Need a new Predator Hunting rifle

EasternPredHunter

EasternPredHunter

New member
Alright just like my 870 topic here it comes for rifles.
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I would like the bottom of the line repeating rifle(bolt,semi,...) that would fit in a $350 budget, but still not be a total piece of junk? I want it to be able to produce 2" groups @ 200 yds., if I do my part. I am wanting a .243. I do understand there is really no direct answer for this, but some recommendations are greatly appreciated!!
 
I would go with a Savage axis. I've seen this rifle shoot well under 1" MOA with factory ammo. Plus you can get this setup with a scope for under $350.
 
Stevens 200
Savage axis
You could probably find a used rem700 for 400$ and it would be a better rifle than te others I listed. IMO

The Stevens 200 uses the savage 10/110 action so stocks, triggers, etc are readily available for it should you decide to customize or upgrade it
 
Savage would be My reccomendation as well, not many Manufacturers offer a rifle that shoots as well for the same price. You may find a deal somewhere on a different brand. Good luck.
 
Another suggestion is the marlin xl7, my gf has one in .243. Haven't shot it yet but it feels a lot nicer than the axis and Stevens. It has an adjustable trigger too
 
I think that if this is a dedicated predator rifle ... you should choose a different caliber.

22-250 or a 204 would be a better choice IMO. Good luck
 
Stevens or Savage. I'd go with a Savage model other than the Axis though like the Model 110 or 10 because you can rebarrel those pretty easily if you ever want to. You may be able to get a good deal on a used Savage. I've had the 110 in .243 for close to 60 years. Also have a Savage in .260 Remington. I like the wood and the stock dimensions on the older Savages better than the newer ones. I have yet to meet a Savage/Stevens rifle that wasn't a good shooter out of the box with factory and handloads.
 
I've got a few 243s that won't shoot too. Miss the penny a d circle everytime. 243 is about as perfect as a do-all predator round ever. Especially if not saving fur. Fast, flat, load up, down, w/e you want it to do

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Rb I gotta know? What do you mean by that comment?
 
I would have to agree if no deer or other medium size game on the menu then why .243? You also seem to be back east and that usualy means the added range of .243 is probably not needed.

.223 vmax or sp cost about 1/3 the price of .243. You can practice 3 times as much with the gun for the same price. You likely will shoot better with more time behind the trigger.
 
I love my .243, and it is a Savage. Very accurate and reliable. I shoot 55 grainer's for coyotes and 95's for whitetails. My brother in law killed a nice black bear with his .243 last year. Check out the trajectory of the .243 , it is very impressive.
 
Gary, it's just personnel preference.

I have always felt that I could shoot smaller caliber rifles better than their big brothers. I might be the only person like that, IDK.

When the OP states that it will be a dedicated predator rifle, I feel that a 22-250 or 204 is enough for the task at hand.
 
Originally Posted By: TripleDeuce660I would have to agree if no deer or other medium size game on the menu then why .243? You also seem to be back east and that usualy means the added range of .243 is probably not needed.

.223 vmax or sp cost about 1/3 the price of .243. You can practice 3 times as much with the gun for the same price. You likely will shoot better with more time behind the trigger.

Very true.

I'm just not to convinced of the killing power of a .223(ok,everybody can laugh
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If I can get someone to convince me that this round is as accurate and deadly on 70lb coyotes as the .243, I may buy one.
 
.223 will kill any coyote that you care to shoot at within reasonable shooting distance.

The .243 does the same only it does it all with more authority
 
That's a coywolf sized dog. Like stated 243 should do it with authority. Many guys shooting 100lb+ deer at long range with 223 AI's. It's all in shot placement and bullet selection. Nothing wrong with shooting predators with a 223. As for the original question, Stevens 200 is hard to beat for the price. Seen several calibers of them at Academy the other year around $180, see them new around here for $300. Very versatile and buildable. I'm actually looking into doing a 17 Remington build off of that action if I can swing it
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