What gun/ caliber to use for predator?????

skeet987

skeet987

New member
I am tryin to figure out what gun to use for predator hunting. I just recently got into to hunting coyotes, bobcat,fox. I live in West Virgina. The terrain differs here to where i might only have a 25 yd shot then go to the next stand and have a 300 yd shot. I want a gun that can reach out and grab something from a good distance but not blow up the pelt at close range. I've been debating between the 223.22-250 and the 243. Remington has over/under 12ga/223 model spr94. that seems like a happy medium but i dont know how well they shoot. Please help!!!!!
 
I would go with a .223, mainly for the availiability of ammo, and with little to no recoil you can see your hits through your scope. If you do your part the .223 will work easily .out to 300 yards.

I think I would shy away from the .223/12ga.
No I dont have any first hand experience with these but It just dosent seem like it would be all that accurate.

But any caliber you picked out of what you listed are tried and true varmint whackers and wil surely get he job done. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grinning-smiley-003.gif
 
I have the Baikal which is the same gun as the SPR94. I could never make up my mind between the rifle or shotgun, so now I don't have to. I have taken 1 gray fox so far and 1 groundhog. Both off the shooting sticks. The groundhog was 127yds through the chest, the fox about 80yds at night through the neck. I haven't gotten the right fox friendly load yet, but I'm getting close. It is heavy and mine is plenty accurate. I can usually keep it under an inch with most handloads and some factory ammo. As for the 223 being big enough, I believe a well placed shot will drop anything you'll come across here in the east. Is it too big, only on the little foxes at times. The other calibers you mention will definately leave big holes in most all predators. The 223 is very versatile and handloading will leave many options. As for the 300yds, scope it well and buy good rings and it should be coyote accurate that far, mine has taken beer cans at 200yds. with a 4x-12x-50mm scope /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif.
 
Thanx for all the tips. If anyone else has anything to add i'd be glad to hear it. Also if anyone has any tips on calling or stands or anything that might help find those predators i'd be glad to hear that as well. I've just started predator hunting a couple months ago so i could use some tips. out of ten stands i've seen 5 yotes over 400yds away. seemed to be runin deer so i dont think there was anything i could have done anyway. Have a good day.
 
Any one mentioned will surely get the job done out to 300 yds. I use a 22-250 with a 50 gr BT. Exits through the slats are the size of a nickle. Hitting big bone with any of the ones you mentioned is a different story....

JD338
 
That SPR would be the ticket if you can find one I have heard they are tied up in customs since they are imported by Remington. Somthing about the saftey not passing the drop test for imported firearms .
 
I would use 223, 22-250, or 220 swift. I would stay away from 243. It seems to be pretty hard on pelts. It is an awesome cartridge dont get me wrong. The swift is even a little hard on them but better than the 24s IMO.
 


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