.223 vs .243 for varmints

[yotes101]

hey
i was jus wondering what are all of ur opinions on the .223 or the .243 for coyotes cuz im not sure wich one would be better. and what are all your coments on the CZ 527 varmint rifle?

[Sako7mm]

For coyotes, I shoot a .243, but find it is hard on pelts if you dont hit them perfectly. I would reccomend the .223 over the .243 anyday, as my buddy owns one that he hunts yotes with and its wicked. I will probably get one for yotes. The .223 is better for extra long range shooting, i find, depending on what load you use.

[Virginia7]

243Win.

[johnch]

I recomend the 223 .
Here in FLAT NW Ohio I have to worry about where the bullet goes if it exits or I miss a yote. The Nosler BT's that I shoot rarly exit and if I miss break up on contact with the ground.
Also the 223 IF it exits leaves a smaller hole.

[halcon]

Well I mostly use the 6mm or a 243 win for coyotes and a 75gr X bullet . For some reason they no longer make this bullet , it works great on varmints and very little pelt damage . I have a couple 223's and I have more damge from them than the 243-6MM . I haven't tried the X bullets in that caliber so that could be another way to go .

[gopher slayer]

you could go in between and get a 22-250 so you will have more power then a 223 but less then a 243.

[Pro-Line]

I prefer the .223. It's somewhat quieter...just as deadly at most ranges, and cheaper to shoot.

[James B]

While they would both work well for all varmits, the 223 would probably be better where pelt damage is concerned. If that is not a concern and coyotes are the main target, I would use the 243.

[NVMIKE]

the 243 can handle bigger bullets, which gives you better long range accuracy, if the rifles accuracy being equal. The 223 is EXTREMELY cheap to shoot. bottom line 243 gives longer range and more power while the 223 is much more economical, take your pick. The 22-250 is a screamer andaccurate,but I went with a 6mm because when youreload the powder in th 22-250 is nearly as much as the 243/6mm so why not get more bang for the buck? plus the 243/6mm is good for antelope or deer where as the 223 is minimal at best for deer/antelope.

[Nomercy]

It really depends on the terms of your hunting and the demands you place on your gun.

If you want a dedicated coyote rifle that also pops prairie dogs, then the .223rem is the piece of choice. If you want your dedicated coyote rifle to be able to take out deer as well, then get the .243win. They're both very capable coyote rifles.

As others have mentioned, the .223 tends to do less pelt damage, however the .243win, with the right loads can be made to do very little pelt damage...I typically have used deer type bullets for coyotes in the .243win, rather hard for coyotes, they do much less pelt damage than typical "varmint" bullets. In states where FMJ's are legal for coyote hunting, I'd recommend them, assuming you've got a good shot. You'll get a 6mm entry hole and 6mm exit wound.