Best short barrel caliber for coyotes

[copperhead121]

Would like to build a short barreled rifle for coyotes but don't want a caliber that will tear up the hides either. I already have a 223 that I really like but would like a 22-250 but know when I shorten the barrel I loose what im trying to gain. what else is there that performs well with a short barrel 20" ish lenght?

 

[NoDakhunter]

Slow twist 22 creedmoor. Shoot the same bullets you would in 22-250 with some more zip.

 

[NoDakhunter]

If you’re a reloader, I’d highly recommend Sierra Blitzkings. I run 50 grain at 3700 out of a 22” 22-250. Could achieve that easily in a 20” 22cm.

 

[hereinaz]

Would like to build a short barreled rifle for coyotes but don't want a caliber that will tear up the hides either. I already have a 223 that I really like but would like a 22-250 but know when I shorten the barrel I loose what im trying to gain. what else is there that performs well with a short barrel 20" ish lenght?

How much do you think you are losing in a 20” barrel 22-250?

It’s only about 25ish fps for every inch that you shorten a barrel.

 

[Lxhuntinpa]

I have a suppressed 18” .243 shooting Norma tipstrikes. Doesn’t hurt the hide one bit.

 

[Skerhunter]

Would like to build a short barreled rifle for coyotes but don't want a caliber that will tear up the hides either. I already have a 223 that I really like but would like a 22-250 but know when I shorten the barrel I loose what im trying to gain. what else is there that performs well with a short barrel 20" ish lenght?

Using a short barrel only limits your range due to velocity loss. You won’t see much difference in 16-18” guns in .204, 223, 22arc, 22-250 inside of 200 yards.

If you want to shoot further beyond 200, speed is king and you will want a longer barrel to maintain velocity - ideally 3800fps+.

Are you hunting at night/daytime? Are you calling or just shooting based on opportunity?

 

[TxLite]

As a data point-

My 18” 22-250 is shooting factory 55gr vmax at 3300, and 60gr vmax handloads at 3260 (did not work up to pressure signs)
My 16” 556 is shooting factory 55gr vmax at 3140
My 11.85” is shooting 55 factory vmax at 2927

 

[WCB]

I'd just rock a short barreled .223. Just picked up a Ruger American Ranch with the 16.5" barrel. If I can get a coyote to 400 yards I can get them to 200 or well under. Even a 16.5" barreled .223 is plenty out to even 300yds.

If I was concerned I'd just move down to a 50gr or lighter bullet to keep velocity up but that isn't even needed.

If your staying around 20" I don't see any true benefit unless you want a cartridge with heavy for caliber bullets for longer range shooting (400yds +)