Coyote gun?

[sbaker10]

I know this has been discussed to death, but I am looking for a rifle about $500 or less for both taking long range shots, 200-400 meters and to take with me in the woods on the off chance I see a coyote or two legged predator, I do have a 9mm pistol though.

I'm not afraid of recoil so I have a few ideas in mind, I'm thinking perhaps a savage in .22-250, it should put a coyote down pretty easily and its a long range rifle. However a short 45-70 with a scope would probably be shorter and easier to carry than a bolt action rifle,

Ammo prices matter but not as much as stopping power on a coyote and affordability of the rifle itself

 

[Swampman]

You might want to think a bit more on what exactly you want this weapon for.
22-250 to 45-70 covers a LOT of ground!
It'd help if we knew WHAT you were intending to shoot at 200 to 400 yards.

The 22-250 is a great coyote rifle and it'll reach 400 yards with no problem as long as it's not too windy, but it's unlikely to give quick, humane kills on larger game at that distance.

The 45-70 is certainly capable of killing a coyote, but unless you're REALLY good at range estimation and reading wind, it's not likely to give stellar performance at 400 yards. Besides, most 45-70 lever guns aren't particularly light.

With what little I know at this point, I'd say a 30-06 bolt gun.

 

[Centurian22]

Definitely could use some more info. But so far I'll cast my vote for a Savage Axis in .308 either with the included scope or topping it with a Centerpoint 4-16x40. Another option would be the Ruger American.

 

[Grumulkin]

I'm not afraid of recoil so I have a few ideas in mind, I'm thinking perhaps a savage in .22-250, it should put a coyote down pretty easily and its a long range rifle.

I think a 22-250 would be a good choice. The longest range deer I ever put down was with a 22-250. It was 360 yards and DRT.

 

[1911 guy]

If this is for only coyotes, I'd rule out anything larger than .243. For ease of carrying, shave off a few inches by going with a short action. While the lever guns are indeed shorter, they are usually heavier than a well made bolt gun, due to the mechanism, tube magazine and amount of metal required to make the receiver.

 

[brainwake]

+1 for what 1911 said.....I like the .243 Ruger American and the Savage Axis in that price range. I think it would be a little more versatile. Nutnfancy has a couple of extensive reviews on youtube for the Ruger American and compares the features with the Savage Axis. They might be worth watching.

But I will say that I am deer hunter and .243 would also work for deer as well. I have a hard time considering rifles that won't take a deer. Personally, I have a .270. It's my deer gun and is what I would use for a yote. I think the 22-250 would work well for a yote if that is the caliber you are feeling. I know people take deer with it and won't talk against that.

 

[mnhntr]

.223 or .243 in a Savage 10. The .223 is better than the 22-250 for "long range" due to the lack of heavy, high BC, bullets in factory .22-250 offerings. This is not to say the .22-250 will not do what you want but the .223 is better in the wind with a 70 or 75gr bullet vs the 40 or 55gr you find in most .22-250 factory loads. The .243 is more versatile than both of these.

 

[Outlaw Man]

My Dad shot a young yote with a 243 last year when we were hunting. It landed about six feet from the closest blood spatter.

It will also humanely take deer and all other sorts of game (at appropriate ranges) and, in a setup such as the Savage mentioned, it can be light enough to carry around all day.

The others aren't bad suggestions at all, but a 243 would definitely be my choice if I were in your shoes.

 

[borrowedtime69]

I bought a Savage Axis in .223 Rem with a 1:9 twist for about $349 with the combo scope. Bought a Nikon Prostaff 3-9X- 40 to put on. You can buy just the rifle (no scope) on sales for under $300.

This rifle, with the right ammo, will shoot sub minute of angle groups at 100 yds and is more accurate than i am. I think it would be good out to 400 yds with practice.

Even if you dont want the .223, look into the Axis in 22-250, great gun, great price!

 

[Handi Man]

Marlin XL7 in .25-06 may do the job you want. Dropped a nice doe with mine yesterday around 350-380 yards.

 

[oldillini]

Remington 700 in .223 Rem with entry scope can be had for little over $400. Go base rifle and spend a few more dollars on decent scope is still under $500.

 

[Art Eatman]

I figure (based on experience) that for Ol' Wily, a 50- or 55-grain bullet in a .223 works okay to 200 yards, and a tad heavier bullet to, say 300.

Add a hundred yards on top of that for a .22-250 or a .220 Swift.

A .243 with a 70- or 80/85-grain bullet will do plenty good to 400. So will a .25-'06.

Range estimation, knowledge of trajectory and guessing the wind come into play when you get out past 250 yards. Doesn't matter what you're shooting.