|
Post by stewa107 on Oct 21, 2011 17:55:31 GMT -5
My wife is going to buy me a new predator rifle for christmas but I am back and forth on the caliber. I will be using it for fox, bobcat, and coyote and cannot decide on the .204, .223, or .22-250 I would appreciate the income. I hunt on the lakes here when they freeze up so I have oppurtunity for long shots as well so I want a tack driver
|
|
|
Post by erict on Oct 21, 2011 19:37:30 GMT -5
All three are tack driver calibers if the gun and shooter do their part, but if you are hunting for pelts then I would cross off .223 and 22-250 for fox and bobcat. I have shot fox with my .223 w/40 gr. V-MAX and some have been good, others left me with a bit of sewing. Never shot a bobcat, but hear their hides are even more fragile. If limited to those three, go with the .204, using 32g bullets when fox and bobcat are possible and the 40g bullets when primarily out for coyotes. You will likely need a special cleaning rod for the .204 because the diameter is so small.
If you reload then you should consider the .17 Fireball using 25 or 30g bullets (another cleaning rod issue). Good luck.
|
|
|
Post by stewa107 on Oct 21, 2011 20:00:08 GMT -5
What is the all around best caliber to use as I am not limited to these?
|
|
|
Post by erict on Oct 21, 2011 20:16:40 GMT -5
I cannot answer that for you. If you are shooting extended ranges in open areas then wind drift will play a factor with the smaller bullets more than the bigger ones. Realistically, MOST bobcats are probably shot within 50 yards, fox and coyotes within 100. Check over at predatormasters.com for some good info.
I take my .223 when I expect only coyotes and my 17 when coyote and fox are possible. (Also lug my shotgun with me if the area presents a possibility for a close encounter).
With out knowing any more I think you could not go wrong with the .204, especially because of the availability of factory ammo.
|
|
|
Post by yetihunter on Oct 27, 2011 22:18:31 GMT -5
I like my fireball but you have to know it has limitations.
|
|
|
Post by stewa107 on Oct 29, 2011 16:43:46 GMT -5
I generally hunt on the lakes up here once the ice takes hold and you can get some long shots but it is usually a good time
|
|
|
Post by denny13126 on Feb 1, 2012 1:34:28 GMT -5
ik its a little late but i hunt fox and coyotes at night and i use a 22 mag it has enough power in it to drop them in one shot never had a problem with useing it my first grey i ever shot was a little bit over 100 yrds ive tried a 17 but i think its a little to fast but id go with a 22 mag marlins the best ones but savage makes a heavy barrel 22 mag thats awsome and my father can shoot a nickel with it at 120 yrds.
|
|
|
Post by allbluebandit on Feb 1, 2012 5:52:45 GMT -5
22/250 flat shooten an fast
|
|
catman4
If your to busy to hunt & trap then your to busy...
Posts: 745
|
Post by catman4 on Mar 10, 2013 18:35:25 GMT -5
I like useing my 223, and depending on where i am hunting i carry my shotgun also. i hunt after ice over on swamps long shot /short shots i have no problems.
|
|