Caliber Poll

[Mustang]

If you had to choose one caliber for calling what would you choose?

[SilverCreekLTD]

I had to post other, my favorite varmint round has to be a 22-250, depending on location and type of stand I hand load down to about the 223 characteristics or load them hot to push out to about 400 yards. Thats why I love the 250 it is very versatile.

[Mustang]

22-250 must have slipped my mind. Bad on me...and I have one too!!

Thanks for posting.

[Mustang]

Updated. Added 22-250

[Mustang]

I guess when I updated the options it restarted the count....sry fellas.

[Labman]

I would have to go with 223 you can't go wrong.

[WVaHillbilly]

i will go with 223 or 762x39 hp

[Sawdust]

I have a Sako 223 bench gun I love to shoot but it's too dang pretty to take to the field http://www.carolinaskiffowner.com//images/smilies/roflblack1kz.gif My current favorite caliber is a 220 swift that loves those sweet little Nosler 40 gr (molly'd) ballistic tips http://www.carolinaskiffowner.com//images/smilies/yay2[1].gif

Dave

[raygun]

I had a 220 swift and liked it but traded it for something ugh can't remember what.. haha long time ago I've killed lotz of dogs with 270 with 90 grain HP also... Just got a 204 ruger in handi rifle but haven't gone out with it yet...

[para-p-14]

Both .223 and 7.62x39 are great options and both have been proven hard hitters,both on the battlefield and in the woods.

[dmax2500hd]

I like the .204 fast little round

[Redrock]

I am brand new to this type of hunting but here's my .02 cents:

1. I don't understand why the .22 long rifle is listed as an option but the .22 magnum is not.
2. On my budget, If I were to buy a new rifle for predator calling I would choose the .243 from the list above so I could also use it for deer hunting.

[Mustang]

1. I don't understand why the .22 long rifle is listed as an option but the .22 magnum is not.

It is...falls under "Other". There are too many to list and with only 10 options on these polls we can't list them all.

243 is a fine caliber.

I prefer a smaller caliber like a 204, 222, 223 for a dedicated predator rifle and I'll tell you why. Recoil. Granted the 243 you mentioned doesn't have a tremedous amount of recoil, it has enough that 'could' spoil a follow on shot. Calling is a very dynamic sport and that split second it takes to re-aquire your target is all it takes. I also prefer a short light rifle again because the sport is so dynamic. Even when you are playing the wind they will sneak up on you from directions you won't expect and a short, light rifle will facilitate a quicker acquisition than a big heavy rifle. If you're doing everything correctly then you should be able to get predators within 100 yards. I've been doing this for a long time and I can count on one hand how many coyotes I've shot (or shot at) over 200 yards and can count on both hands how many I've shot over 100 yards. Most have been 50-80 yards. That being said, the ballistic and energy advantage that the 243 brings to the hunt isn't worth the recoil.

Again, nothing at all wrong with a 243, I have one and love it but if you find yourself calling quite a bit then you may consider getting a dedicated predator rifle. I have 3 'dedicated' calling rifles and I have seperate dedicated deer rifles. The reason I bring that up is I don't set out calling and end up deer hunting. If I'm calling then I bring a calling rifle. Now, if you find yourself predator hunting just to fill the void after deer season then your trusty 'ol deer rifle will do the trick unless this is the excuse you need to purchase another rifle. I'm always looking for an excuse!!

Again, these are MY preferences, not the rule. It works and continues to work for me so I pass along the information in hopes that it may help others.


Welcome to the forum.

[Sawdust]

Excelent points Mustang! I'll also add that light recoil not only allows for a quicker follow-up shot, it allows you to take in the full experience of watching the impact and observing it's immediate results, which (for me) is 90% of the reason I enjoy varmint hunting with a low-to-no recoil rifle... gotta get me one of those 204's (grin). My 17HMR is fun but a little light for large varmints IMO... and I can't reload for it either... yep, always looking for a reason to get a new rifle.

Dave

[newhornet]

I see that 22.45% is listed as other. I myself fall into this class. I shoot primarily .22 BR Remington 700 Built and rebarreled action or a 6MM BR Remington 700 Built and rebarreled action, dependant on the wind. The .22 BR is loaded down from the .22-250 so as to prevent the "barrel-burning"....52 grain Bergers. The 6MM BR is using 70 grain Bergers, which "bucks" the wind a little better.

[Nitehunter]

gotta go with the 22 K Hornet for fox and coyote within 250 yards or so... after that 22-250 all the way...