Coyote Gun?

[jim-y]

What would be the maximum effective range for a .223 on coyotes?  Debating weather to get a .223 or a 22-250 opinions please?
Jim-Y  :?

[Coyote Hunter]

jim-y --

You don't mention if you reload or not.  If not, the decision is a no-brainer if you plan to shoot a lot - get the .223.  Ammo for the .223 tends to be much less expensive.

If you reload, ammo costs are pretty much the same, although you will use roughly 40% more powder.  (Add a penny or two per loaded cartridge.)

As to range, let's compare my Ruger .22-250 to load data for a .223 using 40g Nosler BT's and 52g Hornady/Speer 52g BTHP's, with all load/rifle combinations zeroed for Maximum Point Blank Range for a 6" diameter target:

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40g Nosler BT
Cartridge              .223       .22-250
Velocity              3800fps    4052fps
Zero                   285yds     301yds
MPBR (6" circle)       331yds     349yds

52g Hornady/Speer BTHP
Cartridge              .223       .22-250
Velocity              3400fps     3578fps
Zero                   260yds      272yds
MPBR (6" circle)       302yds      316yds


As you can see, the .22-250 gives you a slight edge (5% greater range, 11% greater area).  

Chances are good that you will never really notice the difference.  I tend to shoot the Speer and Hornady 52g bullets most of the time, even though the 40g Nosler BT's are just as devastating on coyotes.  If comparing the .223 with the 40g BT's against the .22-250 and the 52g BTHP's, the .223 has more range.

[jim-y]

Coyote Hunter
 I don't reload, but I will not be shooting a great number of rounds, so cost is not a big factor. Looking for maximum range with a .22cal. The new coyote  regulations here in Newfoundland state that .225 is the largest diameter bullet for coyotes. I bought a new Tikka 595 in .243 about six months before the regulations were introduced,now I can't use it. So I have to buy another gun.
Jim

[SHW]

I have used both & find that I like the 22-250 much better.  Over 300 yards is where the 22-250 outperforms the 223.  Just my experience.

[crow_feather]

I understand that Ruger is comming out with a new 20 caliber that pos out at 4225 fps.  Don't know much else about it though.

C F

[bigjeepman]

The new caliber .204 is in the gunshops already as I looked at a couple of rifles today. The Hornady factory ammo available was 32gr (4225fps) and 40gr (3900fps.)

I do not know anyone who has purchased one yet but the owner said he has sold a few rifles already. The round looks awesome and originated from a .222 Rem mag case.

[Lawdog]

jim-y,

think the question is how far away are you going to be shooting at coyotes?  The average range that called in coyotes are shot at is under 100 yards.  Busting coyotes out beyond the 350 yard mark takes practice, lots of practice.  This means lots of ammo.  I would give the nod to the .223 Remington due to the availability of lots of cheap ammo to practice with.  Small groups and tight lines to you.  Lawdog