Ideas for a .243 gun for coyotes?

[Kestrel]

After the discussion on hunting coyotes, I'm thinking about using a .243 (was going to use .223, but would like a heavier bullet). I have a Mark X mauser that I was going to fix up, but am wondering about the quality of the gun.

What would be another option for a .243 for coyotes? What barrel length is optimum for .243? Would a heavy barrel be better for this or will a standard profile be just as good?

Would the Win M70 Classic Compact, with it's 20" barrel be too short for the .243? Maybe the Featherweight, with it's 22" barrel would be better?

(I do like Remingtons, but refuse to buy a new one, with it's rediculous key-lock device. Maybe if I ran across an older one, though.)

Has anyone seen how a coyote reacts to being shot by a .243 vs. a .223?

Thanks for any help,
Steve

 

[proximo]

Sunday, I shot my 7-08 Compact Classic at 600yd in a fun match. The rifle was sighted in a 300yd and the rule of the match was you couldn't change your sights over the course (200yd, 300yd and 600yd). I'd had a couple of sighters the week before to try and gauge how much holdover I would need at 600yd but it was still tenuous. Still, it hit within minute-of-coyote 2 of 5 shots and I missed by a hair getting 3 of 5 hits.

From my experience, I'd say that the 20" barrel on the Compact Classic should be just fine at normal ranges (say <= 300yd) in and off itself. Whether the .243 is a capable round at coyote ranges depends entirely on bullet selection and how its loaded.

 

[Dave R]

I have not tried this, but I hear the Coyotes die even deader when shot with a .243 rather than .223.

Seriously, no reason the 20" barrel Mod 7 won't work. You'll give up a little velocity over a longer barrel. So adjust your sights for it and understand where you impact at different distances, then go hunt.

 

[dakotasin]

don't get too hung up on niche guns yet... just go hunt, get a little experience and a few critters, then you'll become the best judge at what you need.

 

[Kestrel]

dakotasin,

Good advice. I've decided to skip the .243 and use my 700PSS in .308. What are the lightest factory expanding loads available for .308?

Thanks again,
Steve

 

[12-34hom]

Coyote Gun.

Too bad Steve, 243 & 6mm are one Thee FINEST calibers for coyotes on this planet or any other.

Shot and reloaded for 10+ years on 243 & now shooting a 6mm Ackley Improved.

A heavy barreled 22 inch 243 - composite stocked - some type of premium scope and rings & bases = nice walking varminter.

.243 diameter bullets from 55 grains thru 108 in differing designs appeal to many shooters and hunters alike.

Enjoy your hunt, 308 a fine caliber too. For a load in 308 i would go with Federal match load. 168 grain HPBT.

12-34hom.

 

[Kestrel]

12-34,

Well, just as I had dropped the idea of .243, you had to make me reconsider... Good grief, I'm such a sucker...

What would ne a good heavy barrel .243? The Remington VLS? It has a 26" barrel, which I like for this round. How do the ballistics and flatness of the .243 compare to the .308? What's the lightest .308 load avaliable?

Thanks again,
Steve

 

[BillL223]

The Federal 168 HPBT is a target bullet, not a hunting bullet and is not designed to expand. Sierra, Speer, and Nosler make light 125 gr bullets that will work. Of course, they need to be hand loaded.

 

[12-34hom]

Steve.

Remington or Savage, both are fine rifles in thier own right.

If i was going to maybe have a gunsmith work on it, i would go with the Remington.

26 inch barrels are ok, but if you're going to be lugging it around in the field, i try and keep it as light as possible.

Accuracy wise, 243 excellent overall performer, depending on the twist rate of your barrel & if you use factory loads or handload your own. This is where the 243 & 6mm really shine. I have worked up a load in my 6mm with a 58 grain V-max that specs out right at 4000 fps. It's just like shooting a 220 swift. 3 inchs of drop at 300 yards, its deadly on crows and yoties.

243 is excellent caliber for deer, antelope, etc...

I don't see how one could go wrong with a set up in either 243 or 6mm.

12-34hom.


12-34hom.

 

[blfuller]

How about an Armalite AR10T in .243?