Looking to get a new rifle but.....

[hogcowboy]

I'm thinking of getting a new rifle. However my reason for doing such would be to get one that is not quite as loud, make that brutal, as a .22-250 for those times I forget to grab my ear protection. So, my question is, is a .308 less brutal than a .22-250? I don't get off my ranch much so I just don't know. I'm looking for another coyote gun.

 

[gabepossenti]

How far do you shoot? I'd say go for a 357 carbine, but not if you're taking super long shots.

 

[hogcowboy]

How far to I shoot?

200 to 300 yards. They keep their distance. That's why I was think a .308. I already have a .22-250.

 

[gabepossenti]

Yep, Texas is a lot different from the woods of NC. 300 yards is way too long for the 357, so I guess I've got no suggestions. Not a varmint hunter myself. Last time I was at the range, I was next to a guy shooting a 22-250 and it just about shook my teeth out of my head. I hope you don't shoot yours without ear protection very often! Once would probably be enough to cut into your hearing pretty significantly.

 

[Furncliff]

The .308 registers around 155 db. The .22-250 will be close but in any case both are way too loud to shoot repeatedly with out ear protection. I'm old and my hearing is impaired because of a job situation. Please don't do anything that will mess with your hearing, it sneaks up on you later in life and it's unpleasant (unless my wife is rag'in on me

.22 Hornet comes to mind, it's quiet but your range is not gonna work for that cartridge.

Two other possible solutions are to buy a rifle with a long barrel or a suppressor.


Here's a chart...

http://www.freehearingtest.com/hia_gunfirenoise.shtml

 

[hogcowboy]

.308 less brutal

Thanks. That's what I wanted to know. I may as well stick with my .22-250 and keep a pair of ear plugs in my pocket at all times I carry the rifle in the truck. I was hoping the .308 was less brutal.

 

[47dodge]

my 308 is just as loud as my 30-06...now one rifle that i have taken deer with at 217 yards personally, and witnessed over 300 yard kill shot ,,was my hand me down 30-30 model 94...with redfield widefield 4x scope zeroed to hit dead on at 250 yards ....there is plenty of killing power in the old 30-30 and it aint too noisy....I use my hand loads for accuracy
for shots beyond 300 i would use my 30-06 or 308

 

[hogcowboy]

I have a 7-30 Waters so I pretty much have to 30-30 covered as well Dodge. Thanks.

 

[jlg]

I'd buy a suppressor for your current rifle. It will likely work out cheaper or about the same as buying another rifle and you won't have to worry about ear plugs anymore.

Suppressors are worth every penny...that is if you have all the pennies to spend.

 

[47dodge]

if you are getting a new rifle no matter what ..then the choices are great.

I bought a mossberg 100atr in 30-06..I love this gun,,,consistant groups in the 1/2-7/8" range,,,it out shoots my savage 10fp in .308 with the big barrel

that could really be the thicker crosshairs on the nikon scope that is on the 308....both are great shooters ..but the mossy for 250 bucks....they have a new mossy out at the gun store here with a trigger that is like the savages accutrigger and still sporting the same barrel as the 100atr (button rifled). the gun sells here for 239.oo no iron sights and you must buy a scope and rings yourself....thinking about getting one in 270..they call it maverick

 

[hogcowboy]

Suggestions

Thanks for all the suggestions.

 

[joed]

You're not going to find anything quieter then the .22-250 that will reach to 300 yards. The .223 in my opinion is not much quieter and isn't great at 300 yards.

Myself, I've given up on the .223 and just moved to the .22-250 because I couldn't get the .223 to reach 300 yards reliably. I'll never own another .223 as I find them to have a trajectory of a rainbow.

 

[unwise11]

Buy a bulk box of earplugs.
keep them in truck.
unless you just want a new gun