223 vs. 22-250 vs. 243

B

BangFlop

Member
I would like everyones opinion on which is the best all around coyote cartridge? Compare only the following aspects please ... accuracy, flat shooting (ranges say 0-400), fur damage, knock down power, as well as recoil. Factor all these into your decision, which would you choose? It will be in a Tikka T3 Lite Stainless topped with a Leupold VXIII 3.5-10x40.

I would like 1 point left out of the descussion, and that is cost of ammunition, I don't reload, however, this is not an issue.

Thanks for your time, I realize this has more than likely been discussed here numerous times, but I want a more personal opinion.

Steve
 
I have all three, If I had to choose only one of those three with strictly coyotes in mind, and using the perameters you have set forth, I would go with the 22-250 shooting a 55-60 grain bullet.
 
I would choose the 22-250 as it is good from any distance up to 400 yards and is very flat shooting.The 243 just has a little more recoil than I like.I also like the 223 but if I could only have one I would go with the 22-250.
 
Hey BangFlop,
Sounds like your putting together a nice outfit. Here are the barrel twist rates from Tikka's site for the T3 Lite.

.223 - 8"
22-250 - 14"
.243 - 10"

This link has more specs http://www.tikka.fi/ than Beretta's.

Be sure to post a picture of that sweet set up when you get her ! After you choose with the twist rates I posted get some ammo recommendations for the caliber /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grinning-smiley-003.gif

Have fun /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grinning-smiley-003.gif
 
bill1227

I use to have 22-250 Remington BDL with the same scope on it, and loved it. Called and killed a lot of coyotes, but as I'm sure everyone on here has done at least once in there life ... sold a scope they never should have. I wish I had that rifle back. Anyway, I've always had great luck shooting Hornady ammunition out of my rifles. I will probably shoot a 50 or 55 grain V max out of the 22-250 (which is what I'm leaning towards).

Do you or anyone else have and opinions about 50 or 55 grain bullets out of a 250 as far as knock down and overall performance of the kills?

Thanks for your time guys.

Steve
 
Definitely the 22-250 for your purposes.

Your desire for 400 yard shots rules out the .223 Rem.

You don't reload, so the .243 is not a good choice, as this chambering can be pretty picky about its ammo.

The 22-250 is not hard to please with factory fodder. The Hornady stuff you mention should serve you well--but stay with 55 grain and heavier bullets for the longer shots. The 40's start out fast, but they lose energy too quickly to make good kills at longer ranges.

By the way. It won't be long before someone asks why you aren't considering the .204 Ruger. That's a nice little cartridge, but the emphasis should be on "little." The 22-250 will hit harder and certainly more decisively at 400 yards.

Dan
 
22-250 is what my calling rig is....I have all three calibers mentioned. The 223 sports a 6x18x50 scope for long range PD shooting, while both the 22-250 and 243 use a 3x9x40.
 
BangFlop,
So you horse trade rifles too (grin)
The Tikka 22-250 is tight chambered. It will shoot the 55 and 60 grain Hornady really tight for a factory rifle .5 @ 100 / 5 shot in the right hands. As Dan said the 40 some grain's are o.k. for paper at 100 but die off quick at a distance, like trying to throw a playing card.
I use the 55 grain V-Max, which has a pretty good BC, but I am a Ground Hog sniper. I am kind of into the heavy varmint/bench/tactical stuff. For a "lite" sporter type off hand or sticks, calling rifle, personally I may choose the .223
A fast twist heavy .243 is best for truley long distance 500 yard plus,of the 3, in my oppinion. Be it woodchucks or coyotes.
Here's my T3 Varmint 22-250 [image]
IMG_0670.jpg
[/image] and also a picture from this evening in one
of my favorite fields.
[image]
IMG_0703.jpg
[/image]

I think you will be happy with that rifle/scope in either of the 3 calibers. You know your terrain,shots and what you like best. 3 Great calibers.......good luck !
 
I don't have a .223 but would really like to.

