Looking for advice on a left hand bolt action coyote rifle

nathwald

nathwald

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hey there everyone. currently looking to buy a LH coyote gun. trying to decide between a .223 and .204 as far as caliber is concerned. Ive looked online and have found the .204 in both a Ruger M77 Hawkeye and Tikka T3X. the 223 is available in both Tikka and Browning Xbolt. What are your thoughts on both the caliber and also the brand of rifle.

PS. I was also considering a CZ but as far as I can find they dont currently produce a lefty .204 or .223

Thanks
 
You are right on the money with your choices, the only other thing to consider would be something like a Ruger that takes AR (LAR-15) mags, but I think those two will perform well
 
I bought a Tikka T3 in 22-250 because I have a T3 in 30-06 and really like it. The only thing with Tikka is that it is long action only and puts a spacer in the magazine for the shorter ammo, but it is accurate with a smooth bolt and great trigger.
I'm not sure if Savage still makes the predator rifles that came in 308 or 223 with a heavy barrel and all in camo because I saw one just after I bought my Tikka and it definitely looked like a sweet setup.
I chose 22-250 because I hunt in the prairies and a super long shot isn't out of the question (400+ ft.), but 223 and 204 are supposed to be effective out to 400 yards with the 204 designed with the benefit of modern technology for optimal performance. The only problem with lefty rifles is that it is take what you can get when you can get it sometimes but if you have a choice either one would be a good choice and I would check which one has more ammo availability.
 
If you reload then a 204 would be my first choice. I have not found anything better than a 35 or 40gr Berger for harvesting fur with a rifle. Reduced loads with a 30gr Berger make a excellent fox or problem beaver load. Otherwise a 223 is a great choice for ease and cost of ammo. Hard to go wrong with a Tikka or Browning Xbolt.
 
I ran a T3 in 223 for a while, was a wonderful walking predator rifle. For a calling rifle where shots typically won't be beyond 300y, the 223 works very well

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I can think of cartridges better suited. I am not saying a 223 will not kill a coyote at longer distances, but it's crowding the minimal side of things. A 55gr Vmax @ 3200 fps MV will retain 1800 fps at 400y, 1500 fps @ 500y. 10.5MOA of drop @ 500y, 3.7" of wind deflection per mph of crosswind. A heavier bullet like the 73gr ELDm will do better, if the barrel is 9 twist or faster

to compare, a 22-250 55gr @ 3650 fps would retain 1850 fps @ 500y, drop 7.4moa, and deflect 20% less in the wind

a 6mm Creedmoor 108gr @ 2960 fps would retain 2120 fps, drop 8.8moa, deflect 1.6" per mph of crosswind - may not be fur friendly :cool:
 
Tikka’s are all long actions, that is why I went 25-06 ! Light recoil good for gophers up to moose and elk!
 
bunny said:
Tikka’s are all long actions, that is why I went 25-06 ! Light recoil good for gophers up to moose and elk!
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A lot has been made of the fact that tikka short action rifles are essentially "plugged" long actions. For those that have hunted with them is that such an issue? Would it keep you from buying a short action tikka again?
 
nathwald said:
A lot has been made of the fact that tikka short action rifles are essentially "plugged" long actions. For those that have hunted with them is that such an issue? Would it keep you from buying a short action tikka again?
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Nonissue. I find the short OAL on the 223s more annoying than the long action.

I'd buy one again, if the rifle/chambering filled a need.
 
nathwald said:
A lot has been made of the fact that tikka short action rifles are essentially "plugged" long actions. For those that have hunted with them is that such an issue? Would it keep you from buying a short action tikka again?
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I have 5 from 222 to 9.3x62 I love them all.
 
CZ still makes the lefty 527 in a 223 and likely the 204 at times.

That being said I prefer my lefty Tikka CTR 223 and would vote for the Tikka. Had mine out to 600yd today with 80gr SMK with no trouble.
 
SJAR said:
CZ still makes the lefty 527 in a 223 and likely the 204 at times.

That being said I prefer my lefty Tikka CTR 223 and would vote for the Tikka. Had mine out to 600yd today with 80gr SMK with no trouble.
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From what I understand cz doesn't make a lefty .223 anymore. I think they discontinued the 527 version a few years ago. Could someone verify that?
 
nathwald said:
A lot has been made of the fact that tikka short action rifles are essentially "plugged" long actions. For those that have hunted with them is that such an issue? Would it keep you from buying a short action tikka again?
Click to expand...

They have a short action bolt stop, so manipulation isn't longer than required to eject a round. Before owning Tikka, I would complain about the long action. Not anymore
 
decisions.. decisions.. Ive decided the to go with the .223, but I have to choose between CZ 527, T3X, or Xbolt. Not a bad lineup to choose from but what puts 1 above the others... thoughts anyone??
 
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