help choosing a .243
 

I have been thinking about taking up some Coyote Hunting. I have been a deer hunter most of my life and just started turkey hunting a couple of years ago. I was looking for something to do between times so I thought I might set out to try and kill a few yotes. I don't own any rifles of any kind but have heard that a .243 is a pretty good choice. I have looked at the Weatherby's and Savage rifles. Is thier any particular brand that you guys like more than another? I am also wondering what I should go with wood or synthetic stock, blue or stainless steel barrel. Anyone think a stainless steel barrel is a must have? I am open to all options. I would like to know what you all recommend. What should I expect to spend on a decent gun and scope?

Thanks Guys.

RE: help choosing a .243
 

Savage, Weatherby, Remington (IMO stay AWAY from 710 and 770), Ruger, Winchester, Browning and Marlin offer some accuraterifles at decent prices. Shoulder models from different manufactures to see how they fit your body and yournatural point of aim. I would prefer stainless witha synthetic stockas you can hunt in allkinds of weather in most places (year roundhuntngispermitted in several areas). Some synthetic stocks are better than others. A 243 is a great coyote cartridge. If you plan on hunting larger game in addition to coyotes andintend onusing the same rifle, IMO a 25-06can be a better choice.

RE: help choosing a .243
 

I bought a Savage .243 (model 10 I think) combo from Walmart...for about $400... blue on black with a 3-9x40 scope. It has the accu-trigger and I really like it. It was very accurate but I wanted a littlenicer scope...After a year I had a little extra cash and I upgraded the scope. I think its a great weapon and very accurate. Stainless is pretty but certainally not nessesary...put your extra cash into optics and keep the gun clean...just my opinion.

RE: help choosing a .243
 

Remington model 788 in .243 wood and blue, that is what you need right there great gun!

RE: help choosing a .243
 

Remington model 798 .243

RE: help choosing a .243
 

At Wal-Mart, you can but a Remington 770, with a boresighted bushnell 3x9x40 scope for $330.

RE: help choosing a .243
 

Do NOT buy a Remington 770.....

My go-to coyote gun is a 243. I own a Remington 700 243, a Tikka Lite 243, and a Savage special run 243. They all shoot equally as good, buy whatever fits you the best. As for the scope a good scope that won't break the bank is a Nikon Buckmaster 3-9x40.

Here are a few rifles I would take a look at for reasonable prices, in no particular order.

Remington 700 SPS Stainless (the regular Remington 700 SPSs are prone to rusting)
Tikka T3 Lite - great gun for the money with a user friendly adjustable trigger, I really like the detachable mag options here.
CZ 550 - Great guns with a great trigger system
Savage - Lots of different options here, the synthetic stocks are flimsy, but they still shoot great, and the accu-trigger is a great trigger.
Stevens 200 - around 280-300 dollars, leaves money for a good trigger job (35 dollars) and higher quality optics
Ruger M77 MKII Hawkeye - kind of a hit an miss deal on quality trigger/accuracy. I've shot a few that shoot very well, but the triggers leave alot to be desired in my book
Browning A-Bolt - One of my all time favorites, will cost a lil more money than the rest of the above rifles.

Hope this gives you a good starting point, if you have any more questions feel free to holler at me.

RE: help choosing a .243
 

Thanks for all the input. What is your take on a .223 vs. .22-250 for Coyote Hunting? I was leaning toward a .243 but I'm thinking that might be a little more than what I want. I live in Illinois so I couldn't use it for deer hunting, shotgun and muzzleloader only. As far as the .223 vs. .22-250 I know that the .22-250 is faster and will shoot a flatter trajectory, but the ammo is a bit more. The .223 ammo is cheaper, which since it is I'm thinking I might practice more with it. While I haven't been coyote hunting yet, my hunting will consist of still hunting (calling them in w/a decoy) not running them with dogs. With that said, my idea is to call them in so wouldn't the .223 be just as good as the .22-250? Which has a bigger exit wound? I don't plan on selling any fur but I might have my first mounted. This might be a Ford vs Chevy when it comes to .223 vs. .22-250, I don't know. I would like to know what you guys think?

Thanks

RE: help choosing a .243
 

The 22-250 has no real advantage over the 223 until you start shooting past 350 yards, then the 250 is the gun to shoot, unless you have a 243....:D

RE: help choosing a .243
 

Thanks Rammer. You might have just made my decision. Honestly I never see my self shooting past 300 yards at a coyote where I hunt in Illinois. I'm leaning toward a .223 especially with cheaper ammo.

Thanks