XCR owners do you coyote hunt?

J

Jayph

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I am considering selling or trading my custom coyote rifle to get an XCR. I built my rifle with long range in mind and I can't remember the last time I shot over 300 yards with most being 150 and in. I have always wanted a black rifle and would only consider a non restricted version. I like the idea of semi automatic, common cartridge (not worried about catching brass instead of follow up shots) dropping about 3lbs or so of weight from what I have now. I just have a few questions.

If you hunt with your XCR do you find there are any negatives?

Do they have any trouble with function in the extreme cold?

I don't expect the 1/3 MOA groups my rifle produces but can they hold MOC out to 300?

How do they handle 50/55 gr loads?

How are the triggers (weight and feel)?

What would be my best option for optics? I have zero knowledge of optics other than variable and fixed rifle scopes.

Thanks.

Jason
 
I have an XCR and I hunt coyotes as well. I occasionally will get a long shot; however, most shots are up close ~100m or less. The XCR will easily take down a coyote out to 300m - I have put 10 shots into just 2 MOA at 100 yds so at 300 yds it is quite possible to take a yote. The trigger is pretty decent (I have the 2 stage match trigger) but compared to my X-bolt with optics I am sacrificing weight for the ability to have quick multiple shots. So to answer your questons:

1.) Key negative to the XCR or any other semi is weight - compared to a boltgun it is going to be heavier to carry around. If you aren't humping long distances it is not a big deal but if you have to do a lot of walking, the boltgun would get the nod.

2.) I have not noticed a malfunction in cold weather but the fact remains that boltguns are more reliable in cold weather hence why up North they use boltguns more frequently then semi autos. However, it is pretty unlikely that you wouldn't at least be able to get the first shot off. Chances are that the action may not cycle perfectly for follow up shots. I hardly ever fire more then 1 rd at a time while coyote hunting (at least if I want to hit anything)

3.) Yes

4.) Trigger is fairly good - 2 stage match ones.

5.) I would stick with a 1-4x scope. No real requirement to have a high power scope for a <300m shot on a coyote.
 
Yes I do hunt coyotes & deer with my XCR-L even tried for a black bear last spring but couldn't find one big enough to shoot so I didn't actaully found one but couldn't get closer than 437 yards from it... :D

I have uppers in both 223 & 6.8 SPC shot 2 mule deer this fall with the 6.8 SPC upper installed loaded with 95gr Barnes TTSX @ 2825fps scope = Leupold VX111 4.5-14X40mm 30mm tube side focus varmint reticle.

Shot 3 coyotes over the Christmas holidays while I was in Alberta with the 223 upper installed loaded with 40gr V-Max @ 3250fps scope = Leupold Vari X 11 4-12X40mm AO LR reticle & LAR-15 mags = 10 rounds of fun...

Only shot the one on my left in this pic my older son shot the other.

Me_with_Bucks_Oct_4_2010.JPG


img_4254.jpg
 
Jayph said:
I am considering selling or trading my custom coyote rifle to get an XCR. I built my rifle with long range in mind and I can't remember the last time I shot over 300 yards with most being 150 and in. I have always wanted a black rifle and would only consider a non restricted version. I like the idea of semi automatic, common cartridge (not worried about catching brass instead of follow up shots) dropping about 3lbs or so of weight from what I have now. I just have a few questions.

If you hunt with your XCR do you find there are any negatives?

Do they have any trouble with function in the extreme cold?

I don't expect the 1/3 MOA groups my rifle produces but can they hold MOC out to 300?

How do they handle 50/55 gr loads?

How are the triggers (weight and feel)?

What would be my best option for optics? I have zero knowledge of optics other than variable and fixed rifle scopes.

Thanks.

Jason
Click to expand...

What are you using for a bolt gun?
 
KDX said:
What are you using for a bolt gun?
Click to expand...

Savage model 11 action with detachable mag
Glass Bedded in a HS precision varmint stock in snow camo
26" Shilen select match varmint contour 1-9 twist
.220 AI shooting 75gr A-max
Timney trigger at 2 lbs
Marksman winter knob
Farrel 1 piece 20 MOA rail
Burris Signature Zee rings
Vortex Viper 6.5-20x44 with flip caps

Somewhat of a picture

DSC02210.jpg


Last group at 200 yards

DSC02071.jpg
 
I fired hundreds through mine in sub zero temps down to -30's. It's been shot until hot, tossed into the snow, given time to cool and fired again while frozen with no problems at all. Digested mags I dropped in the snow without a hitch.

My trigger began better than any AR I can remember and can be tuned to be amzing. I have never handled another semi auto this tight.

Can't comment on accuracy. The only scope I mounted was a friends throw away and had some internal issues and could not be sighted in. No funding for a new one, too many other bottomless pitts sucking me in.
 
