$1,000 budget for Coyote /wolf rifle

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kapuskasing

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Hello,

I've got a $1,000 max budget for a rifle and optics to be used for Coyote and Wolf.

I'm a lefty, so, it kind of limits selection. I'm stuck between a 22-250 and a 243 for calibre.

So far it looks like I'll be ordering the Remington sps varmit left hand from Cabela's Canada with the Bushnell Elite scope.

I have pretty much given up hope on used rifles as most people seem to have them going for not much less then new.

I've got to get my order out this week, so any input is welcome.

Idea's suggestions?
 
SPS Varmint

I have that rifle in 223. It is a fantastic rifle. One thing though, I was able to get it to less than 1/2" MOA with two things.

1) A Harris bipod.
2) Getting rid of the tupperware stock. In hot weather, it moves and touches the barrel, even when I dremmeled it. I put a Hogue stock on it. It is not for sale - ever.
 
kapuskasing said:
Hello,

I've got a $1,000 max budget for a rifle and optics to be used for Coyote and Wolf.

I'm a lefty, so, it kind of limits selection. I'm stuck between a 22-250 and a 243 for calibre.

So far it looks like I'll be ordering the Remington sps varmit left hand from Cabela's Canada with the Bushnell Elite scope.

I have pretty much given up hope on used rifles as most people seem to have them going for not much less then new.

I've got to get my order out this week, so any input is welcome.

Idea's suggestions?
Click to expand...

I'd go for the 243 if wolf is high on your list and fur damage to coyotes is not of concern to you. I have a 220 Swift which is basically the same as a 22-250 and have shot a few wolves with it. At distance, it's performance is a bit inconsistent and erratic.
If you're mainly after coyote with the off chance at wolf, the 22-250 should be fine.
I'll probably get criticized for this, but I would say the hyper velocity 22's are consistent killers only on coyote size game and smaller. The 243 is more versatile, you could even use it on whitetail if you pick your shots well with the heavier bullets.
 
Id probably go with a Ruger m77 Hawkeye with a new 3-9x40 Redfield Revolution scope, in either 223, 22-250 or 243 Win. Should be able to scope the rifle for $1000
 
Your choice seems like it would be a pretty solid rig. I was playing with the SPS a while ago in a gun store and for the price I liked it. Personally I just bought an Stevens 200 in .243 for yotes and maybe deer off the EE because that way I can paint the stock and use it hard without feeling guilty :D

Plus from what I gather in the Precision forums, guys like to use the Stevens to start off their precision rifles so maybe that will be an option later on down the road. Plus the price can't be beat on a Stevens 200!
 
I have a SPS in 243 and it shoots well. I have or had most of the 22 center fires & the 243 kills better. If I have to walk alot then I use a Ruger 77 with a light barrel in 243. When calling I like a Ruger #3 in 223 or even hornet. IMHO if you are shooting over 100 yds then the 243 is the way to go. You can control the hide damage with bullet selection, I am now using H 87gr V MAX
 
There is a shop in Alberta advertising a new left hand Remington 700 BDL in .243 for a mere $599. That is a pretty good price, and it would be a great coyote/wolf rifle. Not to mention the ability to do double duty as a deer rifle.
 
A grand will easily buy you nearly any scoped hunting rifle you like. Certainly an SPS. I'd go with the .243, but for varmints/coyotes/wolves, either will do.
"...consistent killers only..." Use a better bullet.
"...fur damage to coyotes is not of concern..." Commercial fmj's are made for hide hunting. A 90 grain Speer makes a puncture hole.
 
sunray said:
"...consistent killers only..." Use a better bullet.
"...fur damage to coyotes is not of concern..." Commercial fmj's are made for hide hunting. A 90 grain Speer makes a puncture hole.
Click to expand...

A 60 gr is about the heaviest most factory rifles chambered in 22-250 or 220 Swift will stabilize, and is still too light for wolf, in my opinion and experience.

I've shot coyotes with FMJ in 243. A small puncture hole is not always present. The 243 is not consistently pelt friendly for coyote, no matter the bullet.Again, that's been my experience. Also, I wouldn't want to shoot a wolf with FMJ, I consider them to be a big game animal classed with whitetail in regard to "toughness".

These are my observations from real life "tests", if your experience differs, please share. :)
 
Ellwood epps has Tikka T3's on sale in 243 for $650 bucks, put a Redfield 4-12 scope from someone like BassPro or dealers on here for $210-220 and it will be nice. The Tikkas are a little plasticy but sure have a nice smooth bolt, detachible mag and they shoot great. And the Redfield scope is made by Leupold with full Leupold warrenty.

My 2 cents,
Chad
 
bearkilr said:
A 60 gr is about the heaviest most factory rifles chambered in 22-250 or 220 Swift will stabilize, and is still too light for wolf, in my opinion and experience.
Click to expand...

Yep, if you check the twist rate of almost all 22-250 rifles, they are almost always 1:14" twist. Savage tends to use 1:12" twist.
 
As a leftie I would grab Rembo's Ruger 25-06 so fast it would make your head spin. Maybe a bit much for coyotes if you are trying to save the pelt but absolutely perfect for wolves. And with a 100TSX or partition perfect for deer and moose too.

Lot's of money left over to buy a decent scope too within your budget. Who knows, Rembo probably has a scope sitting there that would make a great and easy package deal too! :D
 
What about a Savage 111 with a nice Burris/Leopold/Nikon
Or even a Stevens 200 with a even better scope.

My Savage 111 with Burris Fullfield (I love this scope even though its not the Highend but I looked through about 10 scopes and it was the winner when I bought it) and a Bipod and Ammo can be had for well under a grand. Put a more expensive piece of glass on it and your still under a grand.

My Coyote rig is a Stevens 200 with a Bipod and a Tasco 6-24x42 on it and came in around 500 (half your budget) so buy 2 of them LOL :)
 
kapuskasing said:
So, what's better, the Bushnel Elite 3200 or the Redfield?
Click to expand...

Redfields are basically a Leupold VXI/Rifleman greeeat scope for the money. I need a couple for various projects up coming!

I OWNED a Bushnell 3200....OWNED....

Redfield/Leupold has *much* more eye relief. You won't be dissapointed man.
 
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