Looking for a new predator rifle!

[sjsmallfield]

I am looking at getting a new rifle for predators. I really like the Savage model 10 in .243 or .22-250 and have also looked at a couple other Savages. I just wanted to know what some of you guys would recomend. I was leaning towards the .243 so I could also use it for blacktails here in CA.

 

[Grantbvfd]

I have both a 22-250 and a 243. That's a tough call because I love them both. If you want something versatile I would get the 243.

 

[Drhorsepower]

Do you reload? I have a 58gr. Load for varmints and 100gr load for deer in .243. Love it.

 

[Ikeepitcold]

I use 223 for coyotes in the AR platform. My daughter killed her first Antelope with it this year. It might be a good choice for both as well as the 243.

 

[12ring]

Just picked up this 22-250 tikka T3 lite. I'll let you know how I like it.

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

I have a custom predator rifle I built expressly for P Dogs that I use on coyotes, etc also. I built a .220 Ackley Swift. I know the .220 has had a pretty bad reputation for being hard on barrels, but with todays slow burning powders, this is not a problem. I have shot 55 gr Bergers @ 4300 fps that make a 3 shot cloverleaf at 100 yds that is less than 1/2 inch at 100yds. I had a Springfield 03A3 action laying around and added a Shilen SS match barrel and a Timney Trigger. I also had a beautiful LH (I shoot LH) walnut thumbhole stock I made 30 years ago that I added to the mix. Topped with a Leupold VXIII 6.5 x 20 it makes a great shooter! I plan on taking it to Wyoming this fall when I'm goat hunting along with my calls and see If I can eliminate a few Coyotes too!

 

[sjsmallfield]

Do you reload? I have a 58gr. Load for varmints and 100gr load for deer in .243. Love it.

No I don't reload yet. Every time I think about getting into the reloading game I end up buying a new rifle and run out of money. Some day soon I hope though.

 

[xtreme]

I have a Rem 700 22-250, a standard 243, and an A-bolt 243wssm. I had rather carry the short action 243wssm, but I like the 22-250 cal best. Its amazing what the 22-250 will do. The BOSS on the Browing lets you change ammo quickly and not lose accuracy, like 55gr or 95 gr.
I try not to reload either, the ammo you can buy will be very accurate once you match the weight and twist rate your gun likes. A guy I know bought a Howa 223 package for not too much money and he likes it really well. My brother also has a 223 gun with a fast twist and he can shoot a deer weight bullet with it. Last year, my friend killed a 322lb bear with a 223 and I killed a bear with the 243wssm. Same gun, I shot a large whitetail buck with a 55gr bullet, a pass through clean kill. Confused yet?

 

[sjsmallfield]

Thanks for all the info guys. I am still looking but have recently been looking at the Tikka T3 Lite, TC Venture and the Browning Xbolt along with the Savages. Any Thoughts?

 

[MOHunter]

The Tikka T3 and TC Venture are both great values. I have a relative who recently purchased a Venture in .308. First time shooting (sighting in) he shot a 3-shot group of 0.63" at 200 yds. He is very pleased.

I personally prefer the Tikka of the 3. I love the trigger. They will all do what you want. I'd look for a deal on the one that excites you the most.

 

[Musket Man]

I have a model 70ss winchester 22-250 shooting hornady 50gr vmax. I love it for yotes! IMO the 22-250 is hands down the best varmit caliber ever made! I also have a pre 64 model 70 243 that I like alot and have killed everything from bobcats to deer with. I would go with the 243 if you want to hunt deer with it too. I think the 22-250 is pretty light for deer and also 243 is the minimum caliber thats legal in some states.

 

[MOHunter]

I forgot to mention, I absolutely love the .204 Ruger for predators/varmints. It would not work for blacktail however.

It has ballistics very similar to a 22-250 in the same size bullet. If you guys haven't looked into it you should really check it out. Most fun centerfire I've ever shot.

 

[Musket Man]

I agree the 204 looks like a fun little round! Although I have never shot one. Great for prairie dogs I bet! Im sure it would work fine on yotes too, but I have seen many times what my 22-250 and a vmax will do to a yote and I like it

 

[Drhorsepower]

I'd like to have a .204 in an ar15 for yoters. How fun would that be!!!!

 

[sjsmallfield]

Thanks for all the help so far you guys. My dad has a savage mdl 10 .204 and he loves it. I haven't seen him shoot anthing that hasn't dropped like a stone. Besides like I told him I don't need a .204 I already have one. Lol Anyways I'm not in any hurry so keep posting your thoughts.

 

[Ranchhand02]

I use an ar-15 in 223 for coyotes. It is a great gun. I would also recomend the 22-250. I have killed a number of deer and coyotes with it.

 

[Musket Man]

just get a 22-250 and a 243. You can never have to many guns

 

[hvfd21walker]

Yeah buy both and then you will be happy either way.

 

[skeeterdriftwood]

The 243 has been one of the best varmint-deer cartridges for as long as I can remember. I have killed two mule deer bucks and a cow elk with the 100 grain sierra boat tail. Some of the better shots on coyotes came from the 243 and a 75 gr. hornady vmax. A few years ago I got a 250 Savage Adams and Bennett barrel for my Model 11 savage. It came in a 24", and shot reasonably well with the 85 gr. combined tech. bullet. While I was cleaning it one time, I noticed a hard spot twords the end of the barrel. I kind thought the thing ought to be a little shorter any way, and sawed 4" off, recrowned it and ended up with one of the most accurate rifles I ever had. Not that the 250 is any better than the 243, but in a pinch the 115 gr. bullet makes a fine deer round as well. THis spring I will get a Savage Predator hunter in the 6.5 Creedmoor, that sounds like a good all arround cartridge as well.

 

[6mm Remington]

6mm Remington will work great for both deer and coyotes. I even have one elk to my credit taken with my 6mm and 100gr. Partitions.