Custom build coyote rifle “left hand” 22-.243 or .22/250 AI

L

lgraham

New member
I’ve always wanted a fast .22 cal centerfire for coyotes. Have had a .223 CZ-527 for awhile but want something with more horsepower. I know this gun will be a “barrel burner” but would like recommendations on what caliber to choose. As of right now I’m leaning towards a 8” twist 24” barrel on a plain .22-.243. For ease of reloading steps and feeding issues. However I’m open to suggestions on cartridge as long as it’s .22 cal. This will be my first wildcat cartridge so simpler might be a little better.

I was leaning toward getting a Remington 700 used and working up a custom from there. However, I really like the feel of the browning x-bolt (thumb safety) and they make one in 22-250 with a 1 in 9” twist. I was thinking I could just AI the barrel and shoot it for awhile and then make a 24” 8 twist barrel for either a 22-250AI or a .22-.243. That way I could get some fun out of buying my donor rifle as opposed to just stripping the barrel off right away. Would the detachable mag of the x-bolt be a hinderance for the .22-.243 or 22-250 AI in the future? Not sure I wanna shoot the super long high BC bullets, mostly under 75 grain. Just confused as being a lefty the options are limited and I don’t want to buy a rifle that’s not worth customizing.
Thanks,
Luke
 
I am putting together a .22-243 and going with it because of the reason you list. I do plan to shoot the long bullets though.For me thats kind of the point.
For economy and ease of finding about whatever you might want for the rifle now or later it's hard to beat a rem 700 in my opinion.
 
220 swift is fast, for reasons. Over bore cartridge for bullet caliber/weight. 1/14 twist(1/12), bullets under 60 grains(usually 50 or less). I don't think any 243 volume case and smaller is "fast" with bullets over 65 grains. But heavy for caliber bullets can handle longer/windy conditions better. Match twist to bullet you want to shoot, select case capacity for velocity.
 
I would go with a fast twist 22 Creed. Better brass options, no wildcatting, and it basically gives me a 22-250 AI without the extra work or throat wear
 
Originally Posted By: xphunterI would go with a fast twist 22 Creed. Better brass options, no wildcatting, and it basically gives me a 22-250 AI without the extra work or throat wear

X2 what xphunter said!

You can use Lapua brass for a 22-250/22-250AI as well as anything based off the 243 case so brass quality is equal in my eyes, but the 22 Creedmoor is a ballistic twin to the 22-250AI except with no fireforming step so for me, I'd go with the 22 CM over a 22-250AI because it involves less work. Even if you step up to a 22-243, it's only a very small gain over the other two.
 
Back
Top