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Author
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Topic: First Centerfire Rifle
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Neil
Knows what it's all about
Member # 28
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posted January 27, 2003 10:58 AM
Okay, I'm sure somone's asked this question before...
What kinda' rifle do i need to coyote hunt?
Tax time is comming and I'm looking for a new rifle. Here's what I've been thinking about:
Rifle- Savage .223- Because ammo's cheap and have heard nothing but good things about this rifle and its pocket friendly value (SAVAGE 10FP LE1A 223REM 20" OR LE2A 26") [http://www.savagearms.com/centerfire/lawEnf/10fp.htm]
Scope- 4-10X44mm with adjustable objective
And whatever calls/stuff you can convince me that I need.
Other possible calibres: 22-250, .243, .308
I can really use your opinion!
Thanks Guys!
Posts: 30 | From: Upland, CA | Registered: Jan 2003
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Lone Howl
Free Trial Platinum Member & part-time language police
Member # 29
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posted January 27, 2003 11:08 AM
Hey Neil, cant really go wrong with the Savage in .223 if your just starting out. I know how frustrating it can be trying to get the right equipment when your on a budget and/or have to wait for the old tax return (which I wont get this year ![[Mad]](mad.gif) )The package you are talking about will do just fine.
Dont forget the license and hunt safe my man.
BTW Id get the sporter version(skinny barrel),easier to lug around for calling setups.You might also want to stick with closed reed calls for now too, till you get your calling sounds down pat.Thier just easier to handle when your starting out.Either jackrabbit or cottontail will work where your at.
[ January 27, 2003, 11:13 AM: Message edited by: Lone Howl ]
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When tyranny becomes law, rebellion becomes duty.
Posts: 2083 | From: Texas | Registered: Jan 2003
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Neil
Knows what it's all about
Member # 28
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posted January 27, 2003 10:35 PM
Thanks Lone Howl,
The more I research this subject, the more i hear about the 22-250. Even the guys selling rifles at the local gun store frown at the mention of the .223 for coyote hunting. One of the guys at work said that the .243 is ideal for it's versatility, that is, coyote and deer. I've also read about people using shotguns for coyote and turkey.
I'm still trying to figure it out.
I'm a bass fisherman and have experienced the feeling of not having the right tools for the job.When I first started fishing, i bought the cheapest spinning reel. While fishing with that reel, i yearned for a smoother winding reel with a non-surging drag. Now, I buy my fishing equipment so that I don't have to think about that equipment when I'm fishing.
What other brands of rifles would you recommend?
Better yet, What is the most ideal rifle for your kind of hunting?
Let's also pretend that i have about $1300 available to use for purchase.
Thanks!
[ January 27, 2003, 10:36 PM: Message edited by: Neil ]
Posts: 30 | From: Upland, CA | Registered: Jan 2003
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UTcaller
NEVADA NIGHT FIGHTER
Member # 8
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posted January 28, 2003 07:05 AM
Neil,The type of gun you use is totally dependant on the type of country you are calling.Example:If you call really thick brushy stuff where most shots will be 50 yards or less a shot gun may be your best choice.Where if you shoot very open country your shot can range from 50 yards all the way up to 400 or 500 yards,then you are better served with more flat shooting guns like 22-250 or 220 swift up to 243 or 6mm.I know alot of guys that shoot and really like the 223,222,and 222 mag,they work great from 0-200 yards or so.Along with terrain,feeling comfortable with what you shoot is another consideration.hope that helps alittle.GOOD HUNTING Chad.....
Posts: 1708 | From: Utah | Registered: Jan 2003
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Leonard
HMFIC
Member # 2
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posted January 28, 2003 01:17 PM
I know a guy, from these boards, that used to feel the same as I do about seventeen caliber coyote rifles. We both knew and had hunted with another fella that used a .17 Remington. And, we had an equally negative opinion.
That all changed when he up and bought one. Now, his whole perspective is different. Now, seventeens are amazing. ![[Roll Eyes]](rolleyes.gif)
The point being that you can get along with what you got. There is a loyalty factor, too. Sorta like; don't dis my gun, Dude.
One thing to take note of: the general agreement that a 22-250 is a servicable predator rifle. It is hard to find that level of agreement about anything involving predator hunting, so it's something to keep in mind.
Good hunting. LB
[ January 28, 2003, 01:19 PM: Message edited by: Leonard ]
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EL BEE Knows It All and Done It All.
Don't piss me off!
Posts: 32368 | From: Upland, CA | Registered: Jan 2003
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Frank
CAN START A FIRE WITH A BUCK KNIFE AND A ROCK
Member # 6
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posted January 28, 2003 04:20 PM
Leonard;
I can remember one year I was hunting with a team from Riverside. One of the guys had a .17 and I never heard more bitchin', moanin' and groanin' about flopping coyotes, runners and "I know I hit him...he's got to be here somwhere" comments. I developed a very negative opinion of the .17 after that. I guess you could call that first hand experience.
