Rifle for predator hunting

[mike_b]

I've been invited to go predator (coyote) hunting. A good family friend has 2 rifles he's looking to get rid of and has given my both to take out to the range and try out.

First rifle is a really nice looking Browning A-Bolt is 7mm that's topped with a Bausch and Lomb 3-9x40 scope. The rifle is in really nice shape, but has a really long barrel (I'd guess something like 26" long).....not that I think it matters, but thought it might not be ideal in case I take it hunting in the bush and get caught up on branches with such a long barrel. This rifle has been hunted with.....does have a little bluing lose, some bumps and bruises on the stock, but he says it hasn't see a bullet fly if about 15years.

Second rifle is a Marlin XL7 in 30.06. It has the nutmeg laminate stock (which looks awesome IMO) and the bluing is 99%. On top of that, it has the nicest trigger of any rifle I have every shot..... it has an accu-style trigger......absolutely zero lag, and a super nice break. Nicer trigger then any of my rifles. This rifle looks gorgeous and I doubt it's been hunted with. And it's topped with a Nikon Prostaff II 4-12x40 which isn't to bad.

My friend doesn't really do a whole lot of hunting anymore due to age and has more rifles that I'll probably ever own. He told me that if I liked one (or both) to let him know what I'd be willing to pay him for that (wish he would have just told me what he wanted instead).

So here's my question;
For predator hunting, which rifle would you choose? And what would be a fair price to pay?

Mike

[5jackz]

For predator hunting your best bet would be a 223 . My son has even used to get his first buck two years ago and his first bear this last year ( smaller one ). Stay with 45 - 55 grain . Not a lot of damage to the hide . Good for cats , coyote and wolves .

[todbartell]

What rifles do you currently own?

[butcher]

Not ideal pred rifles. I’d choose the 7mm and load it light and fast. You’re gonna blowup coyotes you may as well do it in style.

Or buy a 22-250

[mike_b]

What rifles do you currently own?

Currently own an Xbolt 300wsm, Marlin 336, Savage .22, and a couple shotguns

[mike_b]

Not ideal pred rifles. I’d choose the 7mm and load it light and fast. You’re gonna blowup coyotes you may as well do it in style.

Or buy a 22-250

Yeah, I figured that these 2 calibers might be to big for predators. I did see some 125gr ammo for the 30.06 so I thought maybe that would be alright. But, I know there a ton more knowledge on here then I have about the topic

[tipper]

For predator hunting your best bet would be a 223 . My son has even used to get his first buck two years ago and his first bear this last year ( smaller one ). Stay with 45 - 55 grain . Not a lot of damage to the hide . Good for cats , coyote and wolves .

223 for wolves? Hmmm

[todbartell]

This wolf didn't like the 223

http://www.huntingbc.ca/photos/data/500/Jan_19_06_007.jpg

Not an ideal wolf cartridge mind you, but at moderate distances and with bullets that don't come unglued on a gopher, it can work


Anyways, of the options given I'd stick to your 300wsm. Good luck out there

[tomcat]

For predator hunting your best bet would be a 223 . Stay with 45 - 55 grain . Not a lot of damage to the hide . Good for cats , coyote and wolves .^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

[monasheemountainman]

223 rem would be my choice

[LBM]

Have shot them with the 06 but yes does damage, you could resort to just head shots if you are concerned with hide damage.
Personal choice for coyotes and wolves was 22-250 with handloaded 70 gr speers.

[lovemywinchester]

223. inexpensive to shoot.

[260rem]

Both a little heavy for predators for sure,bet hey see if you can buy them anyway never have too many guns.I shoot a 22-250 with 50gr ballistic tips works for me.If you want something a little bigger I also own a 243 when loaded with lighter bullets also works well and can be used for wolf or deer as well when loaded with heavier bullets.That`s my 2 cents hopefully that helps.

[Foxton Gundogs]

My go to Yote rifle is a Weatherby in 22-250, if I'm going to shoot where there is a chance of a wolf or cat at a longer range I go with my Weatherby in 257 Wby Mag. Lots of yotes have fallen to 223s as well. My predator rifle is what ever I am carrying at the time one crosses my path, but I would never pull my 7mm or '06 out of the case for a dedicated yote hunt.

All 3 of my varmint guns(2 Wby Vanguards and a Ruger were well under $500(used) when I bought them) sure they have had some major upgrades since but they were very deadly before I did any work to them. A Savage Axis with a decent scope and bipod in 223 will give you all the predator rifle you will ever need at a budget price.

[MOWITCH SLAYER]

my vote goes to the 223 also

[hawk-i]

22-250 over a 223 for me :)

[Ramshot]

220 Swift, 243, 223rem have worked well for me for coyote,bobcat. This year I'm running a Browning A-bolt II in 223 Wizzum;).

Ramshot

[rocksteady]

Unless you are going to try to keep or sell the hides, use whichever of those two shoot best and kill them dogs..

Fair price... Probably $800 to 1000 for either..

[bcshadow]

.243 and good for deer with larger bullets.

[BCHunterFSJ]

.243 and good for deer with larger bullets.

I have also done well with the .243
Previously used a .222 but with wolves the .243 is a better choice.