Coldest I've been carrying my XCR was -24 C while hunting coyotes in Alberta and -16 C
deer hunting in BC never threw it in the snow though...

Was so cold that the receiver/magwell froze to my glove...
 
fuzzynuts54 said:
Can't comment on accuracy. The only scope I mounted was a friends throw away and had some internal issues and could not be sighted in. No funding for a new one, too many other bottomless pitts sucking me in.
Click to expand...

IMHO :yingyang: , even putting a used, $50 Fitco 3-12 X scope (it's what my AR-180B wears ! :redface: ) is better than nothing..;)..and the results might surprise you !

Jayph said:
Last group at 200 yards
Click to expand...

Pretty nice-looking ! :)
 
Jayph said:
I am considering selling or trading my custom coyote rifle to get an XCR. I built my rifle with long range in mind and I can't remember the last time I shot over 300 yards with most being 150 and in. I have always wanted a black rifle and would only consider a non restricted version. I like the idea of semi automatic, common cartridge (not worried about catching brass instead of follow up shots) dropping about 3lbs or so of weight from what I have now. I just have a few questions.

If you hunt with your XCR do you find there are any negatives?
Click to expand...

When I occasionally encountered other people while coyote hunting (snowmobilers, hikers, etc.), I was a little uneasy about letting them see my XCR for fear that they'd get upset that they "saw someone hunting with a machine gun." I never had any trouble though and besides, they should just suck it up and get used to it.

Other than that, no. Having a semi auto for quick follow up shots can't be beat. It's light, fast and accurate and a real pleasure to shoot and carry around. I had a small red dot sight mounted on a 45-degree rail for fast followup shots up close but never used it hunting.

coyote02.jpg


Jayph said:
Do they have any trouble with function in the extreme cold?
Click to expand...

No. I shot this coyote at -20 in January of last year and did lots and lots of target practice with it in the cold and never had an issue. Whether or not you consider -15 to -20 extreme cold is a matter of perspective.

coyote01.jpg


Jayph said:
How do they handle 50/55 gr loads?
Click to expand...
Fine. 52gr Bergers produced higher pressures earlier but it liked Hornady SP, Nosler BT and Bergers just fine.

Jayph said:
How are the triggers (weight and feel)?
Click to expand...
The "enhanced trigger group" was a real improvement over the factory trigger and was well worth it. Highly recommended upgrade. The factory trigger was smooth but a little heavy.

Jayph said:
What would be my best option for optics? I have zero knowledge of optics other than variable and fixed rifle scopes.
Click to expand...
I had 3 different scopes on mine:
- Bushnell Trophy red dot 1x32. Not enough magnification for longer distances.
- NCStar 3-9. Would not hold zero. Not recommended.
- Busnnell Trophy 3-9x40. Great hunting scope for the money. Held zero all day long and the optics are good. Recommended.
 
gps, I see that you have your Fastfire red dot mounted at 45-degrees to the left. Do you shoot left-handed, or does that set-up actually work for you right-handed? Looks interesting.

John
 
Jayph said:
Savage model 11 action with detachable mag
Glass Bedded in a HS precision varmint stock in snow camo
26" Shilen select match varmint contour 1-9 twist
.220 AI shooting 75gr A-max
Timney trigger at 2 lbs
Marksman winter knob
Farrel 1 piece 20 MOA rail
Burris Signature Zee rings
Vortex Viper 6.5-20x44 with flip caps

Somewhat of a picture

DSC02210.jpg


Last group at 200 yards

DSC02071.jpg
Click to expand...

Nice rifle and a very nice group.
 
I shot this 10 shot group with red box 223 55 grainers at a 40 yard indoor rifle range with not too bad results. It will be good enough for coyotes at any practical range.

I shot some white box 45 jhp's last fall at 100 yards and the 5 shot groups were around 1 1/2". The odd group hit 2". I am happy with the accuracy using cheap factory loads.

xcr223-40yards.jpg
 
Camp Cook said:
Coldest I've been carrying my XCR was -24 C while hunting coyotes in Alberta and -16 C
deer hunting in BC never threw it in the snow though...

Was so cold that the receiver/magwell froze to my glove...
Click to expand...
What's your unit weigh in at, loaded with the VX-III?
 
I just weighed it with my Berkley digital fish scale with the XCR-L set up with the 18.6" 6.8 SPC, VX111 4.5-14X 40mm 30 mm tube scope, a 5 round mag loaded with 95gr TTSX, a gen 2 NEA stock adapter, Magpul CTR stock/buffer tube/nut = 10.5 lbs...

I have to say with the way it balances in my hands I was surprised that it weighed that much it doesn't feel that heavy...

but then again maybe I'm telling a fish story and it actually weighs less...

:p

CC
 
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