varmints & coyotes

DaRoosta

I've been asked by some friends, who are also business associates of mine, to join them on their coyote hunts. I have a Ruger M77 Mk-II in .223. It's the standard 22" barrel, blued/wood version with a Leupoold 3x9x40 Vari-XIII on top.My question is, should I invest in a varmint rifle and/or maybe a more powerful scope since I think this is something I'm going to get hooked on rather quickly, or should I stick with the Mark-II?They mentioned they set up some kind of distress call box about 200-yds away, so I'm assuming the range is going to be 200-yds plus or minus.If you were to buy something different, what would it be? I'd like to stay below $1500, which gives quite a bit of range. I would also like to stick with factory ammo, so the .223 is probably a bit more cost effective, but I'm open for other suggestions. Thanks.

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JWhite2399@cs.com

idsman75

There are differing opinions on the perfect caliber for hunting coyotes. A .223 cartrige loaded with the proper bullet will suffice nicely. However, some prefer .22-250 and the list goes on. When you are looking at taking shots at extended ranges, the optics are just as important as the rifle. I would spend less on a rifle and more on optics if I were to endeavor such a purchase. Take a look at the Savage 112 with a 26" bull barrel if you are considering a .22-250. The trigger pull will leave something to be desired but that can be easily remedied by a quality replacement and you will still have enough left over for proper optics and possibly a bi-pod if that interests you. This is a heavier setup and would not be "perfect" if you need to hike a ways to your hunting location. If you are looking for something in .223 also consider the Savage 10 FP Tactical. It is a so-called "sniper" type of tactical rifle and will drive tacks. I say "sniper" because it is a term that is used loosely to describe a rifle when it is actually the man that makes the sniper. I believe that Savage embodies the best possible cross between affordability/quality/accuracy. The trigger pull will need work or replacement to truly perfect the package and make it the ultimate in shooting enjoyability. Don't cut corners when it comes to optics, rings and bases and a Savage rifle will serve you well. If you like Ruger rifles, check out the Ruger K77VT. These are also great shooters from what I have been told by their owners and what I have read. However, I have no experience with them and they will cost slightly more than a Savage. However, I cannot attest to their trigger pull since I have never fired one. If the trigger pull of a Ruger K77VT is good out-of-the-box then this may be the better buy.Any Ruger fans out there than can attest to the trigger pull of the afore-mentioned rifles? [This message has been edited by idsman75 (edited 03-12-2002).]

1022man

The 223 is a great choice for coyote. The rifle and scope combo you all ready have should fit the bill fine. I'm not much of a fan of the super high power 22's as in 220 and 22-250. Most coyote hunters hunt at night, and here in the east you just have to be real sure of where your bullet goes. I've used everything from a 22mag to a 303 british.

JustC

remington 700vssf in 22-250. $650Burris 6-24x44 w/target knobs $485Rings and bases $100that puts you well below $1500 and I guarantee you, a missed shot is operator error at 350yds+

coyote-man

With the 223 using the 50gr. bullet it would probably be ok for most shooting to 200yrds. But not very good if shooting against strong winds, for this little bullet will slow down rather fast as compared to a 22-250.I have had a Sako in a 223 and 5 22-250's and I would take a 22-250 over a 223 any day for hunting coyotes. I am having one put together with my 700BDL action & Shilen barrel,should be here fairly soon.Here is thought to ponder on: Ask some of the top precison gunsmiths in the country as to what factory action that they prefer to work on in building a rile-98% agree, Rem.700.

JustC

and the ones that don't agree can surely send me all the 700 actions they don't want.Well put coyote-man, we are in total agreement.

DaRoosta

Thanks for all the input. I didn't realize the 22-250 was such a long-range, flat shooter. It will soon find it's place next to the others in the family.

modoc

I will have to agree on the 22-250 as it is what I shoot along with a 220 swift but don't believe all the hogwash about the rem 700 being the most used action.I'll bet a thousand bucks that there are more 98 Mausers in custom rifles than any other.Any of you rem lovers like to take me up on that statement???rems are very good actions if you have plenty of time between shots but the slam feed lack a bit in fast handleing.Loading two rounds at a time when there is but one chamber causes serious trama,plus getting your * eaten.modoc

coyote-man

modoc,What I was refering to on the action was; 98% of PRECISION shooters opt for the Rem. 700 action. I did not say that there were more custom rifles built on Rem. actions. By precision shooters I mean "competition" shooting, if it's 100 yards to 1000 yards - the Rem. action is the preferred choice other than a "custom" action.

He Dog

I personally would try the sport a bit with the .223 before investing $1500 in a set up I might not use. I have never pulled a Ruger trigger that I did not hate, and I have replaced all of mine, but yours should work for a few sessions. Then when you upgrade you will not be a novice and can bring some experience as well as research to making your selection.

Teamblue

I agree that you should try it with the .223 first and see if it suits for the ranges encountered. Also I am a big fan of the Ruger M77. Having said that I have had 3 of them and had all three triggers tuned by a 'smith because from the factory they are rough.

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Dave G

Don't forget about a .243 loaded with 70-85 gr bullets. With 60 or 70 gr bullets, it is as flat as a 22-250, bucks the wind better, and can double as a deer/pronghorn rig if loaded up with 100 gr bullets.Unless you are using a Sako or CZ action, you will likely be humping around a .223 built on a .243/.308 length action anyway.CoyoteMan- give me a shout. I'm putting together a coyote rig on a Sako A1 in .223. I would like to know how yours shoots.

groundhog devastation

Da Roosta, You've got all you need to start with, HOWEVER!!! As some people have already stated, the 700 action is preferred to build something on. The 22-250 is undoubtedly one of the most remarkable calibers anybody ever came up with!! When you get ready to upgrade your varmint gun, you should consider a 22-250 in whatever configuration you want!! As far as I'm concerned it is the top of the heap in the 22s. That's coming from someone who shoots a 222Mag built on a 700 action with a 40-X barrel. No I wouldn't trade the one I shoot for a 250 tonight, but If I build a new one tomorrow it will be a 250!!! Also I should have in my hands by Friday an XP-100 in 223. I'm kinda on the edge of my seat to try it out on coyotes and groundhogs here in the east. And for all who want to know or give a FRA, its an old model XP, not a repeater.

DaRoosta

Now this is becoming a dilemma. I was all ready to throw down some good hard-earned cash for a varmint setup, but now seem to be talking myself out of it. I think everyone who suggested I try it out with my Ruger .223 is probably on the course I will now most likely take.I checked out a couple Savage varminters at some local shops, but the triggers aren't even close to what I would want. That extra money would probably justify the step up to a 700 VSSF or something of the like.I kind of like the idea of the .243, of which I have a Win Model 70 Lightweight. I've tried some different varmint loads (75-grain) and kind of liked it. I was just thinking today of having some work done on that rifle (glass-bedding and free-floating?). I guess I'll have to think about it a little more and probably actually experience this whole phenomena before I jump into it with both feet.Thanks again to everyone.