When it comes to recommending a rifle and scope combination to a new guy, I can't recommend more the choice of a .22-250 with a Leopold 3X9X50 with the non-adjustable objective. It's hard to go wrong with that combination.
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"Truth is no prostitute, that throws herself away upon those who do not desire her; she is rather so coy a beauty that he who sacrifices everything to her cannot even then be sure of her favor".
Posts: 644 | From: North Dakota | Registered: Jan 2003
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UTcaller
NEVADA NIGHT FIGHTER
Member # 8
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posted January 28, 2003 04:46 PM
Yeah,I know what you guys are saying.My brother shoots a 17rem. sometimes,and if I had a dollar for everytime he said to me "If I would have just had my 22-250 I could of had that S.O.B" I could retire a wealthy man. GOOD HUNTING Chad......
Posts: 1708 | From: Utah | Registered: Jan 2003
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Neil
Knows what it's all about
Member # 28
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posted January 28, 2003 06:00 PM
What about that .17 HMR?
BTW, i'm leaning towards the 22-250 (but just slightly) ![[Wink]](wink.gif)
Does reloading save that much more money?
Posts: 30 | From: Upland, CA | Registered: Jan 2003
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Lone Howl
Free Trial Platinum Member & part-time language police
Member # 29
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posted January 28, 2003 08:33 PM
Hey Neil,I also shoot a 22-250.Have for 15 years or so.I told you a 223 was good, and it is,but if you dont mind spending a bit more for ammo I would go with the 22-250. All my buds hunt coyotes with a 223 cause the ammo is cheaper and all that, and it is a bit quieter I guess if your shooting around certain areas BUT I cant even count the number of times they have shot a coyote and did not put him down and I had to finish a runner, or worse a flopper.It all depends on the kind of shot you take and I know some people can kill em consistently and at long range with a 223 but I just prefer more power at longer range a 250 gives you.A 223 is easier on fur if you want to keep it but I still vote for the 250.
BTW that .17 will kill em at close range if you pick your shots but please dont start out with one,youll regret it. Now bobcat or greyfox, thats another story ![[Smile]](smile.gif)
And reloading just really gives you flexibility to tailor loads to your rifle, that is find the loads that are most accurate and also lets you pick bullets suited to the type of game you are hunting.Its not really cheaper in the beginning cause of the initial investment for the equipment, but its fun.
[ January 28, 2003, 08:39 PM: Message edited by: Lone Howl ]
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When tyranny becomes law, rebellion becomes duty.
Posts: 2083 | From: Texas | Registered: Jan 2003
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20t-n-t
Knows what it's all about
Member # 46
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posted January 28, 2003 11:54 PM
Neil,
I agree with Lone Howl on this one and he is right about the 17HMR. I been huntin coyotes over 30 years and the tally I put up on coyotes(20) with the 17HMR dos'nt tell you how many I
educated in the process, The ones that came to the call just out of range and winded me or saw me swiching guns. for your first gun get a 22-250 it will serve you well till you learn more about the game and you can hunt other critters with it as well. Thats just plain good advice and you won't be under gunned.
Good huntin and keep yer powder dry
Slydog
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Teach a kid to hunt and fish and feed them for a lifetime......
Posts: 245 | From: Boise Idaho USA | Registered: Jan 2003
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Neil
Knows what it's all about
Member # 28
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posted January 29, 2003 05:37 AM
Alright!!! You guys convinced me.
I'm buying me a 22-250! I also think i'll get a burris to go with that.
Do I have to have a gunsmith look at the rifle for a trigger job and to "bed" it (whatever that means)?
Posts: 30 | From: Upland, CA | Registered: Jan 2003
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20t-n-t
Knows what it's all about
Member # 46
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posted January 29, 2003 06:49 AM
Neil,
I have to be quick caus I'm walking out the door to go huntin but just to let you know, I shoot a Burris 3x9x40 w/ balistic plex and after I learned how to use it my shooting skills just keep getting better.
If you get a Rem 700 sendero in 22-250 it will come pillar bedded and if you know a real gunsmith, not a gun tinkerer they can set the trigget down to around 2 lbs and still keep it safe or you can spend a little more and have a good trigger installed.
as for the 700, its hard to find more bang for the buck and Rem 700's are reliable solid shooters.
The Howa 1500 is also a good value and a solid performer.
Thats my 2 cents Good luck Neil
Slydog
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Teach a kid to hunt and fish and feed them for a lifetime......
