IDFreebird
New member
Thanks for posting the Ballistics, I was under the impression the 6.5 shot a little flatter than the 223.
Poll of Best one gun Coyote round?
- Thread starter IDFreebird
- Start date
Originally Posted By: dmpowder
You will not be able to beat a .223 when you factor in everything! So if you want to keep the pelts stick with a .223.Please explain this to me. Cousin shot over 50 coyotes last year with 175gr smk out of his 308 because mange is a problem. Three guys, 223, 243WSSM and 308. He only had about 4 that were to damaged to sell. Is a 308 the best...heck no, but I'd like to know how you say that a 223 is unbeatable. Not saying you're wrong, I just don't know the reason you feel this way. Our three different calibers had no measurable difference in fur damage. My feeling is that bullets make the difference, not guns.
Originally Posted By: HoskinsDang CBASS....you got something that don't just kill em'...it will also skin it for u as well.
I don't have one, its another one of those "I want" things. My father and I are looking at Moose tags next year, and I've been looking to build an elk caliber set up for some time. (planning a 7mmSAUM AR10 style upper)
My uncle shoots the M99 Barret in .416 and my cousin looks to inherit it one day. We've got a place to shoot 1200+ yards and not only would the 338 work quite well for elk, it would just be fun to sling lead that far. It's another one of those posts that I don't come here asking for input on because it just doesn't make sense to ask here.
You will not be able to beat a .223 when you factor in everything! So if you want to keep the pelts stick with a .223.Please explain this to me. Cousin shot over 50 coyotes last year with 175gr smk out of his 308 because mange is a problem. Three guys, 223, 243WSSM and 308. He only had about 4 that were to damaged to sell. Is a 308 the best...heck no, but I'd like to know how you say that a 223 is unbeatable. Not saying you're wrong, I just don't know the reason you feel this way. Our three different calibers had no measurable difference in fur damage. My feeling is that bullets make the difference, not guns.
Originally Posted By: HoskinsDang CBASS....you got something that don't just kill em'...it will also skin it for u as well.
I don't have one, its another one of those "I want" things. My father and I are looking at Moose tags next year, and I've been looking to build an elk caliber set up for some time. (planning a 7mmSAUM AR10 style upper)
My uncle shoots the M99 Barret in .416 and my cousin looks to inherit it one day. We've got a place to shoot 1200+ yards and not only would the 338 work quite well for elk, it would just be fun to sling lead that far. It's another one of those posts that I don't come here asking for input on because it just doesn't make sense to ask here.
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Agreed with the bullet statement but like I said if you factory in everything you can't beat the .223!
Think ammo cost, recoil, and where can you buy the ammo, cost of the AR (remember the OP is talking about AR platform here).
Unless someone can show me where to buy a AR10 or a .204 AR for under $600 I will retract my statement!
Think ammo cost, recoil, and where can you buy the ammo, cost of the AR (remember the OP is talking about AR platform here).
Unless someone can show me where to buy a AR10 or a .204 AR for under $600 I will retract my statement!
Got ya. Yes, if your limited to the AR platform...like he asked.
And you want a coyote rifle...like he asked.
The 223 is hard to beat, FOR THE PRICE OF AMMO.
But he didn't put price as a limiting factor, you did.
If you limit yourself to a $600 gun, and cheap, bulk ammo, the 223 may be where to look, he just wanted to know what rounds we would use for killing a coyote out of an AR...in which case the 223 is easy to beat.
And you want a coyote rifle...like he asked.
The 223 is hard to beat, FOR THE PRICE OF AMMO.
But he didn't put price as a limiting factor, you did.
If you limit yourself to a $600 gun, and cheap, bulk ammo, the 223 may be where to look, he just wanted to know what rounds we would use for killing a coyote out of an AR...in which case the 223 is easy to beat.
scottmilk9
New member
After 500yds you will start seeing the difference, but this is a coyote hunting topic so I'll get off my soap box and go back on track.
I like the 6.5/.264, but like Cbass and most folks said, a .223 is hard to beat.
I like the 6.5/.264, but like Cbass and most folks said, a .223 is hard to beat.
Chupathingy
New member
Here is what puts the .223 at the top of my list.
