First Coyote Rig (Newbie)

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Whitetail77

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Hey All,
I'm looking into buying my first rig. I've decided on 223 1 in 9" twist (98% sure). I'm lost on what gun/make/model. Remington vssf, VTR.... Savage......or Tikka. These are the ones I'm looking at seriously. VTR looks neat, but not sure on accuracy. Is there a big difference in accuracy between Rem VSSF when comparing it to Savage Modle 10 predator? Would like to keep it around $1000 if possible. For a first coyote gun I need HELP. Some limit me to a 22 inch barrel, but I'm not sure that this is a bad thing. Help Please. Used guns are also an option, and I am looking. Thanks
 
Most shots will be upto 300-400. This is my max range that I feel good shooting upto although I haven't shot many animals this far yet (range only). Just getting into the coyote hunting a bit more seriously. I currently have 22, 17HMR..."gap"....30-06, 300Win Mag, 50 Cal Muzzle loader. Hunting primarily farm land so I'd like to be able to shoot out to 300-400yards if required. Just looking for input on decent rifles in this caliber.
 
I own a Remington SPS Varminter in 223 and a Savage Max 10 in 243. Both are for coyotes. For myself, here's the deal. I first bought the Remy and worked up some fine loads. My SPS has a 1:12 twist and with a 50 gr vmax, it's scarey accurate. However, out to 300 yards, the groupings open up quite a bit (4") depending on wind.

The Savage in 243, is also scarey accurate at 300 yards (about 1.75") groups with the varmint load I worked up on it. My 257 Weatherby Mag is about 1.25" at 300 yards with the 85 gr nosler pill.

For the 300 to 400 yards, my preference is the 243 because of the tighter groupings.

Just my 2 cents.
 
The 22-250 was also considered, but looking at cost for factory ammo in comparison to the 223 was one of the negatives. I've also heard they are tough on pelts, but to be honest I was contemplating one in the T3 laminated stock. Not sure on the barrel life of the 22-250's.Heard they are togh on barrels.
 
My NEF Handi-Rifle .223 Superlight has a 1 in 9" twist and I'll sell it to you for exactly $1000. With or without scope, your choice. Solved.


You are right, a 22" barrel is enough for a .223 - we used to hit Fig.12 (head and shoulders) targets consistently at 500m with the 20" barrel SA80 when it first came out and a modern hunting bolt-action should beat a military semi-auto from fifteen years ago.
 
Done with Savage axis xp.

4 shot group at 100 yards ~20mph wind
P1010102.jpg


Hornady 53gr superformance. (the hole in the penny is form a 17hmr)

The one with the neck shot was with a remington umc 45gr hp. They shoot way off in that gun. The other was with the superformance. Both dropped instantly but the hornady bullet when where I shot unlike the rem.

IMG-20111030-00105.jpg
 
If you desire a dedicated coyote rig in .223 all in under $1k I'd recommend going to your favorite gun store and shouldering/handling the rifles for yourself. Pick the one that fits you best and pair it with a reputable 3x9 of your choice.

What works best for me may not work best for you. IMO Fit/feel/handling is the most important factor in selecting a coyote gun. Your caliber of choice is excellent for coyotes and will kill 400m+.

Pick whatever rifle fits you best and features the things you want.
 
I have a Savage Model 10 Predator Hunter Max 1 in .223 and I would say it's a pretty good rifle. I shot this 5 shot group during load development.

IMG_3090Medium.jpg
 
B-78 said:
IMHO the one thing any dedicated coyote rifle should have is a detachable mag.
Click to expand...

And for me, that is just about the last thing I would worry about on my coyote rifle.

To the OP, see how individual rifle preferences can be? There is nothing wrong with asking what people think, but it is only what THEY think, and may be more about the way they hunt than about guns. A forum on the web will have good advice, and bad.

The advice about handling many guns yourself before you buy is good advice. You already own several guns, apparently, which ones of those do you like? Maybe you should just get another one like your favorite in a different caliber.
 
Find a used Tikka T3 Varmint and you will shoot bug holes with any round. Had one in .204 and was amazing. I also suggest the Remington VSSF2 in a 220 Swift and real long range killer.
In all honesty if you're a serious coyote hunter you're not gonna want a heavy BBL rig that tops out over 10 lbs with scope cause you're gonna do alot of walking and hauling dogs back. Some may differ just my experience.

Cheers!!
 
I considered the 30-06 up until I nailed one at 180 yards and blew a hole the size of a tennis ball out the other side (really hard on pelts, but deadly). The 223 will let me shoot more confortably through the day of target and gopher shooting. Price of ammunition is also more economical with the 223. I handled a few today and was discouraged with the loading and unloading process required with the Remingtons. The Savage had a clip, but was a bit sloppy on the modles I looked at(most were in the $700-$800). The Tikka was nice but was also $1,100 for just the gun.
 
Whitetail77 said:
I considered the 30-06 up until I nailed one at 180 yards and blew a hole the size of a tennis ball out the other side (really hard on pelts, but deadly). The 223 will let me shoot more confortably through the day of target and gopher shooting. Price of ammunition is also more economical with the 223. I handled a few today and was discouraged with the loading and unloading process required with the Remingtons. The Savage had a clip, but was a bit sloppy on the modles I looked at(most were in the $700-$800). The Tikka was nice but was also $1,100 for just the gun.
Click to expand...

I suppose if you are driving around and getting out to shoot something, then back in to drive around, that would be an issue. The reason I don't care is when we hunt coyotes, we get out and don't come back for at least a couple of hours. It's just not an issue for the way we hunt. So to me, a detachable magazine (it's not a clip) is just not important at all. I can load and unload three or four times a day with no issues no matter what system it is. If I like the rifle, I will use it.
 
I would look at the new Savage Light Weight Hunter in what ever caliber floats your boat. Very light for lots of walking, detachable magazine, and almost guaranteed accuracy.
 
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