Hi guys,
I have not big game hunted for the better part of 10 years. I have bad knees and cervical stenosis pretty bad. Some of my friends hunt down here in S.E. Arizona and I have been having the itch to get out again and join them. I can't hike over hill and dale anymore so my hunting would involve mostly sitting somewhere nice and glassing whilst they go about their business. I think I would mostly like to get into small game hunting but given the opportunity I would like to go out for Javelina and Coues deer.
I am looking for a rifle that is light and is of a caliber that will allow me to participate. I am from the Coastal Northwest and have never hunted with a small bore center fire rifle. I also have never shot any animal over 100 yards away. Not even a target. So I am looking for something that won't break the bank to target shoot and reload, yet give me the opportunity to hunt coyotes and small deer out to a maximum of 200 yards. No more.
Now, recoil is an issue. As the Stenosis progresses it will effect my ability to carry heavy things and recoil is always on my mind. I think a bipod is a good idea. I have considered something along the lines of a .243 or 25-06 with a Limbsaver pad on it. But what about a .223 or .22-250 bolt action? I would think with good bullets both would work. The .223 would be cheaper to reload I expect but the .22-250 has a bit more punch at 200 yards. My friends are really good shots out to many, many hundreds of yards. I doubt my abilities at those ranges and would prefer to limit myself and get a perfect shot in. I have never shot a big game animal more than once. But as I have said all my shots have been close and I always waited for the best shot possible. Would either the .223 or the .22-250 be too much for rabbits if head shots were taken? I plan to spend as much time as possible at the range. I need a new hobby. :-) I have a friend who recommended a single shot T/C Encore rifle. I don't mind the idea of a single shot. But I am open to all suggestions.