If I drive 30 minutes or more and get to where I'm gonna hunt and realize.....Oops, forgot my ammo at the house. I can go into the local hardware store, Wal-mart or Flower shop and find a green box that has .223 ammo in it that is "Hunting Accurate" and do the job. If I do that with my 6x45, I'm S.O.L.
Performance wise, the .223 is easy to beat, bucket loads of chamberings out there that can do what the .223 can do.....and do it better. But .223 ammo is everywhere like cockroaches. And they all will get the job done.
Chupa
If I drive 30 minutes or more and get to where I'm gonna hunt and realize.....Oops, forgot my ammo at the house. I can go into the local hardware store, Wal-mart or Flower shop and find a green box that has .223 ammo in it that is "Hunting Accurate" and do the job. If I do that with my 6x45, I'm S.O.L.
Performance wise, the .223 is easy to beat, bucket loads of chamberings out there that can do what the .223 can do.....and do it better. But .223 ammo is everywhere like cockroaches. And they all will get the job done.
Chupa
Like Chupathing said you can find .223 every where.
6.5/264 you can't find at Walmart, my local Walmart doesn't even stock .204 rounds! Not even sure if Cabelas sells loaded 6.5 ammo? (Haven't checked since I don't buy loaded ammo but they don't list any on their website!)
Scott: How about a 243wssm it preforms better then the 6.5?? How many people hunt coyotes at 500 yards?? But like you said its not a which is better topic that it is turning into!
I love the little .223 and the 6.5./264 both along with many others. We all know there are a million better rounds out there then the .223 and the 6.5!
So to sum it up since he just asked which one if we could only have one I MYSELF would take a .223 since I know I won't break the bank shooting it and if I'm not around my press I could still get ammo. And if a red fox or bobcat came out I know I wouldn't blow it up since they pay more then coyotes anyways!
Now in dream land give me a AR in a 338edge with a S&B scope!
6.5/264 you can't find at Walmart, my local Walmart doesn't even stock .204 rounds! Not even sure if Cabelas sells loaded 6.5 ammo? (Haven't checked since I don't buy loaded ammo but they don't list any on their website!)
Scott: How about a 243wssm it preforms better then the 6.5?? How many people hunt coyotes at 500 yards?? But like you said its not a which is better topic that it is turning into!
I love the little .223 and the 6.5./264 both along with many others. We all know there are a million better rounds out there then the .223 and the 6.5!
So to sum it up since he just asked which one if we could only have one I MYSELF would take a .223 since I know I won't break the bank shooting it and if I'm not around my press I could still get ammo. And if a red fox or bobcat came out I know I wouldn't blow it up since they pay more then coyotes anyways!
Now in dream land give me a AR in a 338edge with a S&B scope!
Originally Posted By: dmpowder How many people hunt coyotes at 500 yards??
Cousin and I called in 3 dogs a couple weeks ago. Two stayed out at 700yds at the edge of the corn field. Took the one that stopped at 85 yds and when he was shot...the other two took off.
Sure enough, two more nasty mangy coyotes popped out of the tree line to see what all the shooting was about, but wouldn't come any closer. 410m from me, and almost 500m from him.
Cousin didn't have his ballistic chart finalized for that range since he was using his new 22-250, but wanted to take the shot to get a long range kill on video with his sponsored suppressor. Shot fell just short and they never came back out.
My 243WSSM was itching for a chance, and I feel it could have been a double long range kill for myself considering I know my ballistics for my rifle at that range.
Do people HUNT coyotes at 500...probably not, but we sure as hello shoot them that far if we have get to.
Cousin and I called in 3 dogs a couple weeks ago. Two stayed out at 700yds at the edge of the corn field. Took the one that stopped at 85 yds and when he was shot...the other two took off.
Sure enough, two more nasty mangy coyotes popped out of the tree line to see what all the shooting was about, but wouldn't come any closer. 410m from me, and almost 500m from him.
Cousin didn't have his ballistic chart finalized for that range since he was using his new 22-250, but wanted to take the shot to get a long range kill on video with his sponsored suppressor. Shot fell just short and they never came back out.
My 243WSSM was itching for a chance, and I feel it could have been a double long range kill for myself considering I know my ballistics for my rifle at that range.
