223 or 22/250 For Wolves

x2 on the last two posts...we're talking about a big dog here. About the hornady match bullets...I know the 53gr. punches holes in steel plate silhouettes.....Dogs dont' have armour plating and they wont' go far with a double lung shot.
 
captonion said:
Ever skin one? I have skinned ALOT of em...Very thin hide indeed, and light bones...
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but I think you are forgetting they are tougher than nails and they don't die easy. 243 + up! much more reach and less effected by the wind and more margin for error. I don't like what the wolves do to the deer, but I do believe in a one shot humane kill.
 
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If you want to buy a dedicated rifle for wolves, I don't see why you wouldn't get something larger like a .243 or a .270.

.223 and 22-250 would work, but on wolves I would be tempted to use something larger.
 
captonion said:
Yup...Wolves are thin skinned, and have light bones..A 223 would be plenty..
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Good theory, but as someone once told me, theory sucks. :D Average weight around a hundred lbs. some a lot bigger and tougher than nails if not hit just right. Wanna take a chance on losing what may be your only opportunity ? I'm a firm believer that a flat shooting deer class caliber is called for.


Grizz
 
Grizzly Adams said:
Average weight around a hundred lbs.
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You are talking adult males. There are also females an juveniles to factor in to your average weight bringing the average weight much lower...That would bring average weight to 65-70lbs..Sure there are alot bigger, but this would be pretty close to the average...

Grizzly Adams said:
Good theory, but as someone once told me, theory sucks. :D.
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Not theory...Its actually a fact they have a thin hide and light bones, which is why they have such good endurance..Even though a wolf is the size of a larger breed dog they are quite a bit thinner through the chest area(vitals)..That and they aren't all that tough..No tougher than a deer of similar size...Its not like your gonna shoot it in the azz...I would be more inclined to use a 204 Ruger, so I didn't do much damage to the hide...A big exit hole = no profit...
 
captonion said:
You are talking adult males. There are also females an juveniles to factor in to your average weight bringing the average weight much lower...That would bring average weight to 65-70lbs..Sure there are alot bigger, but this would be pretty close to the average...



Not theory...Its actually a fact they have a thin hide and light bones, which is why they have such good endurance..Even though a wolf is the size of a larger breed dog they are quite a bit thinner through the chest area(vitals)..That and they aren't all that tough..No tougher than a deer of similar size...Its not like your gonna shoot it in the azz...I would be more inclined to use a 204 Ruger, so I didn't do much damage to the hide...A big exit hole = no profit...
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It's a bad idea to pick a caliber that's adequate for the "average" size animal you're after. Pick the caliber that'll put down the largest you may come across of that species.
You mention you've shot and skinned a lot of wolves. Ever wound one and follow it? You may be surprised at the endurance. Deer and moose pale in comparison, hence the reason they're the prey. ;)
 
This one was shot with a .257 Weatherby. No evidence of overkill here. I've shot 3 with a 7mm Rem. and one with a .270 WSM. One of the ones with the 7mm was a juvenile .

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Grizz
 
The picture of that big wolf a few pages back was shot with a 30-06....The wolf ran a hundred yards after that and was finished off by a second shot...

223 in my opinion is a 300yd coyote gun.
 
bearkilr said:
Ever wound one and follow it? You may be surprised at the endurance.
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Yup. Actually 2 of them, both with #4 buckshot...Only use a rifle now, but mostly get them in snares where I kill the ones still alive with the back of the axe, or hardwood stick...Not at all surprised of their endurance, canine are known for that..
 
Maybe I'm resurrecting an old thread, but forgot I had this pic in my file. Northern Alberta wolf. Does this look like .22-250 Game ?:)

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Grizz
 
I talked to a trapper who routinely shot them at his bait pile at 300 yds with a 22-250. He first used light varmint bullets but experienced bullet surface explosion/ failure to penetrate vitals. He wasn't a reloader so he went to the gun shop and they gave him some sort of federal premium match load, I think with 50- some- odd- grain sierra match bullets. He said they worked great and penetrated.

As some stated, .243 or .25 cal is perfect, but I wouldn't hesitate to use .22 CF with proper bullet choice.
Preferably a fast twist barrel and heavier bullets. I'd use my 1/8 twist .223 AI in a heartbeat with the 80 gr A-max. I've heard talk on some american forums of .223 with 75 or 80 gr A max for deer, and typically its nice sized exit wounds. Things could get iffy for quartering shots or hitting major bone on big dogs though.
If no fast twist rifling, then the solid copper bullets in lighter weights, or 60 gr partition are the way to go... or light match bullets, they worked for the trapper but wouldn't be the best choice.

Its the light .22 varmint bullets that are the real ones to avoid. Don't just go to crappy tire and get a box of regular 55 gr stuff.
 
Grizzly Adams said:
Good theory, but as someone once told me, theory sucks. :D Average weight around a hundred lbs. some a lot bigger and tougher than nails if not hit just right. Wanna take a chance on losing what may be your only opportunity ? I'm a firm believer that a flat shooting deer class caliber is called for.


Grizz
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100 pounds on AVERAGE? 100 would be the exception. 60-70 is more like it...maybe less.
 
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