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-   -   A better varmint rifle? .204 vs. 223? (https://www.huntingnet.com/forum/guns/312887-better-varmint-rifle-204-vs-223-a.html)

stalkingbear 12-19-2009 12:41 PM

After using my AR on coyotes I'll never use a bolt gun on them again. I have a "tweaked out" extremely accurate bull barrel DPMS topped with a 4.5x-14x Burris and it's now THE coyote rifle for me. 1 time I was able to get 3 coyotes from a pack with 5 shots (my all time best in my life)-with a bolt gun I'd never have gotten over 1 and possibly 2, but I doubt 2.

The AR is legal in most states to hunt varmints or predators with, check your local hunting laws. I know of no state that coyotes are considered game animals. The only thing you might have to be concerned with is magazine capacity-the magazines holding a gazillion rounds MAY be illegal. Stick to 5 or 10 round capacity and you'll be fine.:fighting0007:

Sheridan 12-19-2009 04:02 PM

I use my Savage 16FCSS .204 with 40 gr V-max, and if it's windy I use my Remington 700 SPS .243 with 75 gr. V-max (if I could only have one gun to shoot yotes, it would be a .22-250 with 55 gr V-max).

bigtim6656 12-20-2009 06:15 AM

I see no trouble with the .223 going out top long ranges. Heck the .223 ars are good out to like 900 meters.

bush_pig 12-20-2009 03:09 PM

earlier this year i had the same question and i looked at the velocities and i thought that a .223 is better because with .204 it is a light pill travelling at high speed the slightest wind could put the pill off target and wound an animal where the .223 takes alot more wind to put it off and has a better pill weight than a .204 so it is just easier to go with .223

Sheridan 12-20-2009 04:06 PM

Sounds to me like you are more interested in; "which caliber do I want in a AR platform?"


.223 or .308 I would say because they are both NATO rounds !

salukipv1 12-20-2009 04:49 PM

MSRP for the R-15 suggests $1200, so I assume that means $900-1000 in stores? what can you get other AR setups for let's say in .223rem?

stalkingbear 12-20-2009 05:18 PM

I got my bull barrel DPMS for 699. It's extremely accurate and reliable, even though it's an "entry level" AR.

Pawildman 12-21-2009 05:09 AM


Originally Posted by stalkingbear (Post 3534961)
I got my bull barrel DPMS for 699. It's extremely accurate and reliable, even though it's an "entry level" AR.


..................Hey Neil......Good to see ya back.....

stalkingbear 12-21-2009 06:59 AM

Thank you very much Don:party0005:.

Camosteel 12-21-2009 10:30 AM


Originally Posted by stalkingbear (Post 3534029)
After using my AR on coyotes I'll never use a bolt gun on them again. I have a "tweaked out" extremely accurate bull barrel DPMS topped with a 4.5x-14x Burris and it's now THE coyote rifle for me. 1 time I was able to get 3 coyotes from a pack with 5 shots (my all time best in my life)-with a bolt gun I'd never have gotten over 1 and possibly 2, but I doubt 2.

The AR is legal in most states to hunt varmints or predators with, check your local hunting laws. I know of no state that coyotes are considered game animals. The only thing you might have to be concerned with is magazine capacity-the magazines holding a gazillion rounds MAY be illegal. Stick to 5 or 10 round capacity and you'll be fine.:fighting0007:

No semi-auto's allowed in PA for any type of hunting. We are in the dark ages up here folks...


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