Coyote gun: Browning .243 WSSM or Savage Predator 22-250....

kilk14

kilk14

New member
Hey guys,

I'm currently using a Colt H-bar elite for my coyote gun, but would like to get a bolt action rifle to replace it. I love the AR, but need some extra cash. How would the .243 WSSM do on coyotes? How is the accuracy with heavier bullets? The one I'm looking at is a Browning A-bolt composite stalker, used one year for $489.

My other option is a Savage Predator in a .22-250. I would like a lighter gun for carrying than this, but if accuracy is going to be an issue with the Browning I don't mind a few extra pounds.

Fire away with your opinions. Thanks in advance!!!!!

Also, if you know anyone that wants a VERY NICE H-bar elite, send them my way.
 
If it were me I would just opt for the 243Rem in a bolt gun, no need to do the WSSM. Then it's legal for deer, in South Dakota the 22-250 may be legal I don't know. Anyway the 243 is hands down a better long range coyote gun and if you want to get into one inexpensively look at the Stevens line. They don't cost much and after deer season you should find several available. I would keep the AR and pickup a Stevens. Over time you could add better things to the Stevens like trigger, stock etc. Then you can have your cake and eat it too /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused1.gif Why not?
 
I am no expurt on the 243 WSSM, so that alone would drive me to the 22/250 because it is a tried and true cartridge.
The 243 WSSM is not selling too well these days, and hopefully some of the guys that shoot that same rifle and cartridge to give you some hands on advise on that gun and cartridge.

I would not hesitate on the Browning Bolt with a 243. I have had 3 Browning A bolts and all of them were very accurate rifles in 270 and Two 7 Mags.

The SAvage predator is one heck of a gun, as one fellow on this forum just pointed out to us, freefloated barrel, pillars underneath the action, great trigger, and large bolt knob, and the Savage accuracy is a given.

Good luck on your new truck gun.
 
I would not go with the .22-250 for deer, thats just not enough bullet IMO. I know they will work but I believe the .243 is a better choice.
 
currently there are no more new WSSM's being chambered, so that says to me finding ammo in the future will be non existant, its a definate no if you don't handload
 
I own a Browning 243 wssm and it has to be my favorite gun right now. Its a very compact, light rifle that lays the smack down on coyotes way out there and has laid a few deer on the ground as well. This gun is plenty "accurate" for hunting (easily shoots 1 1/2 groups with factory rounds). That being said, I load my own ammo and buy 1000 pieces of brass at a time when Graf's put them on sale for $9.99/100 (have about 10,0000 pieces right now, should last me the rest of my life and give my son plenty to load). If you only shoot factory rounds, go with the 22-250, lots available. 243 wssm ammo is still widely available around here, but may not always be the case. It will probably see the same fate as the 220 Swift encountered when it came out, being shot down by the press and "experts" until it almost died out. Winchester will be firing up the Model 70 again here in the near future, I was told there "could possibly" be some special runs of the 243 wssm caliber, but I wouldn't hold my breath. I think the 243 wssm will be around for a long time to come, if for no other reason due to it immense popularity/success in the AR-15 type platform.
 
ive had my winchetser model 70 in 243 wssm for about a year now, i love the gun, its light weight, and its fairly accurate. but unless your realoading i wouldnt get it. unless i make a long trip to bass pro ( only 25$ a box 55gr BST) i have to pay 35$ a box locally. i love the round, but im selling mine and getting a remington 700 sps varmint in 243 win due the the variety of factory ammuntion i can choose from, and the ballistics are too close to notice.
 
I have quite a few WSM's and they are here to stay!!!!!! Despite how much certain people on boards want them to go. I will say the down side is Winchester Ammo being one of the main producers of the shorts Mags. I personally hate Winchester factory ammo and unless its a 300 WSM or 270 WSM (which Remington, Federal,etc. make) Winchester is the main company that sells them. If you are a reloader I would say for sure buy one. They are very good caliber and are ballistically superior to regular non-magnum and regular magnum calibers. Ask Mike at Dtech what he sells the most of on his new AR's. You hardly ever/never hear anyone who owns a WSM or WSSM complain. Its always the people who sit around and talk in "theory" or tell stories about bad experiences from a buddy or some other family member which turns out to be just heresy. Try one out.....and If all these junky Remington Ultra Mags and Weatherby mags are still around after years with more expensive ammo I think a lot of things will go before the WSM.
 
I'll also bet you $1000 to $.05 that if they were to quit making these rifles, which they never will, it'd be the people that's bashing them now trying to buy one... cause the market was low and they weren't many around. Like the 220 swift craze now!!!!
 
I just got a Predator Hunter yesterday. Broken it in today and couldn't BELIEVE the groups. 4 in the same raged hole a 1 1/8in away. 5 shot group. Simply amazing.
 
Back
Top