Coyote Rifle

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Canada55

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Hey guys, I am looking at getting into varmint/predator hunting and was wondering what everyones opinions are on good starting rifles. I am looking at a .223 or a 22-250. Wondering what caliber is best and what manufacture's make a good entry level rifle. If I can keep it under $500 that would be great.

Thanks in advance,
J
 
Least expensive entry would likely be Savage Axis or Ruger American as discussed on this forum many times before. I went for the Axis in .223 with synthetic stock and have only had it to the range once so far for preliminary scope sight-in. Haven't taken it out for yotes yet, I want one more range trip first. I did the trigger job on it and vastly improved the smooth break and lowered the trigger pull. I opted for .223 so I could use reloaded 5.56 brass down the road and 22-250 is way louder from what I've read.
 
Between the two, my choice is the .223 primarily because its often available with faster twist rifling than the .22-250, but that's a personal foible of mine which might not be applicable to your requirements. The .22-250 does produce higher velocity, but under real world conditions, this doesn't always equate with longer range, and many talented riflemen do as well with rifles chambered for one cartridge as the other. The best advice I suppose is to choose the rifle you like the best, rather than look for one particular chambering. The Savage Axis is probably as inexpensive a rifle as you'll find, but you still have the problem of a scope and mounts. While you can get reasonable service from an inexpensive rifle, IMHO, a scope and mounts is not the place to skimp.
 
I bought a Weatherby Vanguard S2 in 22-250 for $500, and it's a shooter to say the least. The stock, trigger, and action of the Weatherby put it in a league above the Savage Axis any day of the week. I've yet to shoot or handle the Ruger as mentioned above. There might be some more options in 223, but the 22-250 will add a little range and knockdown power over the 223. Keep your eyes open on the EEE, lots of good deals to be had!
 
If your going to spend that much you might as well go with a Savage 11 with the accu trigger! I have the Axis XP in .223 with a trigger job, for $350 or less it can't be beat price wise and accurate to boot.

It was a win-win for a cheap yote gun for me.
 
Bite the bullet and get a better gun upfront... The Weatherby Vanguard S2 or Rem 700 SPS would be good choices... I would recommend a .223 in a fast 8 or 9 twist... The 55 or 60 VM's do a good job on yotes.
 
Boomer said:
Between the two, my choice is the .223 primarily because its often available with faster twist rifling than the .22-250, but that's a personal foible of mine which might not be applicable to your requirements. The .22-250 does produce higher velocity, but under real world conditions, this doesn't always equate with longer range, and many talented riflemen do as well with rifles chambered for one cartridge as the other. The best advice I suppose is to choose the rifle you like the best, rather than look for one particular chambering.
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^ +1 here

I traded in a 22-250 to go down to .223Rem, solely based on the ability to recycle brass from my AR & possibly use it as an introductory precision rig. Sure you get faster velocities out of the 250, but speed isn't everything in the field. The .223 is also easier on barrels if you want to "plink" in the off-season, something to consider as well when choosing calibers. The .223 also uses less powder than the 250, so if you have an idea you might reload for it in the future it's also something to consider. If your sticking with factory ammunition, .223 is roughly $2/bx cheaper (give or take).
 
The choice of .223 ammo is a little more fur friendly than ammo from a .243 generally speaking. It is quieter around farms compared to a 22-250 or.243 and not too bad in the wind if using 75 gr or similar.
 
The Marlin x7 is available for prices competitive with the Savage axis while providing features like easily adjustable trigger and for a slight increase in price ($20 according to some dealers) a heavy profile barrel which may be desirable if its to double as a precision rig.
 
JamesM said:
The Marlin x7 is available for prices competitive with the Savage axis while providing features like easily adjustable trigger and for a slight increase in price ($20 according to some dealers) a heavy profile barrel which may be desirable if its to double as a precision rig.
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Try finding an x7. They seem to have vanished. To the OP,I have a savage 10xp predator and highly recommend one.If you can't swing a new one,there are used ones for sale at times.
 
Cabela's has the Mossberg MVP Varmint in .223 in stock... It was on sale, not sure if it still is, but worth a look... I have never handled one, but there are lots of good reviews on it... I'm considering one for my son.
 
hoytcanon said:
Cabela's has the Mossberg MVP Varmint in .223 in stock... It was on sale, not sure if it still is, but worth a look... I have never handled one, but there are lots of good reviews on it... I'm considering one for my son.
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I would recommend handling one before you buy it. I mail ordered one from a site sponsor and was so disappointed in it when I got it I traded it before I even fired a round. The rifle had the look, feel and handling of a budget rifle( I know that is what it is). The Weatherby Vangaurd I traded it for was twice the rifle IMHO.
 
I have a Winchester .22-250 and a Savage 112 prototype target rifle. I love the reach of the Savage with 75 grain and like the speed of the 22-250 with 50 grain. Both have thier purpose and when dealing with predators, both are up to the job.
 
Thanks everyone, looks like I have quite a few rifles to have a look at. I'll let you know what I end up picking up :-]
 
Ah, you guys are all WAY off the mark!! I use a Winchester 94 stoked with 125gr jacketed hollowpoints Federal Blue box. I get 1 inch groups and can shoot to 200yds no problem. Blew my hunting pards mind when I put the smak down on 3 dawgs that came in to a decoy setup. BAM BAM BAM!! I have a red dot site mounted up with an XS rail on the gun and it is the kitties bum.
 
Buy my 22-250 i have for sale...have two so one goes. LOL

Should not be going wrong with either caliber. one is a superior round, the other has superior availability/price of factory ammo.

I have gone another direction. Shoot a 25-06 Ruger heavy barrel. Nice deer still hunting rig...shoot a coyote if situation is right...or its a good calling rifle...can still shoot the nice buck if its in deer season.

The extra energy of my little minimag 25-06 knocks the dogs down well. I shoot 117 grain deer loads...dont have separate purpose loads. True special purpose "varmit" loads tend to destroy fur with a grapefruit size exit...if i can avoid major bones the 117 knocks them flat without a sewing job afterwards.

If you own a reasonable power deer rifle, nothing stopping you trying coyote hunting first with it, before spending the dough. Most varmit bullets are designed to blow up for rodent shooting. That is volume shooting, coyote calling isnt. About the only worry for ricochets should be if you are watching a old Clint Eastwood duster.
 
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