Predator rifle chambering?

Silverado

Silverado

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I'm split between a 22-250 or 243 for a predator rifle.

The concern I have is that there are lots of wolves up here; I think in a 22-250 I'd need to have a custom barrel installed with a faster twist than what's available from the factory, in order to launch heavier bullets.

I can buy the 243 off the shelf and go, or even a 223 I suppose, but I'm not sure if the 223 has enough oomph for canis lupus.

I reload, so ammo isn't an issue, I can load whatever I want in terms of bullets.

What do you fellas think? How tough are wolves to kill?
 
Go with the .243. I loaded up some 70 or 75g bullets for a friends .243, and she said the coyotes dropped on the spot. She was very impressed with the performance. I used to use a .22-250 and liked it a lot, but it does not compare very well with the .243.
 
shot this guy last January with a 223, he basically dropped on the spot, shot was from 75 yards
Jan_19_06_007.jpg



22-250 with 50-55 grainers will kill wolves, but I too would go with the heavier bullets the 243 offers, for the extra insurance on the bigger predators, especially at longer ranges.
 
That is a hard decision....My experince with coyotes is mostly with a 22-250 and I figure it can't be beat as a balance between killing power and hide friendly...... I shot 13 wolves...Most of the wolves where shot with a 22-250 and the 50-52gr bullets I used on coyotes...However I lost one big honking wolf hit badly with the 22-250 ...My fault as I under est. the range...I think had I shot him with my .257 Roberts A.I. and a 85gr.BT I would have anchored him....I did end up shooting two wolves with the Roberts one called to about 25m and another one at about 100m...no real test there... I also shot a few coyotes with the Roberts but tore the hide up with all shots except head on ones....
So if your'e not a fur hunter go with the .243 for sure...other wise I would go with the 22-250....I have never shot a coyote with a .243 maybe they won't tear up a coyote as bad as a Roberts with a 85gr.BT.....There used to be a C.O. here that was hard on wolves(both trapping and shooting) and his favortie cart. was the 6mm Remington....good luck!

TB...hope you shoot some more of those bambi killers this year!
 
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if you go with the .22-250 use a 1-12 or 1-10 twist, I have a 1-12 and use it for deer and coyotes one inch groups at 200yds and shoots the 55gr bullets just fine, 70gr for deer
 
i just read about a 22-243 middlestead (on this site) it be around 4300fps. but lots of fussing about.
the 22250 should be fine
how about a 2506, doubles as deer gun
PS: 6.5x55wsm, 22-250 cant be used on some provinces for deer(23cal is minimum in AB)
 
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Silverado said:
How tough are wolves to kill?
Click to expand...
Popped lungs are popped lungs !
The 243 is a good option if you want it to double up as a Deer rifle.

If not then take the 22-250 and go shoot some Wolves :)
 
LOL thanks guys!

I have a number of deer rifles, including one in 243, so this is going to be a dedicated dog rifle.

I find it frustrating that factory chambered rifles in 22-250 have the slower twist barrels... perhaps it will be a 243 after all...
 
BCWILL said:
Popped lungs are popped lungs !
The 243 is a good option if you want it to double up as a Deer rifle.

If not then take the 22-250 and go shoot some Wolves :)
Click to expand...

You make a good point BCWill....I have shot them in the lungs with a .22 RF long rifle, and they died in less than one minute....they did'nt go far either as they were in a leg hold trap.....;)
 
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