.308 for Varmints

[Slooshark1]

I'm interested in getting a varmint rifle and I would like to get something in a .260 or 6.5 x 55. Many varmint guns I see jump from .22-250 to .308. Wouldn't .308 be a little much for coyotes and timberwolves? I do reload so I can use other types of bullets than deer and moose bullets.

 

[bearhunter]

The 308 is fine for coyotes. So is the 260 and 6.5x55.

I love the 6.5x55 for coyotes, but that's just my personal preference as well as a rifle that shoots minute of coyote out past 400m. As long as I do my part that is.

Coyotes don't care what you kill them with. Settle for the rifle that you can shoot well and can handle the recoil on for lots of repetitive practice shots. Lots of practice under different conditions and ranges is the real secret to successful coyote shooting.

The only other caveat to calibre is which bullets are available for the conditions you're going to encounter. There are plenty available in all calibres between 17 to 30.

Purpose built rifles are also another factor, but that's a whole different ball game.

bearhunter

 

[proonur]

My buddy whacks gophers with his M14 quite happily. Is it overkill? Depends how big you want the splat to be.

 

[hakx]

If you can afford it, and are sure that richocette's won't traverse to the next area code - have at'r!

 

[CV32]

Kills em dead. Was there something else?

 

[looch]

Will you be selling the fur?

 

[manbearpig]

depends on where you are.
.308 is unsuitable for a varmint cartridge in Ontario because much of southern Ontario (where most of the varmints are) has a <.270 caliber limitation.

 

[willy11]

We use the 308 for coyotes all the time, nothing wrong with it. Makes a mess if you hit a bone, but so does a 22-250. Have at 'er.

 

[Scott_N]

What kind of varmint shooting do you do? Recoil is something to consider if you do any volume of shooting. On a gopher shoot you might shoot hundreds of rounds in a day making the recoil from even milder rounds start to get to you. While coyote hunting, you might shoot a few rounds.

 

[Slooshark1]

I won't be shooting too much while actually hunting. Maybe 4 or 5 shots in a day, if I'm lucky.

 

[303carbine]

I use a 300 Winchester mag for vermin, so I don't see a problem using a small gun like the .308 either.

 

[Threemorewishes]

Eastern Ontario Groundhog + .338 Remington Ultra Mag = groundhog disappearing act.

 

[todbartell]

if you're hunting for fur, you wont be pleased with a 260 or a 308...but either one will reach out a long ways with good accuracy and tons of surplus energy for a 35 lb dog

 

[mackillan]

Great idea

This may be a great idea. I may try to do varmints with a 257 w mag(expensive though) and a .308 to practice with bigger guns. The magnums all day are work.

 

[joe-nwt]

Absolutely nothing wrong with practicing with your hunting rifle in varmint season.

Or you can shoot boring old paper.......