Looking for a caliber good for hogs and good for predators/varmints (coyotes, fox, bobcat, coon etc.). One that will kill a hog easily but will not destroy the pelt on the smaller game. Would .223 be efficient? I have killed several hogs with a 22-250 one with a 25-06 and one with a .22 lr and one with 12g but people seem to frown up those smaller calibers such as 223 22-250 and 22. I don't see what is wrong with .223 but seems to spark a war with the internet gun and hunting "experts" that seem to know it all. All the hogs I shot with the 22-250 dropped right where they where standing with a shot behind the ear, so I don't see any problem with those calibers.
-
-
I guess this should be more of a discussion instead of a question. Feel free to discuss calibers listed and not listed. -
.416 rigbyComment
-
i would say 22-250Comment
-
-
22-250Comment
-
.223 is great for what you're wanting to do.Comment
-
Honestly you are asking for 2 totally different things. ive used a 22-250 with a 55 grain max on both, it won't exit a coon even. But an ear hole on a hog is instant death.Comment
-
Would a 243 wssm destroy a hide? And is the ammo for them expensive?Comment
-
You can make due with a .22 caliber, but I think the old .243 would really be a great choice for that "one gun", based on your parameters.
Fast and enough energy for bigger stuff, not too damaging on pelts if that is what you want.
The 6mm bullet is pretty darn efficient in flight.Comment
-
If you can stick to ear holing the pigs, then your varmint rifles will do the trick if you must save pelts.
I'm a fan of the 220 swift & 22-250 but those higher velocity rounds can destroy pelts on smaller game shoulder shots...I mean ruin them!! Again, if you can stick to ear hole shots and are 'not' going to save the noggin, I would pick one of these superior laser rounds with the swift being the king.
If you must save pelts then you need to look at the 204 & 17rem...maybe even the 221 Fireball or 17 mach IV. 223 will work fine but it must me able to shoot the lighter bullets accurately. Your other choice is to shoot with solid copper bullets/FMJ that wont expand and the taxi can sew up the exit wound. However, if they run off...little to no blood trail.Comment
-
My deal is I am thinking of setting up a gun with a night vision scope on it but don't want to be limited to only smaller game or only bigger game. Shots would probably be at a very rare chance of 200 yards. Most will be under 100 yards. If hunting at my house it is all close range due to thick woods so even under 50 yards. Being that close I imagine most smaller calibers will be efficient and easier to get accurate and well placed shots.Comment
-
Oh yes, it will tear a hide up. Honestly you are going to want to get 2 rifles. One in 220 swift or .22-250 for coyotes and hogs, and a centerfire .17 for the foxes, bobcats, and coons. A .204 or .223 will tear up a fox so I can't imagine what a .22-250 would do let alone a .243 wssm. Or you can just get a .17 of some sort and be real picky with your shot placement on hogs and coyotes.Originally posted by MicahM View PostComment
-
22-250 or 223 will do the job...if they worked before, curious why the potential change? Just have fun and don't worry about the comments....Comment
-
when it comes to pelt hunters, speed kills and it's all about bullet selection
17's and 20's at 4K fps with a fast expending bullet that won't exit
ballistic tips are NOT recommended b/c they will splash and destroy hides
my 17 Little Nasty and 20 Beggs have a MV of 4100 fps as I'm partial to Berger match grade pillsComment
Comment