to the OP's problems, you need to work on your sets and get the better shot...not up the chambering and slinging lead. I realize every Marine is a rifleman first, but the constant 500-600 yard shots is not what it is about.
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Haha pahntr you're right!! I forgot all about the .243 I used to own one back when I was a kid. I like the idea of the .223 because I already own the m4 and it shoots .223 and 5.56. I think I'll look into the 243. That's a great gun for longer shots I don't know how that slipped my mind. Well guys I appreciate the help. Stay tuned for some pics of my hunt this weekend. Hopefully it's a success
Do you plan on saving fur on coyotes,bobcats or foxes? If not I'd go with the .243 loaded up with Hornady 58gr. Superformance. It'll tear coyotes up something fiercely bad but they don't go anywhere when they get hit with one. If they're hit right of course. For fur saving on cats and yotes the .223 will work and you already have a .17 for foxes if you plan on saving the pelt.
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Sorry I just noticed you said you're not wanting to tear them up. I'm going to suggest maybe looking into a 22-250. In my opinion it's a hard caliber to beat for predators and varmints. It's flat shooting and for the most part it's pretty good on fur. Again it all depends where you hit them. I've tore coyotes up with a .223 by hitting them in the guts or through the back bone. If you hit them solid instead of hitting the edges it'll be fine. On broadside shots you'll get some pass throughs with a 55gr. V-Max but it shouldn't be too bad.
Originally Posted By: pahntr760C'mon Greg...the 223 Rem is far from marginal on coyotes. That is just silly and you know it.
As to the OP's problems, you need to work on your sets and get the better shot...not up the chambering and slinging lead. I realize every Marine is a rifleman first, but the constant 500-600 yard shots is not what it is about.
I meant at 500 or so.
The Force would have to be strong with the shooter to make them work consistently if a guy wanted to take fur. IMHO
A 243 WIN alternative would be a 243 LBC. That BC is going to be the key with some weight behind it.
Greg
As to the OP's problems, you need to work on your sets and get the better shot...not up the chambering and slinging lead. I realize every Marine is a rifleman first, but the constant 500-600 yard shots is not what it is about.
I meant at 500 or so.
A 243 WIN alternative would be a 243 LBC. That BC is going to be the key with some weight behind it.
Greg
TripleDeuce660
Active member
.243 or .223. Keep in mind that in couple years predator hunting and everything else in the entire state will require lead free ammo. Lead free for small game like jacks and cottons starts JULY 1 2016!
Even in the wide open desert most shots are inside 150 yards. Sure, you could get a 600 yard shot, but more likely it will slink through the terrain till it is much closer. I miss more cuz I should of had a shotgun than because it was too far away.
Even in the wide open desert most shots are inside 150 yards. Sure, you could get a 600 yard shot, but more likely it will slink through the terrain till it is much closer. I miss more cuz I should of had a shotgun than because it was too far away.
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