Next coyote rifle. Rebarrel time

[nakneker]

I’ve haven’t done a ton of night vision predator hunting but the little I did in Texas on an Aoudad and and a couple more hunts taught me that judging distance is harder at night than in the day. If you have time to hit the RF button that’s good but if things happen fast then the faster, flatter cartridges win imo. I had a 22x47 built last year that is fast and took delivery of a 22-6.5 PRC this summer that is fast. I’m shooting 70 grain accubonds and Barnes out of the 22 PRC and a variety out of the 22x47, that 62 grain ELDVT is lethal, among others.

Out of your list I’d do a 22 creed or a 6 creed, mostly because brass is easy to get and they are both fast. Barrel doesn’t matter to me much on a varmint rifle, it’s a consumable. If you wore out a 22-250 barrel you must be shooting enough to know, kudos. Bullet selection is important and there’s a plethora for you to choose from in both calibers. Some of my favorites are below, I think any would do you right at 400 and in, among others. Good luck, let us know what you choose, half the fun is the build!



22 caliber;
62 grain VT
Any the 60 grain plastic tips and the 55s aren’t far behind
Barnes 60gr flat base varmint, I shoot 80s out my 22-250, lethal
Sierra 62gr SBT, sierra lists it as a big game bullet but I’ve used them in yotes for years. Old school

6mm;
Any of the 70-75 grain plastic tips
80gr VT,
Sierra 70gr HP
Sierra 80gr SBT, ackleymanII turned me on to that one. Great bullet

 

[urbanrifleman]

The 75 ELDM has a bc of .471 and kills dead. I've tested them and they shoot amazingly small and the wind performance is going to be hard to beat. They sometimes go on sale for $20 a 100.

I have dozens of customers that shoot the 75 ELDM exclusively on varmints.

 

[DLT]

I’ve haven’t done a ton of night vision predator hunting but the little I did in Texas on an Aoudad and and a couple more hunts taught me that judging distance is harder at night than in the day. If you have time to hit the RF button that’s good but if things happen fast then the faster, flatter cartridges win imo. I had a 22x47 built last year that is fast and took delivery of a 22-6.5 PRC this summer that is fast. I’m shooting 70 grain accubonds and Barnes out of the 22 PRC and a variety out of the 22x47, that 62 grain ELDVT is lethal, among others.

Out of your list I’d do a 22 creed or a 6 creed, mostly because brass is easy to get and they are both fast. Barrel doesn’t matter to me much on a varmint rifle, it’s a consumable. If you wore out a 22-250 barrel you must be shooting enough to know, kudos. Bullet selection is important and there’s a plethora for you to choose from in both calibers. Some of my favorites are below, I think any would do you right at 400 and in, among others. Good luck, let us know what you choose, half the fun is the build!



22 caliber;
62 grain VT
Any the 60 grain plastic tips and the 55s aren’t far behind
Barnes 60gr flat base varmint, I shoot 80s out my 22-250, lethal
Sierra 62gr SBT, sierra lists it as a big game bullet but I’ve used them in yotes for years. Old school

6mm;
Any of the 70-75 grain plastic tips
80gr VT,
Sierra 70gr HP
Sierra 80gr SBT, ackleymanII turned me on to that one. Great bullet

Thank you. It’s several years old

 

[K22]

That possible 400 yard shot is maybe a 1 time a year Hail Mary at that. Where I am, long flat stretch’s is non existent but hillside to another is possible. Most would be 200 and in with the occasional hung up dog at 300. Even that is a very hard shot for me standing

I stop taking standing shots on game over 25 years ago and never on varmints and predators. I use a field shooting aid, cross sticks for all game hunting.

While there are other options, such as tripod, bipods, etc., you should consider one of these which will greatly enhance your chance of success.

One of the reasons I have gone to the 223 Rem for all my varmint and predator hunting is that due to terrain restrictions, the vast majority of my shot opportunities are under 250 yards with an occasional one at 300. I found the 223 Rem to be entirely adequate at these distances using the 50 - 55 Nosler BT's (12" twist) or 60 Vmax (8" twist).

If you don't go Rambo at the range practicing, a 223 Rem will last you a very long time, at least 5,000 rounds maintaining varmint / predator grade accuracy.

 

[DLT]

I stop taking standing shots on game over 25 years ago and never on varmints and predators. I use a field shooting aid, cross sticks for all game hunting.

While there are other options, such as tripod, bipods, etc., you should consider one of these which will greatly enhance your chance of success.

One of the reasons I have gone to the 223 Rem for all my varmint and predator hunting is that due to terrain restrictions, the vast majority of my shot opportunities are under 250 yards with an occasional one at 300. I found the 223 Rem to be entirely adequate at these distances using the 50 - 55 Nosler BT's (12" twist) or 60 Vmax (8" twist).

If you don't go Rambo at the range practicing, a 223 Rem will last you a very long time, at least 5,000 rounds maintaining varmint / predator grade accuracy.

I meant standing with a tripod. However I’m not near as deadly with it as I was in the red light with a normal scope days with a tall Harris bipod

 

[alf]

I have used ar15s a in 223 and 6.5 grendel, as well as the 22-250 which is preferred and it’s a bolt rifle. I’m looking for a little over kill to hopefully help take up the slack from a not so perfect shot,

Personally, I prefer an AR at night for faster followup shots & calling in multiples, but since this is about the bolt gun, & you want a little more smack down, I'd just do the 6 CM, short throated for 70 Ballistic Tips.
BC is not a concern at night, 200 yard zero & hold on fur to 300+.

 

[nakneker]

Personally, I prefer an AR at night for faster followup shots & calling in multiples, but since this is about the bolt gun, & you want a little more smack down, I'd just do the 6 CM, short throated for 70 Ballistic Tips.
BC is not a concern at night, 200 yard zero & hold on fur to 300+.

Good advice

 

[DLT]

Personally, I prefer an AR at night for faster followup shots & calling in multiples, but since this is about the bolt gun, & you want a little more smack down, I'd just do the 6 CM, short throated for 70 Ballistic Tips.
BC is not a concern at night, 200 yard zero & hold on fur to 300+.

What I’m thinking also. I have gotten on with running shots here but there is very little till they have hit the next terrace or knoll and disappear

 

[Wild Bill IV]

That possible 400 yard shot is maybe a 1 time a year Hail Mary at that. Where I am, long flat stretch’s is non existent but hillside to another is possible. Most would be 200 and in with the occasional hung up dog at 300. Even that is a very hard shot for me standing

I live in Kansas TOTO where to can see for miles!! Really flat in some spots!! Some towns were in a full flat section with cavernous creek cuts!! Also hunt the accending foothills of the mountains in Wyoming!!!

 

[Idaho-Lefty]

Coyote hunting isn’t about ballistics.

Yup,.. ^^^
Until, a SMART One, sits out there at, 400-500 yards,.. Laughing at, you !
I've started Leaving my .22-250 with, 50, 55's or, 60 grain, Bullets,. HOME, Unless knowing / expecting, Closer shots !
The 6 XC, w/ 95 gr Classic Hunts, 103 gr. ELD-X's or, 105 Hybrids / 108 grain, Berger, Elite Hunters, WILL,..
REACH out Across, the High Deserts and,. TOUCH those,.. Nicely ! ( the OP's # 4,.. Option )
And WITH, Better Barrel Life than, either of, the 2 Creeds !
( Then you can "Play" and shoot Steel for,.. