Need Input for my next rifle

As many have already mentioned, a .243 would be hard to beat. If you want negligible fur damage then use a 55 gr. Blitz King (if you can find them) and drive them fast. I assume a Varmageddon bullet in similar weight would behave in similar fashion, and they seem to be more readily available. I purchased some since I couldn't find the Blitz Kings, and am just waiting to try them. The 55 BK out of my 6mm Remington Ruger American slings them at 3720 fps. Of the coyotes I have shot with that bullet, the norm on broadside shots is drop right there and no exits, and that's at 60-80 yards. Not sure how the bullet would perform at 300 yards. 70 gr. Blitz Kings could also be an option.
 
limbhanger10 said:
I use a .243 and a .223 for my dedicated coyote thermal rigs.
I'm confident using either out to 300, further with the .243 is situation presents itself.
I think the .243 is an excellent all around choice.
Click to expand...
Since you’ve used both, would you have any notable performance difference between them? Whether it’s fur damage, wind effect, trajectory… aside from the long shots you take past 300, like mentioned, I doubt I’ll ever encounter shots that long, or at least no often enough to worry about.
 
I load Cutting Edge ER Raptors for my .223 and the performance has been excellent. Whether it has been 50 yards or 300. Most kills are between 75 and 200.
My .223 is set up with a Trijicon hunter 2 35 w base 1.75x. I often hunt in close prox to a lot of houses(close quarters) So I tend to use it then.
..same load/bullets that I use for deer if that gives you an idea of performance.
Fur damage is sporadic(both the .223 and .243) all depends on shot taken- like any bullet placement.
 
I too was using a 223, but wanted "more". I also wanted something a little different so that's why I didn't go with the 243. I ended up going with the Howa Mini in 6mm ARC and so far I'm very happy with my decision. I use it as my night hunting rifle so I went with the 20'' barrel and run a DDC Enticer L on it. For ammo I use both HSM and Druid Hill 75gr Vmax. If I was going to buy a "do it all" coyote rifle tomorrow I'd give a hard look at one of the light weight models from Howa in 6mm arc.
 
Back
Top