.223 vs .22-250 vs .270

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oneone

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So I'm looking to buy a new rifle, mainly for coyote. The only rifles I've shot/owned are: .22lr, 7.62x39, .303B, .30-30, and .30-06. I haven't shot anything in between.

I'm leaning towards a .223, but since I'm quite open to anything, I'd like to know if I might be missing out on a real gem of a caliber (I know they ALL have something different to offer). I'm not worried about recoil, but how do they compare to each other in that aspect?

Anything good or bad to say about any of these, or any others it the .20 caliber range?

I know this is pretty broad, but that's the kind of info I'm looking for. Thanks in advance for your time.
 
If you're mainly using it on coyotes then I would go for a 22-250 or 243. They can also be used on varmints if you like. The 223 is also great but has a little less power, many people do use it for coyotes but I've always seen it as a varmint calibre that can be used on coyotes if needed. Since you already have a 30-06, 303, etc don't bother with the 270. You won't be getting anything different, just a hair smaller calibre with the same power. Stick with something in the range of 223 - 243 and you'll have a blast
 
I use a .243 on coyotes. It does make a mess of them and you may want to consider that if you want to keep the pelts. If not, it's great, super flat shooting and lots of knockdown power.
 
For coyotes,243. It kills cleaner & farther than 223 & maybe even the 22-250. I have or have had most standard var. rounds, hornet,222,223, 22-250, swift,243.& 2506. I use 243 for most shooting except when calling where I know shots will be close. All are fun & most can be made to work. Shot placement is still the key. Good luck :)
 
Thanks for all the replies. I don't handload - yet, which is why I was looking at the 223. However, the .243 sounds like a top runner. Cost shouldn't too much of an issue since it won't be used constantly at the range like a .22lr etc.
 
If I was going to get a new coyote only gun, I'd get a Benelli Mr1 with LAR mags and a 3-9 rifleman.
Best bang for you buck.
 
223, what does a coyote weigh, 20 pounds maybe? I can hit clay pidgeons with my sporter weight 223 at 385 metres, no problem from a bench, 200 + yards prone.

If you already have a 30-06, you don't have any need for a 270.
 
For coyotes, I'd also consider the .25 cals., some are very flat shooting esp. with varmint bullets and double as excellent white tail rifles. The smaller cals. can suffer more from wind drift out here on the prairies, but if you want something to use on gophers as well, the .223 may be a better bet.
 
I was in a similar situation .. which gun/caliber to get for varmit ... ie coyotes, gophers and target!!

You mentioned that your not into reloading, at this time, so .223 could be a good choice ... ammo can be cheaper with better availability.

.243 could be a good choice, if you want the option to drop a deer the odd time... for the 22 cal's are not legal for deer.

Going hirer than .22 cal may limit your bullet sellection for "varmit".

In the end I went with Browning X - bolt 22-250 Rem, and plan to reload ... if you want consistant accuracy reloading is the way to go ... and is generally cheaper .. and alot of fun.
 
I've got a 25-06 that I use for coyotes/deer. Nosler partitions are great for deer and ballistic tips are awesome on the dogs. I believe Barnes makes the varmint grenades in 25 cal as well for if you start reloading.
 
So I found my new rifle. I would have been happy with any of the above mentioned calibers, but my caliber was picked for me. I traded my Marlin 30/30 for a beautiful Stevens 200 in 223. I think this rifle will do its job wonderfully. Thanks for all the input, I'll let you know how the new one works out for me. :)
 
22-250 is an awesome yote gun but I would go with .243 or 6mm.I have owned both. (unfortunatly dont have the 6mm anymore) They are a little harder on pelts but are a harder hitting flat shooting rifle with minimum recoil.
 
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