Do people HUNT coyotes at 500...probably not, but we sure as hello shoot them that far if we have get to.
IDFreebird
New member
Thanks for the info! Looks like the 223 is winning out...
Does the 6.5 do better at longer ranges?
Does the 6.5 do better at longer ranges?
Originally Posted By: IDFreebirdThanks for the info! Looks like the 223 is winning out...
Does the 6.5 do better at longer ranges?
"longer ranges" is a subjective term that gets thrown around here WAY to often. "Longer ranges" means nothing. That's like going to the bank and trying to make a withdrawal for "lots of money"
Are we talking 200? 400? 600? 800? or 1000+? (yes people shoot that far with a .223)
Also, when you say 6.5 are you referring to a Grendel? (it matters A LOT) or some other 6.5 caliber?
At any rate, yes, the 6.5 GRENDEL performs much better at long range. It was designed for it.
Does the 6.5 do better at longer ranges?
"longer ranges" is a subjective term that gets thrown around here WAY to often. "Longer ranges" means nothing. That's like going to the bank and trying to make a withdrawal for "lots of money"
Are we talking 200? 400? 600? 800? or 1000+? (yes people shoot that far with a .223)
Also, when you say 6.5 are you referring to a Grendel? (it matters A LOT) or some other 6.5 caliber?
At any rate, yes, the 6.5 GRENDEL performs much better at long range. It was designed for it.
Where the grendel shines is ability to keep a bullet supersonic out past 1000yd. All done in the smaller AR15 platform. The first thing most will look at when looking at a new cartridge are MV's. sure, 2600-2800 may seem rather slow in varmit/predator world. But the 6.5 bullets are very slippery. the grendel really shines with the 123 lapuas (BC .55 or so). Out of the barrel its moving along at 2600 or so, but 700 yards later its still clipping along @ 1600. Its a very efficient cartridge with a rather small amount of powder burnt. Barrel life is excellent also.
coyote6974
New member
I chose the 6.8 SPC for my calling AR. Very accurate, with lots of energy. I'm getting 2880 FPS from my 16" SPCII 1-11 twist barrel with 90 grain bullets. I've shot about a dozen coyotes with it and haven't torn up one yet. If I could have only one AR for predators.. this is it.
Hoskins
New member
Though never coyote hunted and I'm still in the research and education phase before I set out on my first hunt. My current plans is to use my RRA M4 in .223 around here in the thick swamp, hardwoods, and small fields of costal NC. 200 to 300 yard MAX shots will be the norm so that range is well w/n the means of the .223 w/ a 16" barrel. For areas, especially back home in Ky where I will be hunting on areas of open/old strip mined mountian tops, I'll be using my Savage 10 FP in .308 WIN.
Originally Posted By: brramerI have to vote for the 22-250. very few runners and spinners
How many company's sell 22-250 in a AR platform??? Please start at page 1!
IDFreebird: I would suggest you look up all the mention calibers above (ex.22-250) and find out what round would work the best for your area! If you hunt wide open fields like we have around here grab a 6.5/264 and don't look back. Make sure you invest in reloading stuff at the same time. If you hunt around alot of houses where you won't have the room to put the legs of the 6.5/264 to use what is the point?
by the way cbass your AR in the sling thread sure is pretty!
mind sharing the specs?
How many company's sell 22-250 in a AR platform??? Please start at page 1!
IDFreebird: I would suggest you look up all the mention calibers above (ex.22-250) and find out what round would work the best for your area! If you hunt wide open fields like we have around here grab a 6.5/264 and don't look back. Make sure you invest in reloading stuff at the same time. If you hunt around alot of houses where you won't have the room to put the legs of the 6.5/264 to use what is the point?
by the way cbass your AR in the sling thread sure is pretty!
IDFreebird
New member
You all are really just no good at this consensus thing! j/k
I got a great deal on a r-15 in 223 ($700) so I go that and then ordered a 6.5 from Scott... Best of both worlds!
Thank You Guys for the Info!
I got a great deal on a r-15 in 223 ($700) so I go that and then ordered a 6.5 from Scott... Best of both worlds!
Thank You Guys for the Info!