Predator Hunting Beginner......Single shot Rifle OK?

dgblum

dgblum

New member
Hey everyone! Just joined PM last week and have enjoyed reading through and getting used to the forum. I am getting into the predator hunting scene and would like some feed back as far as equipment. I am almost exclusively a bow hunter and don't own a rifle higher than a .22 caliber right now. I have actively been searching the net and researching rifles and with funds being tight like they are for everyone would like to get a rifle as economically as possible. Although not ideal, I am interested in a single shot rifle, probably an H & R. I am leaning towards a .243 caliber to be able to cover a larger variety of game with the rifle.

Any thoughts on the choice of a single shot rifle or the .243 caliber would be appreciated.

Thanks!
Dave
 
My .223 I took out this weekend.
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It shoots about 1/2" at 100 yards. Same as any other hunting, you just have to place your shots. I've got the other end of the spectrum in the shop right now, AR15 with 30 round mags.

.243 is a great caliber, originally designed for preds and varmints, later expanded for deer sized game with heavier bullets. Fine for up through deer, fast and flat.
 
Single shot is okay if that's what you want, but why? Additional challenge or cheaper or what?

As for using the same gun for everything, I tried that route. What I found, with the .243 specifically, was that I wanted to shoot 65-75 gr bullets for coyotes and 100 gr for deer. That meant re-sighting the rifle for every season and that gets to be kind of a drag and it's also harder to practice with. Over time, I found that I like to have 1 gun per bullet and I like to practice with THAT gun just like THAT.

Much depends on your menu, too. I have prairie dogs and elk on the menu and I absolutely do NOT want to shoot prairie dogs with a .243 for very long. And I don't particularly want to hunt elk with a .243. Therefore, I need 2 guns: a .223 for coyote and below and a .280 class rifle for deer and up.

I think if you were going to go one and that's all you were EVER going to have, then a .243 would be fine. But if you can look down the road and see yourself with TWO guns, get a .223 or ___________ (7mm-08, .270, .280, 7mm Rem Mag, .30-06, etc) now, depending on whether you're going to focus on deer or varmints now. Then add the 2nd gun later.

IMHE.
 
NM,

Thanks for the reply. The bullet weight difference between game wasn't something I had given much thought to. I could see how a single bullet weight per gun would be preferred.

My main reason for going with a single shot rifle and the H & R brand would be the cost. I want to purchase a rifle that I can count on tipping over a coyote time and time again for as small a price tag as I can.

Thanks
 
Originally Posted By: dgblumMy main reason for going with a single shot rifle and the H & R brand would be the cost. I want to purchase a rifle that I can count on tipping over a coyote time and time again for as small a price tag as I can.

I hear ya. Even so, there's Stevens and used guns. If you look around and take your time, I'm sure you can easily find something for $400 or less.

I'm a bowhunter, too, and I thought about the single shot route, but what I quickly discovered is that a follow-up shot can sometimes save you a LOT of tracking and make for a more humane kill. You don't HAVE to fire every shot in your magazine- I personally have a 3-shot rule that has been reduced to 2-shots at times. It's kind of like your bow- how many arrows in your quiver?

Just some more ideas.
 
I got my stevens 200 for $300. It shoots great and I can get that quick second shot when needed. They make them in 243. For the money you cant beat it.
 
So another nube chiming in...
I have the .243 and wonder what the lightest bullet weight should be for coyotes. Would the lighter bullets due for Mt Lions? if I have a chance at one?
BC
 
Welcome aboard dgblum, lots of Iowans in here lately. Get that shotgun patterned, it will be useful. First dog I called in I had my rifle, needed the shotgun though. It came in to about 10yds but couldn't get a shot with the 22-250, had I the shotgun I would've stood up and popped him. Called my second dog in last night (actually there were about 2-3 more in the brushline), 25yds when he saw me mounting the shotgun. The rifle was set up next to me, it didn't even get looked at. What part of the state are you in?
 
FYI, the H&R can have multiple barrels fitted. New ones at the factory and you have to send in the receiver or you can fit used ones. New barrels will run around $150 with the fitting, handling, and shipping, depending on caliber if they are in stock. See the Handi threads at Gray Beard Outdoors for a lot of indepth reading on Handi's.

Another viable option is Marlin XS7 or the Stevens 200 rifles with both going for real close to the $300 mark.

Don't forget optics, they cost money too and the better the optic the better off you are going to be, the get what you pay for thing in full effect.
 
Thanks guys. Lots of good info. I might have to give the Stevens or Marlin a look.

Goose,
I am living in the Des Moines area right now. Originally from Carroll. How bout you?
 
Quote:Although not ideal, I am interested in a single shot rifle, probably an H & R. I am leaning towards a .243 caliber to be able to cover a larger variety of game with the rifle.

I would not recommend an HR single shot. My luck with accuracy has not been good. This includes the New England rifles as well. In fact my accuracy was dismal. I want a Ruger number 1 and reports of accuracy being spotty with these rifles are well documented and these rifles cost more than a Savage Bolt. I have really never seen a Savage that was not a good shooter.

If the single shot is bothering you, don't pay that any attention, I rarely ever get more than 1 decent shot anyway.
 
Thanks for the info daddyflea. That's disappointing on the HR accuracy. I would have expected a single shot rifle to have to be stronger in the accuracy dept if you only get one shot. I suppose it's always true......you get what you pay for!
 
I got my son a H&R and the striker assembly broke after a box of shells. I've had a couple others and none would shoot better that 2". I hope I don't make anyone mad by this post, but that's my experience. I don't think you would go wrong with a .243. Winchester makes factory 55gr bt's that are smokin! You can also get some heavier bullets if you want to shoot some yotes way out there!
 
Originally from Spencer, recently moved the Cedar Rapids. Had a NEF in .223 also, won it at a DU banquet. Not much of a shooter really, minute of coyote at 100 if you were on the bench, but I didn't hold too much confidence in it. I upgraded to a 700 spsv in 22-250, but the Stevens looks really nice as well, I would look into that or the new Marlin if you want the .243. If you're calling though, like I said, I'd put your first priority on a shotgun. My rifle still has yet to be useful to me in my coyote pursuits, but I am still an amature. Apparently better at calling them in close than I am at setting up a shot, and/or shooting them!
 
I dont have one, but alot of good is said about the Stevens on here. I would think the extra cost is minor in the face of the bonus of multiple shots and a rifle you can paint up any way you want. Also, I would say a heavy, tough bullet in .243 would kill deer and may not do as much damage to a coyote as a light one. Seen the light ones make a pretty good mess.
 
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