Need Help Choosing Caliber of New Predator Rifle

[Johnny Lightning]

I am in the market for a new predator rig and need to choose a caliber. The rifle i really like is the Savage model 10 predator rifle w/ detachable mag. The problem is i don't know what caliber to get it in. I figure the longest shot I will make is between 400-500yrds and thats once in a blue moon. Most shots will be in the 100-300yrd range. I will be going after fox and coyote mainly and don't want to get a rifle that rips up pelts. Suggestions welcome! Also any suggestions on scopes figuring on the same shooting distance that wont break the bank.

 

[jhansman]

.223 may serve your needs, is easy to find, and affordable. I really like Mueller glass. Their Eraticator will handle 300 yards easily, and at less than $250 it is an excellent value.

 

[TonyAngel]

Maybe a .22-250 should be a consideration.

As for the glass, since you're talking about varmints, check out the Vortex Viper. The have a varmint/target version with fine cross hairs and up to 20X magnification for under $300 right now. Take a look at Midway and SWFA.

 

[NCsmitty]

If you are only concerned with predator hunting, then you are really left with two choices, and they both have been mentioned.

Realistically, limiting your shots to 300yds, then the 223 is the best choice from a cost standpoint and as an all around handy caliber.

The 22-250 easily extends your range over the 223 by at least another hundred yds, and all the 22-250's that I have shot and owned have been tack drivers. It's not quite as cheap to load or to buy factory ammo as the 223.

It's your choice as to what will make you happy.



NCsmitty

 

[Johnny Lightning]

what about the .204 compared to the 22-250. is the .204 superior to the 22-250?

 

[Geno]

The .223 Rem is about as good as you will find for fast kills without destroying the pelts. JMHO.

Geno

 

[Red Cent]

If the wind is not a factor, I would go for the 204. I have a bull barrelled 22-250 that is a fantastic shooter with 53 gr Sierra BT HP. But the 204 will outdo this. I think if I did it again today, I would build a heavy 204 and I would rebarrel the 22-250 with a faster twist for 65-85gr bullets.

 

[highorder]

Another vote for .223, especially considering the cost of factory ammunition.

 

[stubbicatt]

243. Don't look back. With the lighter bullets its performance has to be seen to be believed.

Some gawdawful speeds there, and pelt damage with the solids is not so bad, if you hunt for fur.

 

[smartshot]

6mm rem, a varmint handloader's dream

 

[Geno]

smartshot:

The 6mm Rem/.244 Rem is about the most vicious round I ever used to hunt. Loaded to max velocities it flies fast, flat and hit very hard. It also will create serious damage unless one uses a partition of some similar.

Myself, I have two .223 Rems, and two .308 Wins. I use the .223s to 300 yards, and the .308s for further distance. I, however, am unconcerned about the pelt.

Geno

 

[Strongbad]

I've got both a 243 and a 22-250 among other things, and I love both of them but I think for a dedicated predator rig I'd give the nod to the 22-250. My CZ-550 Varmint has the detachable mag, heavy bbl, single set trigger the whole deal. Anyway, that's my vote. If you were going to be deer hunting with it too or shooting anything more serious, definitely the 243.