Itinerant

I've been trying to decide on which caliber of gun to get,but the more home work I do the more undecided I get. So, maybe some of the more experienced can help me.
I was thinking .223,22-250,.243 then after stopping at gander mtn. to look at some I just ended up with moredecision in my mind to think about.And not knowing the answers to.For instance lite barrel-heavy barrel,twist rate of barrel.
I want the gun for chucks/coyote/target shooting.I'd be shooting in the ranges of 100-300 yrds tops. I do have experience with guns and shooting(Marine Corps).I have a Marlin .22mag for shorter distance and a Savage 30-06 for large game. Can someone help shed a little light, and I already know that everyone has their personal favorite.I'm not really looking for this brand over that one,but more about the caliber size.Just looking for a enjoyable gun to shoot for along time.Thanks for any input

Hairtrigger

Look at an AR-15.
They can be accurate and offer a quick follow up shot.
Under 300 yards the 223 will do great on Coyotes

alleyyooper

Taken with a 243 Serria 85 grain hpbt game king at 82 yards.Bullet entered under the left ear as aimed for. Eleven days latter I shot this 6 point with the same load and gun,he dropped in his tracks.
I also have a 220 swift but am still looking for the load that fits my desires.





A 243 is a versital round.

Al

thndrchiken

223 will give you some legs in the 350 yd range, the 22-250 gives you longer legs to around 500 yds. 45-55 gr loads will give you a nice lite recoiling gun that's a pleasure to shoot all day.The 22-250 a little stiffer.I would suggest a medium heavy barrel which will aid in long distance shots but still light enough to carry in the field. Perfect for target and chucks, I'd stick with 50-55 grbullets for coyotes. Loads of inexpensive ammo available and if you handload you can really squeeze out some extra speed. The 243 gives some very good velocity with heavier bullets that have a higher s/d and b/c so they ride the wind a little better and moving up to the 90-100 gr bullets and you have a cross-over deer gun.

Pawildman

I pesonally like the .243 for this type of work. It has a little better wind resistance than the .22's. They are generally a very accurate caliber, and particularly so when handloaded for. They can also do double-duty as a gun for deer-sized game as well. Just an all-around good pick. Just my opinion,however. Get what you want, and practice, practice------

Itinerant

After,doing more searching and surfing I believe the .243 is what I'm after.As stated it's only for chuck/coyote/target all around fun. My area of NY limits me to shooting 300 yds tops.Deer season is shotgun only or muzzleloader. So now it's heavy or lite barrel I guess.

Rebel Hog

Savage Model 12 Low Profile Varminter in .204 Ruger






by Jeff Quinn
photography by Jeff Quinn & Boge Quinn
August 2nd, 2004

One of the more successful rifle cartridges of 2004 has been the new .204 Ruger. I was introduced to this new little varmint cartridge back in February at the SHOT Show, and later did a full test of a Ruger Number One single shot rifle so chambered. The .204 has proven to be a hot little number, with factory Hornady ammunition exceeding 4000 feet per second with the thirty-two grain bullet, and exceeding 3800 feet per second with a forty grain bullet. The .204 is rapidly gaining in popularity. It offers high velocity, low recoil, and excellent accuracy, without excessive pressure and barrel erosion.

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FastShootingCarts

Great choice!