How far do you feel comfortable using the .223 on coyotes?

[MHWASH]

I'm looking to add another coyote rifle to the mix. The purpose of this rifle will be a light, short barreled suppressed .22. I spent last Saturday walking around from dawn to dusk packing my 10# 22-250 and am looking for a lighter rifle that's a little more balanced that a 20"+8" suppressor hanging off the end.

I've killed 90% of my coyotes with a 22-250, but only a few with a slower .22.

 

[Maverick1]

18,000 yards.

 

[Timberline001]

Why not keep it a fast .22? A fast twist 22-250 or 22 creed with a 16 inch barrel should still hold 2900-3000 with 80 ELDMs, will give you less wind drift, and farther terminal performance.

That’s what I’m building at least.

 

[83cj-7]

I’ve used the same hunting load in my 12.5” SBR for many years for fox, coyote and deer. It’s a 60 grain Nosler ballistic tip yawning its way along at 2550fps. It kills everything it touches. I’ve killed coyotes beyond 300 yards and deer past 400 yards. You don’t need a super fast 22 to kill them, just the right bullet and shot placement.

Just one of many. I can’t remember a well hit coyote taking a single step after being hit with that Nosler 60.

 

[Ringbill27]

I suppose if I were using my comp gun which is a gen1 Ruger American ranch w/ a bipod I’d be comfortable out to 500yds. I have to be able to hit a 5” target at that range. Should work.

 

[Nine Banger]

I'm looking to add another coyote rifle to the mix. The purpose of this rifle will be a light, short barreled suppressed .22. I spent last Saturday walking around from dawn to dusk packing my 10# 22-250 and am looking for a lighter rifle that's a little more balanced that a 20"+8" suppressor hanging off the end.

I've killed 90% of my coyotes with a 22-250, but only a few with a slower .22.

If you get the length down it will help the carry feel more than the weight.

My coyote gun is around 12lbs but it's a bull pup. I do slingless carry 1-2 miles when I go. I'm used to it.

My day time guns are 8.5-9lbs w/ 16-18" barrels and OTB suppessors and carry well too.

My boys have very light rifles. T3x, SWFA fixed 6s and Scythe TIs. Their 20" factory barrels and the traditional suppressor makes them awkward carry guns.

If everything else is perfect on that gun you currently have grab a new barrel or cut it and put an OG65 or AB Raptor on it.

The cool thing about 22-250 is you get to shoot the barrel out in a couple months to a year and change it up.

Sounds like you're day hunting. You should be good out to 400 with 223.

It's a night game in the east. I have a hard time finding a point of aim past 200 with my thermal device. My buddy has a new new that's clear at distance tho.

 

[justinspicher]

Most of my coyote shots have been inside of 200yds, but I’d feel pretty comfortable shooting at one out to 400yds. Our fields are pretty open and we can stretch to 600-650yds pretty easily, just gotta watch for cows.

 

[MHWASH]

My 22-250AI will stay as it is, The current 20" barrel is shooting the 80 ELDm @3300. I do have a OG 30 in jail and that may help with the balance, but I have no plans to change that setup. Sounds like the lowly .223 may be the ticket. I thought about the 22 ARC, but there's not too many factory options out there right now.

 

[iamthenick]

I’ve used the same hunting load in my 12.5” SBR for many years for fox, coyote and deer. It’s a 60 grain Nosler ballistic tip yawning its way along at 2550fps. It kills everything it touches. I’ve killed coyotes beyond 300 yards and deer past 400 yards. You don’t need a super fast 22 to kill them, just the right bullet and shot placement.

Just one of many. I can’t remember a well hit coyote taking a single step after being hit with that Nosler 60.
View attachment 1005014

Tango down!

 

[ZeroFoxGiven]

522 yards is the furthest I have taken a coyote with 5.56. Granted, its a 20" barrel running 77 SMK on the faster side of things.

 

[Skerhunter]

Not a fan of fast twist .224 with light jacketed varmint bullets at ranges past about 200 yards (speeds under 3000fps). Just avoid that and you will be OK with the .223.

Can you lighten up the 250AI or does it have a heavier barrel on it?

My personal preference - calling all day and most shots 0-150 I take the AR. If I want to shoot further (easier) I’m taking the 8lbs 22creed and at night I’m using my heavier 22-250. I carried heavier 12- 14lbs varmint guns in the past and that does get old on all day hunts.

 

[Coleredding00]

22GT is what you seek. 3000+ round barrel life, 3050 fps with 80 eldms in this 18”. I would not hesitate to go 16”. This particular rifle is 13 pounds or so, but i don’t have an issue with it personally.

Furthest I’ve killed anything a dog was 1009 yards one bagging over the bed rail, 1480 fps impact velocity, and it was a bang flop on a through the shoulder shot. Probably luck but i digress