If you could build any short action coyote gun…

[scottprice]

Lots of smart gun nuts on this forum, so I need input

I won a contest where I’ll get a Blueprinted Remington 700 in any Short Action caliber of my choice, a Kreiger or Bartlein Barrel, Bedded in a MDT XRS Chassis (or equivalent pricepoint)… or…take $1500 cash.

We discussed 243, 6arc, 204 and 6creed for the most part. Briefly discussed 220swift and 224Valk as well.

This will be a dedicated night coyote hunting gun and max distance of 300 yards. All tripod shooting. I don’t like to blow big holes in the animal either, I keep the nice pelts.

Currently I shoot a 223 and I’ve had a handful get up and run after solid shot placements. I want more of a DRT caliber, while still preserving fur, if that’s possible

Let me know what you would have built with my criteria

 

[Samson7x]

I’m a 22-250 fan and would consider that as well.

 

[Dmoua]

22, 25, or 6 Creed.

 

[StupidLightweight]

Lots of rounds will drop coyotes, but if the goal is to preserve fur, that changes things. I'd suggest .204 with a 40-grain Berger. Avoid the shoulders.

 

[TxLite]

22-250 would be a good choice. 22 creed if you want something modern

 

[dirtytough]

22 Creed with 52 Berger Match is great on fur as long as you don't get fringe hits.

 

[Spikehorn]

22 Creed for keeping fur. 6 creed if not.

 

[Robinhood21]

22CM

 

[waspocrew]

22 Creed for me as well.

 

[scottprice]

I see a pattern here

 

[nockhunter]

22ARC right in the middle of the .223 and 22-250.

Mike

 

[Skerhunter]

Bolt gun and factory ammo - 22-250 is what I would suggest (kind of a fan boy though). I shoot a 1-12 24” barrel - factory 50gr vmax at 4000+fps. I have ~5” of drop at 300, which is easy to hold for. 55 grain BTs and Sierra 1365s shoot ~3700.

Reloads - I would do a slow twist 22 creed to keep the velocity up and rpm’s down on the 50-60 grainers and have even less drop to 300 (probably my next gun). Or do a 1:8 and shoot 60-80 grainers. 80s appear to be hard on fur, but I took it out for one stand so far (pic below of what you’re not looking for).

.204 with a faster twist and 40gr vmax would also work - just harder to find ammo. More fur friendly than .22-250.

6mm offerings kind of got killed by the 22 creed (my opinion).

 

[MT-nuffgun]

Inside 300 yards don’t take much. Tons of options out there. 22 creed stands out the most. Find the range of bullet weights you want to shoot and have the barrel twisted accordingly.

 

[predmaster223]

I'd vote 204. Laser beam to 300. Very fur friendly. Speed kills yotes. Lots of guys like the 35 berger. I've never tried those but the 40 vmax works well for me

 

[Brian.243]

I have killed a lot of yotes with my 243s but if I was starting over 6creed would be my choice

 

[omicron1792]

22 creed

 

[StupidLightweight]

I don’t like to blow big holes in the animal either, I keep the nice pelts.

I want more of a DRT caliber, while still preserving fur, if that’s possible

Many posters are neglecting these points. The .22-250 and .22 Creed ain’t gonna be fur-friendly. I stick with the .204 Ruger suggestion with the right bullet.

 

[SteepNdeep]

22 or 6 creed would be my choice.

 

[scottprice]

Many posters are neglecting these points. The .22-250 and .22 Creed ain’t gonna be fur-friendly. I stick with the .204 Ruger suggestion with the right bullet.

 

[Mojave]

I would do the 22 Creed or 6mm Creed as well.

Unless:

You are hunting to sell fur and you live somplace that is actually worth it like Alberta, Montana, Wyoming and have good northern coyotes.

Then I would build a 20-250 or a straight 204 Ruger.

204 and 20-250 are way more fur friendly than the 22-250, 6mm or 22 Creed.