which is best for a short barrel?

18" 22-250 1:8 does 3050fps with an 80gr ELDX with room to go up. Hornady Superformance 50gr vmax does 3700. Both are 1/2 moa. Got some ladders loaded up in between with 60 and 69 grain TMK's. Just waiting for the monsoons here in Washington to give me a chance to get out and shoot em.
 
A funny story concerning coyotes and cartridges.

I drove up to central Wyoming to meet my calling partner for a small coyote contest. He had brought along his friend because it was a 3 man team event. I had never met this fellow before, but I could tell he was the kind who could take a little ribbing and also give it back.

We sat down at the table for a meal and during the course of the conversation, I asked him what he was shooting. He said a 204. I half jokingly replied that we needed to get ready for spinners and runners the next day. He scowled back not exactly happy with me .

Anyways, around noon my partner and I had shot 3 coyotes with his buddy not clicking off his safety. Next stand, in comes a coyote on his side and I stop him at 130. He shoots and the coyote wilts straight down. He looks at me and says with authority.... that ain't no f'n spinner. I look back at the coyote just in time to see him pop up and take off like a bat out of hell. I look over at the buddy and say... you are right. What we have here is a runner. My partner makes a circus shot and kills the coyote just before he drops into a canyon.
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ive shot well over 100 coyotes with the 204. Bullet selection is critical. Stick to the 40s. Yes up close the thinner jacketed ones can be a bit splashy. The 40 gr nosler is a hammer, lots of damage and exits. Ive shot most with the 39 gr sierra, can get a bit splashy under 150 yards with a muzzle volocity of 3700-3800. I keep hearing about these coyotes not dieing but use the right bullets and no issue,

IF one is shooting 32s at 4200 i believe it. If i had to shoot 32s id stick to the nosler.

I have had some spinners and runners with the 62 gr eldvt in 223, at 3140 fps, it seems tougher than a 22 cal v max. All my running shots in the back end have kept going, they do not do this with the 204 and bullets mentioned and 22-250 and 55 gr noslers. they usually need a second shot if hit in the rear with both those, but it has them hurting bad.
 
I've got to be getting close to the 200 mark with a .204 shooting 32gr vmax at about 3800fps. Im happy enough with it that I wont be switching loads any time soon. Broadside shots behind the shoulder and straight on shots are a must if you dont want any noticeable holes. I've shot plenty with various loads from a 243 along with 20-250, 17-223 and 223. No such thing as a center fire that doesn't make a big hole from time to time. No holes, all the time? 22 mag or 17 hmr is what you need.
 
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