Best AR for coyote hunting

B

BangtheGun

New member
we push coyotes with dogs so I see alot of running shots anywhere from point blank to 500 yards.
What caliber ? .223/.243?
Brand? Dpms? Armalite?
Optic? Not looking for a red dot, and would like a wide field of vision

I'm leaning towards the DPMS Bull Twenty (.223) with Nikon Monarch 2.5-10x50 but would like your inisght
 
If I were to hunt them the way you do. Which I don't. I would look at something a little lighter. The bull 20 is a good gun but is heavy as heck. Look more to the light weight barrel option in the 16 to 20in range. As far as the gun brand I would look to the RRA over the dpms. JMO The RRA has alot better trigger. And as far as a scope goes I would take a look at the Burris tac line and go in the 1-4 or 2-7 range. You will have a greater FOV and still be able to take those longer shots. Once again JMO
 
A flattop with 16-18" light to medium barrel with a 2x7x33ish on top. Use proper risers or rings to get scope in proper position. Collapsible stocks are handy. Keep it light, pick your brand out of all the well known ones. Any of them will most likely outshoot you when firing from field positions. 10 round mags are handier and usually have enough capacity for hunting situations if allowed in your state. TTT
 
If you think you like the DPMS Bull twenty (Much like I did before buying my first AR) Look at a Rock River Predator Pursuit or Coyote in a 20" This gun will impress you, I went with the PP and could not be happier. Good Luck on your choice.----Riflemann
 
I'd go with a Rock River Predator Pursuit 16" with a Nikon M223 2-8x32 scope with BDC reticle. That'd be a fast handling, fairly lightweight setup that'd allow quick shooting at all ranges up to 600 or so yards.
 
I'd like to know how (in a hunting situation) anyone is going to kill a moving coyote with a 16" barreled 223 anywhere close to 600 yards. It'd be like winning the lottery. A 223 is pretty light for coyotes when you move past 350-400. After 350 the bullet has a LOT of drop. Since you are shooting at primarily moving coyotes I would want a little more gun. I think a .243 would do great with about a 70 grain bullet. I have an AR 204 Ruger and I'd choose it over a 223 just because with a 40 grain bullet it's much faster and flatter shooting to 500 yards. I've shot a lot of coyotes with my 204 and its a great machine with the harder bullets.
For what you want, I'd go with a 20-22" .243 and a 70 grain Sierra Blitzking.
 
I use the RR Predator Pursuit 20" with Leupold VX111 1.75x6 It does a very good job for me. I think the Bull Barrel is going to get too heavy and the 50mm obj lens too big.
 
LOL maybe so, but I wanted to give a realistic answer to the original question. I have nothing against a 223, but I choose more gun for coyotes when shooting 400+ If I always had a bench rest and shot heavy bullets that'd be different.
 
have to a agree with ryutzy. go with a 243. and if you have to have it in an Ar get the 243wssm. more then willing to take them long shots. super flat shooting. and very accurate.
 
definently not more then 2-7x on the scope. 1-4 will be lacking in power past 300 but ideal for runners inside 100. 1.75-6x32 leupy could be nice.
 
Hear what you're saying. But realisticly I would say save your money and buy a faster dog.But I would never say that out loud. Opps....
 
The average person couldn't tell the difference between 300 and 400 yds on a moving animal, let alone going out to 500 yds on a moving target.
I have the Burris 1x4 tactical and it works very well out to 300 yards. Not on moving targets though, due to my shooting skills on moving targets at long distances. Took a rock squirrel at 295 with it and it works great for running sots under 50 for me.
 
Originally Posted By: Jack RobertsRunning shots at 3-500 yards are BS.

Jack

Not always...
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I like Tim's signature line: "Don't listen to me, my experience means nothing."

Everyone who has hunted coyotes with hounds and knows what it would be like carrying around an 11 pound gun, raise your hand...

Staying light and quick is way more important than the small amount of times you'll wish you had more gun or a longer barrel. With hounds any hit that draws blood usually equals a dead coyote, so sling the lead. With rounds at 50 cents a piece and no down side there's not a big incentive to not give it a go when given the chance.

If someone's not comfortable making longer shots at moving game, then don't take the shots, but calling BS on others who do it??? Really? What the heck does that add to the conversation? Shots at longer ranges when you've got the visibility - and especially with follow up shots that an automatic offers - isn't as small a possibility as it's made out to be.
 
Originally Posted By: Tim NeitzkeOriginally Posted By: Jack RobertsRunning shots at 3-500 yards are BS.

Jack

Not always...
wink.gif


I'll give you 3 to 4 Tim but past that I'm with Jack on this one!!
 
Originally Posted By: ryutzyI'd like to know how (in a hunting situation) anyone is going to kill a moving coyote with a 16" barreled 223 anywhere close to 600 yards. It'd be like winning the lottery.

Hitting them moving at 600 yards with ANY barrel length and caliber is into the darn lucky department in my opinion.
 
Originally Posted By: catwhackerOriginally Posted By: Tim NeitzkeOriginally Posted By: Jack RobertsRunning shots at 3-500 yards are BS.

Jack

Not always...
wink.gif


I'll give you 3 to 4 Tim but past that I'm with Jack on this one!!

Laffin....Jim I'm closer to the 300 mark. I've been lucky a time or 2 and with a bolt gun noless !
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