I have never met a coyote that could argue with either of my .243s. A real "bang flop" cartridge.

The .22-250 was at first a disappointment for me.

Until I tried the Nosler Ballistic Tip (55 gr.).

If you want to really hammer'em ...... the .243 is much better.

If recoil is a serious factor (as well as pelt damage) then I would go with a .22-250.

Four hundred yards gives the .223 a real push. I don't consider 400 to be good 'ote range though but each to their own.

Three 44s
 
BangFlop, I've been going around in circles with this one myself for the past six months. But I have finally decided on the .223. A Tikka T3 Lite with a Burris Fullfield II 3-9 ballistic plex.
The .223 only lacks the .22-250 by 10-15 percent. Also, the shots you take past 150 yards will be quite minimal. Another main reason I went with the .223 is it is a bit safer. You don't have to worry about a heavy bullet traveling a long ways. That's good for night hunting if you decide. It's also quieter with less recoil. More pelt friendly. Cost might not be an issue, but the .223 will be quite a bit cheaper if you find yourself shooting more than planned. There is more available ammo to choose from.
 
.22-250 with V-max bullets. If you do not hit them in the shoulder, you will more than likely not get a messy hit or an exit wound. Very flat round. I shoot 50gr. moly factory loaded hornady's. Keep in mind though, that I have only shot about 15 coyotes with this set up. Many on here have killed many more.
 
BANG, BONES is right. I do not know where you are from or are hunting. Here in the midwest, I rarely shoot past 150yds. The excepting is when I am lucky enough to see one sleeping or bedding in a water way. This has only happened twice. Most of the time when calling I lip squeak to stop them at 100yds. Sometimes they run into your lap whether you want them too or not. LOL. Makes for some fun with a rifle. LOL.
 
I like the .223, but 400yds is 100yds past what I like to shoot the .223 at. Like Mr. Roberts said though, a 400yd shot is out there anyway for a Yote (unless bedded down).

Never hunted with a 22-250 but have no complaints with it other than the fact that I would have one in my hands calling and a fox would come in at 75yds. Yuck.

I have seen many a varmint go down with a 243. This caliber will put a yote on it's arse with with Authority. It will not be a fur saver round though.
 
Quote:
Sometimes they run into your lap whether you want them too or not. LOL. Makes for some fun with a rifle. LOL.



Some time back, I was sitting at the head of a long ravine with my back up against a tree. I had extra wire strung out from my old JD 512 about 100' further out.....

Maybe 15 minutes after I started the tape... All of a sudden... There's this coyote stand right smack dab in front of me! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif Not more than 5' away! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif He had come over the top of the ridge from behind me and the tree - then stopped right there to take a look at whatever was squeeling away!

I tried not to move..... But..... A split second or two later, he must have caught me breathing - or gasping /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smiliesmack.gif - looked over at me... swapped ends... and was gone!

That was one of those times when I wish I had had a handgun with me instead of a rifle! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused1.gif

me!

P.S.
Hunting mainly the wooded areas in Missouri as I do, the longest shot I've ever taken at a coyote was 125 yards. He was trotting across a field - probably scared him up as I was walking down the levee to my calling spot. Bang-drop with a .243.
 
of the calibers mentioned I wouldn't even consider recoil and all 3 are excellent choices! however I lean towards the .243! I hunt with several guys that carry .223 and 22-250 and I have also used them! but in all the years I hunted I've had 2 coyotes run that were hit with the .243 and they were both heart shot, they didn't go far!
besides I've been known to switch to hog hunting in mid stride and the .243 does a good job there as well!
good luck in what ever you choose!
 
You can't go wrong with any of these three. I have owned all three, and now use only the 223. As other's have said 400yrds is a long shot for any animal with any gun. Depending on where you hunt and what range you may have to shoot at IMHO if most shot's are 300yds or less, than go with the 223, if you get a lot of shot's over 300 go with the 22-250, the 243 would be only if you wanted to use it for deer also.
 


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