Comparing a coyote rifle and an Elk rifle is like a golf cart vs. a four-wheeler...yeah, they're kinda the same, but one's got a LOT more power.
When you're wanting one gun that can do coyotes and deer or elk, you've basically got to get a relatively light elk gun...
So, really you're going to be looking at a .30-06 class rifle (.308, .270, .30-06, .257roberts, 6.5x55swede mauser, 7x5mm mauser), or a 7mm mag.
The 7mm mags are probably the better choice, although I'm not known for promoting them very often...they're flat shooting and throw small bullets, which is good for coyotes, but they've got enough stank for elk.
I'd personally recommend the 7mm STW, or WSM.
I'd get it in a standard weight rifle, it'll be a little heavy for elk hunting, but it'll be heavy enough to be accurate at long ranges for coyotes.
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Buy two Savages! One in .243 and one in 300 Win Mag or larger. I personally am liking the .300 WSM, as a budy just got one. I'm not sure if Savage makes that chambering however. The Savage is a great gun and you can afford both for what most guns will cost you. You can practice witht he .243 as it will be lighter on recoil and the pocketbook and then you can go out and shoot the 300 b/4 season to get the feel. If they are the same gun, you won't need a whole lot of shooting time witht the 300. JMHO, FWIW
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ORIGINAL: huntingbuddy419
what caliber is the best all around for coyote and elk hunting.
Yep, that's a heck of a combination, from coyote up to/including elk. If you're handloading I'd go with a 7mm, probably either a 280Rem. or 7mm Rem.Mag.
If you're going with factory ammo then I'd pick a good 270Win., and be sure to use
the best premium ammo for the elk hunting.
Personally, i'd buy a 30-06 and use 180 grain bullets for both!!! I prefer Nosler partitions for the elk, and any 180 grain will work for the coyotes! :>
On elk sized game, you will have the exact load for that job, and useing the same load on coyotes will punch a hole clear through them, killing them with out blowing the hide apart!!!
Another thing, the coyotes will get you some practise for when that elk comes along useing the same gun and load!! It's a great way to learn your rifle and load, to make you an excelent game shot!!
i keep a handi rife out just for such critters, its 243 with a simmons aetec 2.8-10X44 and the thing is batting 1000% plus i dont worry about putting it in the safe, i just leave it out keep it ready
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DM has a good point in that the 30-06 with 180gr bullets will certainly handle elk, and could be used for coyote too without too much pelt damage.
Just seemed like an '06 was a bit of overkill for coyotes, but then again, dead is dead.
Coyote gun
