Predator Hunting Rifles - What's yours?

[Matt W.]

Curious as to what folks are using and how they have them set up.
I am setting up a S&W M&P 15 (Magpul Edition) in 5.56/.223.
Currently working up a 55gr load with the Nosler Ballistic Tip bullet. Its a bit light for Wolves, but should be ok to reasonable distances.

Looking to add the Leupold Mark AR MOD 1 4-12x40mm scope with the Mark 2 IMS mount

 

[T43]

Either my 220 Swift or 243 both Remington 700. I bought the 220 just out of high school and its barrel is starting to go. I figure as soon as it does it will be build up time.

 

[bbrown]

Either my Marlin .17HMR or .243 in a Remmy 700 action once I figure out the scope situation.

 

[5MilesBack]

Depends........but mostly my RRA .223 Predator 20" stainless with a Vortex Viper HS LR 4-16 in a Larue QD mount. Also working on some 4000fps loads in .22-250 with the CFE-223 powder.

 

[muleman]

Ruger KM77VT Mk. II Target in 220 Swift

 

[moosemeat]

Either my Marlin .22 mag or my ER Shaw .17 Rem

 

[Browtine]

Tikka T3 Light in 243 with a Vortex Viper 4-16x50 or a JP15 18" AR in 556 topped with a Burris XTR 1.5x6

 

[digger]

Whatever rifle is in the truck with me. Lately mostly a 6.5x284 savage.My son and I have taken 23
coyotes since june 1.All here in sunny California and all targets of opportunity.
He uses a tikka 22-250 or and old 788 in 223.

 

[Justin Crossley]

I use a Remington R15 VTR mostly.

 

[Ray]

an old 788 in 223.

YES!

My second longest owned rifle and one of the most accurate.

 

[6t4nova]

My jeep gun is a 223 savage axis with a Vortex Crossfire II 6-18 x 44. Shoots great.

 

[Matt W.]

I use a Remington R15 VTR mostly.

Nice. What caliber? Any issues with the R15? I've been debating a Remington in .243... What does your weigh?

 

[Justin Crossley]

It's .223 (you have to get the R25 if you want .243)
I don't remember the weight off hand.
Mine has a Geisele (spelling?) match trigger installed.
I've had no trouble with it at all.

 

[Matt W.]

It's .223 (you have to get the R25 if you want .243)
I don't remember the weight off hand.
Mine has a Geisele (spelling?) match trigger installed.
I've had no trouble with it at all.

Forgot that little nomenclature.. : ) I would like the R25 in the .243 at some point. Good to hear your R15 is working well.

 

[BATTLEBORN]

Either my Marlin .17HMR or .243 in a Remmy 700 action once I figure out the scope situation.

Do you shoot Coyotes with your 17HMR? I shot one between the eye with my HMR and ended having to finish it off with a 22-250 after he bucked around in circles for about 30 secs. I know he would have died but I did not want to prolong his death. I have not used the HMR on Coyotes since, if you are using it, are you using a 20grn bullet and what is your preferred shot placement with such a little round?

 

[bbrown]

I have taken 3 yotes with my .17HMR - all less than 100 yards and I typically shoot the 17gr poly tipped. 2 were in the base of the neck and both dropped right there granted they were fairly close (less than 60 yards each). One was a chest shot and he made a good run before he died but he was closer to 100 yards.
I do not take head shots because I feel the bullet has too much chance to break up before doing enough damage.
I much prefer my .243 for yotes (those lil 58gr V-Max bullets at almost 4000 fps drop them quick) but if I am out shooting prairie dogs and get the chance I will take it.

 

[tstowater]

I used 17 Remingtons, 204's, 22-250's, 220 Swfts and have settled on a 25-06 for coyotes. I have a Mini 14, but I let my brother use it for the time being. I'm not terribly concerned about fur damage at this time. I use a 6mm for prairie dogs, but the heavy barrel is more than I want to drag around in the snow. Everything has from a 3-9 to 6.5-20 scope on it. Just picked up a 22-250 in a Model 70 with an 8.5-25 Leupold. Other than checking to see how it shoots (damn good), I haven't had time to play.

 

[BackpackHunter]

Just threw a scope on my old patrol rifle, and plan to use it for coyote hunting. It's a Bushmaster chambered in .223/5.56. It's got a 14.5" chrome lined barrel. It has Surefire rail system on the front (from it's patrol days) and a Nikon Coyote Special 3-9 mounted on top.

One of these days I'll throw a match grade stainless barrel and a new trigger in it, but that isn't in the budget yet.

 

[BATTLEBORN]

I have taken 3 yotes with my .17HMR - all less than 100 yards and I typically shoot the 17gr poly tipped. 2 were in the base of the neck and both dropped right there granted they were fairly close (less than 60 yards each). One was a chest shot and he made a good run before he died but he was closer to 100 yards.
I do not take head shots because I feel the bullet has too much chance to break up before doing enough damage.
I much prefer my .243 for yotes (those lil 58gr V-Max bullets at almost 4000 fps drop them quick) but if I am out shooting prairie dogs and get the chance I will take it.

Gotcha.. I will stick to my .243 for yotes from now on. Although the 17 HMR is my favorite gun.

 

[shaun]

Remington 22-250 thing is a screamer and a tack driver to boot