Best Varmint Caliber

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Originally Posted by duckslayer

I have a .204, a couple .223’s and a 22-250 and have shot several yotes with each. All great coyote calibers. My favourite is prob the .204 but that being said I’ve been using one of the .223’s the last couple years but only because I’m cheap and my .223’s shoot the real cheap loads well. There would not be much cost difference between the 204 and 223 if I had to buy premium ammo for the .223. Don’t think there are any cheap options for the 204. The 204 is fast, flat shooting, fur friendly and very light recoil for faster follow up shots but we are not talking about much difference between the smaller calibers. To answer your question yes the 243/22-250’s are noticeably louder then the smaller options listed. If you are looking at pursuing coyote and smaller game with this rifle I’d stick with the smaller calibers but if you are wanting to possibly use for bigger animals you might want to go with the larger ones.

Anyone doubting the .204 for large yotes just take a look at the ballistics compared to the smaller calibers, I’ve downed some big yotes with it one shot......bang flop.......and almost have to search for an entrance whole. That being said an azz shot yote with any of the options is going to need a follow up.

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Ditto on the .204 which I have been using more and more , amazing how flat it shoots and kills "coyotes "' I have .222, and .243, and have killed many coyotes with both over the 43 years of hunting them, but now the .204 reigns supreme.
I also shoot a .22 mag if in close proximity to buildings, it will kill but the range is a limiting factor.

Why not get a rifle you can use for big game as well. 243 would be my pick out of your mention. Years ago I sold my 223 and just use a 270 for what ever I consider to big or to far for 22lr.

The .223 has killed probably more humans than coyotes. With the proper bullet and shot placement it’s a proven round. If Noise isn’t an issue the 22-250 is more of a good thing.

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Originally Posted by Ridger

Was there a noticeable noise difference between the 243 and 223?

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There seemed to be, but It could just be me too!?

With both 204 and 243 in the cabinet, was always reaching for the 204 when going for coyotes. The 243 eventually was sold because it never got used. Thought it would make an excellent backup for deer but when the first one always worked I didn't want to risk trying anything new.

I think in terms of what is available .... can I walk into Walmart , not that it's my ammo centre of choice , and pick up a certain box of ammo ... .243 yes tho usually only 100 s. ... ...... .22 .250 yes , not sure of grains available ... .204 can't say I've ever seen them available .
Glen

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Originally Posted by G Skinner

I think in terms of what is available .... can I walk into Walmart , not that it's my ammo centre of choice , and pick up a certain box of ammo ... .243 yes tho usually only 100 s. ... ...... .22 .250 yes , not sure of grains available ... .204 can't say I've ever seen them available .
Glen

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No doubt there are more offerings (bullet/brand) for .243, .223 but as for availability I have seen .204 everywhere I’ve bought ammo in the last 5-6 years, CT, TSC, BP, Cabelas, all small hunting shops I’ve been in stock .204. Now Walmart I can’t say as it’s not somewhere I buy my ammo.

Savage Axis II, in .223 best out of the box shooter, cheap to feed. (I have two Axis's in .223, and 1 in .308) All the caliber mentioned do the job, if you do yours. My factor, was cost to feed and I reload, plus finding good sales on bulk .223 (not 5.56), makes plinking fun. Just the cost factor between 22-250 and .223 should be viewed in store and online, same as .243 (which is a bit harder to find) I only use 50-55 GR V-Max bullets in hand loads. Chest shot 98% of the time never comes out the other side. Gut shot..nasty, this effect is amplified with 22-250 (55gr Vmax), Ultra Nasty. But it kills em dead out to 250M, every time. Both my .223 axis's shoot flat to 150M, so no hold over at this range with mine, at 200M+, I hold over at spine level.

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Originally Posted by G Skinner

I think in terms of what is available .... can I walk into Walmart , not that it's my ammo centre of choice , and pick up a certain box of ammo ... .243 yes tho usually only 100 s. ... ...... .22 .250 yes , not sure of grains available ... .204 can't say I've ever seen them available .
Glen

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Shooters Choice , in your area have plenty in stock, .204 rifles are now their biggest sellers , according to them.
I personally do not shop there , and I would never think of going to Walmart to buy ammo, I have only been in a Walmart store twice , once in Cambridge and once in Brockville.

Most actual gun shops that I have been in all have had a good supply of .204 ammo , due to it's popularity.

I’ve owned and shot multiples of each cal you are looking at. Can’t remember how many 204’s but at least 6.

Each you have listed will work really well for yotes.

I spent a few years messing around almost exclusively with small cal stuff. If you buy a 204 do yourself a favour and pick up a Tikka. I found that savages ( multiple) could not stabilize 40 or 45 grain pills well and the tikka could.

I was able to get the savages to stabilize 39 grain Sierra blitz kings but it was a pain.

A few folks mention the 243 and only using 58 Vmax and I’ll say that the big brother to that pill is an 87 Vmax and from a accuracy point of view it is amazing.