The best all-around

bigdawgwill44 · 10-30-2007, 10:30 AM

Im looking for the best all-around prediator caliber. I live in Oregon, so yotes can be pretty big, i want to use it for yotes, cougar/bobcat, coons, etc. Im deciding between a .223 and a .243. Do you think the .223 is strong enough for cougar? Or should i caliber up with a .243? Also, any other suggestions that would fit the bill i am looking for would be appreciated! thanks!

Brod_Man · 10-30-2007, 06:06 PM

i know there will be a good many people with me and a good many against me, but i dont have any of those, but if i had to get one i would get a 22-250, because its the flattest shooter, of all the smallbores. If you want to save furs, stay smaller, but if you dont really care, and dont mind recoil, try 270wsm, or 25-06.

North Texan · 10-30-2007, 09:23 PM

If you are trying to save furs, use a .223. Even in open country, if you are calling them in, the vast majority will come to well within range. It's a little much for coons and bobcats, but it works great on coyotes. I would assume it would also work on cougar, but I've never shot one.

A .243 is a little much for coyotes if you are saving furs, unless you are shooting coyotes at long ranges in open country. If you are calling them in, odds are most of your shots will be close enough for a .223. A .243 is way too much for coons and bobcats. Probably works great on cougars.

HighDesertWolf · 10-31-2007, 05:44 AM

cant go wrong with a 243

RugerM77.270 · 10-31-2007, 07:08 AM

I personally would go with a 25-06 because I want a dead cougar but from the ones you want go with the 243.

I know a 243 will kill one fast but more gun than you need never hurts but teeth do.

B.B.A. · 11-01-2007, 02:52 AM

Go with the best allround caliber "what so ever" 30.06. Probably the best caliber in the world, works for almost everything...

DANTHEHUNTER · 11-03-2007, 01:29 AM

I like my .220 swift ,Why not get the best !

biscuit jake · 11-03-2007, 07:24 AM

If it is over 100 pounds, I go over a 22. Old fashioned here.

jonyreb · 11-07-2007, 12:09 PM

go with a 22-250 you can find rounds for every thing big and small

game4lunch · 11-08-2007, 12:13 PM

Check your local G&F regs. You may not be legal shooting cougar/cats/coons with any .22 caliber.
If that's the case, An 80 grain .243 would be perfect. Bullet choice can eliminate hide damage (full jacket) and the heavier bullet (than a 55 gr .22) will help in high wind situations.