Newb needs caliber suggestion

Jwan320

Jwan320

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Richmond, BC
Hey everyone,

I'm looking to buy another rifle and would like some suggestions. I currently have a Remington 700BDL in 30-06 for deer/bear/moose, and a Ruger 10/22 for grouse. I'd like something that will fit in between for wolf/coyote/rabbit. I know I could use the 06 for wolf and the .22 for rabbit/coyote, but the truth is I just want to buy a new rifle. :D Aside from hunting I'll be plinking around with the rifle, so ideally I'd like something that won't break the bank with light recoil. I haven't bought a reloader yet so I'll be sticking with factory ammo. From lurking around the forums it seems the 243 and 270 are quite popular cartridges. Are there any others I should look into?
Thanks in advance! :)


Jason
 
I would look at a .223. They are cheap to shoot since your not hand loading and there is no recoil to speak of. They are a blast to shoot. Also a .243 would be a good choice, alot more to shoot but opens up the doors for what u can take with it. I use a .243 for whitetail quite often. I wouldn't look at a .270 as your 30-06 already does everything
and more that the .270 will. Good luck!
 
.223 is a good choice. Definitely a good choice if you don't reload. Inexpensive ammo means more shooting.


If you want to try something a little more unique. Look for a good 6.5x55. It will take your intended game and deer as well. It is a very flat shooting round.
 
Awesome! Looks like majority vote goes to .223 :)
I think I'm going to look into getting a Savage Edge in that caliber. Has features I like and the price is definitely attractive. Appreciate the help!


Jason
 
6.5 X 55... That way you can use it if either of your existing rifles fails. Cant do that with the 223. Bet you a poverty pack the 6.5 becomes your preferred rifle, particularly when you (inevitably) decide to take up reloading. Have a look at the Tradex site for a decent 6.5.
 
Decent suggestions so far, but I don't think I'd use any centerfire on a rabbit I planned on eating. Apparently lots of guys out west shoot them as pests, so if you're doing that then nevermind.
 
.223 or .243

2007-10-27_091302_1aCoffee.gif

NAA.
 
I like the Edge. It has worked very well on coyotes for me this year. I loaned it to a buddy and he shot a doe with it. .243Win, 55gn Fed Premiums 65yds. He hit her in the backbone just above the shoulders. Apparently, DRT.

But if I were going for a rifle to shoot wolves and coyotes, then it would be a .223 or a 22-.250
 
if you're going to do a fairly serious amount of shooting, .223 for sure. I love mine. A .243 is certainly viable for what you're talking about - as is 22-250 - but both of those have reputations as barrel burners (I forget - 12-1500 rds for a 243 and ? for the other) whereas a .223 will be performing as new well beyond 5000. And ammo will always be cheaper for a .223.
 
I don't even have a .223 but it seems like the best caliber for what you intend to use the new gun for. That's cartridge i'd go with.

Dorian
 
I wish I could take Cammy7s' advice and buy one for every available caliber out there, but I don't think my wallet agrees. haha For now I'm sold on the .223 for it's cost effectiveness. I normally don't go through that many rounds at the range due to ammo cost. So having a cheap shooter (besides the 10/22) will allow me to stay out and play longer without having to eat Kraft mac & cheese for the next week. :D I see the .223 Savage Edge on Cabelas site going for $329.99, which works out to be about $400 taxed and shipped to my door!

What's the approximate effective range of the .223 on a coyote vs a wolf?


Jason
 
please don't get a .223 ammo is hard enough to find cheap :p
you *should* consider getting a shotty, either a 410 or a 12ga, whichever suits your fancy. broaden your tool chest
 
Jwan320 said:
What's the approximate effective range of the .223 on a coyote vs a wolf?
Click to expand...

I think other answers will vary but I wouldn't hesitate to think I could hit one at 400M and 5-600 isn't absolutely out of the question....but, for me, the odds of a critical (or any) hit would go down quickly beyond 400.

But...

It's going to depend primarily on a) your abilities as a shooter (including very specifically doping the wind, beyond steadiness) b) your ability to range the distance and adjust scope or holdover accordingly (includes knowing the trajectory of the specific ammo you are using) c) the capabilities of the specific gun. 1 MOA at 500M is, more or less, 5-6". That's a decent shooting gun with a fairly big variance on a target the size of a dog.

And you'd need to be using the apropriate bullet type, though I suppose on a coyote it matters somewhat less than on big game.
 
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