Posts: 245 | From: Boise Idaho USA | Registered: Jan 2003
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Leonard
HMFIC
Member # 2
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posted January 29, 2003 01:10 PM
I haven't bought a new factory rifle in a while, but for sure, most will require some attention to the trigger. As far as I know, the Remington is still the easiest to fix. I hear that some models of Savage have a decent adjustable trigger, but if you go with the Ruger, it's a two stage, and it sucks.
Burris or Leupold, up to you, they are in the same general bracket, as to cost. I keep hearing that Burris customer service is a notch lower than Leupold, should you have a problem, now or in the future.
You absolutely cannot go wrong with a 22-250. I doubt that you will ever part with it, regardless of how sophisticated you eventually become.
Handloading your ammunition is probably never going to save you money, but it is such an advantage that I recommend doing it. It expands your horizons, and makes you a vastly more knowledgeable shooter. Consider the versatility, and the continuity. You will be at the mercy of the factories, if you buy whatever is available, over the counter.
The only negative: Getting started is going to set you back more money than you suspect, if you do it right.
Good luck, LB
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EL BEE Knows It All and Done It All.
Don't piss me off!
Posts: 32368 | From: Upland, CA | Registered: Jan 2003
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20t-n-t
Knows what it's all about
Member # 46
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posted January 29, 2003 07:18 PM
Well said Leonard. There ain't nothing to add.
Neil, I have a sendero (rem 700 ssfbb) in 25.06 and no crap I shot a 3 shot group that miked out at .310 @ 100 yards outside off bags.
I worked the trigger, lapped the barrel and my glass is Burris.
Are you confused yet
Slydog
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Teach a kid to hunt and fish and feed them for a lifetime......
Posts: 245 | From: Boise Idaho USA | Registered: Jan 2003
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Neil
Knows what it's all about
Member # 28
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posted January 31, 2003 09:10 AM
Thank you guys for your advice! It is well appreciated. And yes, 20t-n-t, I am thoroughly pleasantly confused
As for reloading, I don't think I'll have the cash for the initial investment (of reloading stuff.) Eventually, I'll have to research the topic more deeply.
Is the Remington 700 ADL in 22-250 sold at the nearest Walmart acceptable? And Leonard, are there any gunsmiths that you know of in our area that can work on my new rifle (whatever brand I get)? And can that gunsmith also work on my Model 597's trigger? The damn trigger breaks at 12lbs!
Again, thanks very much!
Hoping to Shoot Soon,
Neil
[ January 31, 2003, 09:42 AM: Message edited by: Neil ]
Posts: 30 | From: Upland, CA | Registered: Jan 2003
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Leonard
HMFIC
Member # 2
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posted January 31, 2003 09:27 AM
I have seen Remington ADLs in 22-250 down the street at Benson and Foothill Walmart. That would be a very astute choice, on your part.
Unfortunately, I don't know a custom gunsmith, locally, that would take a stranger. Maybe someone else out there has an idea?
Good hunting. LB
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EL BEE Knows It All and Done It All.
Don't piss me off!
Posts: 32368 | From: Upland, CA | Registered: Jan 2003
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Barry
Knows what it's all about
Member # 34
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posted January 31, 2003 02:49 PM
The Rem700 adl in 22-250 is a good choice,I bought one last year.The stock is crap.Mine would only do 2 1/2 in groups with reloads.I bedded it with bisonite and floated the barrel,groups dropped to under an inch.Do that and replace the stock trigger spring with a custom from Powers and you'll be in business.The only reason you would need the spring is the foctory is really stiff and hard to adj. below 2-pounds.Also later on you may want to build a custom gun on that action after you burn the barrel out or bend it like someone eles did.Thats a great action to do it with.Blueprint action,shilen match barrel,hs precision varminter stock,the list could go on.
Posts: 133 | From: Trinidad CO. | Registered: Jan 2003
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20t-n-t
Knows what it's all about
Member # 46
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posted January 31, 2003 08:27 PM
I resemble that remark Barry, LOL I sure hope for his sake he shoots it out and don't bend it, he'll never live it down. LMAO You guys are gooood !!!!
Hunt smart
Slydog ![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
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Teach a kid to hunt and fish and feed them for a lifetime......
Posts: 245 | From: Boise Idaho USA | Registered: Jan 2003
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Barry
Knows what it's all about
Member # 34
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posted February 01, 2003 04:19 PM
20t-n-t,I though you might like that little poke of fun at you.Crap happends,at least to me alot.
Posts: 133 | From: Trinidad CO. | Registered: Jan 2003
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20t-n-t
Knows what it's all about
Member # 46
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posted February 02, 2003 12:51 PM
You know it Barry.
Hunt smart ride smarter
Slydog
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Teach a kid to hunt and fish and feed them for a lifetime......
Posts: 245 | From: Boise Idaho USA | Registered: Jan 2003
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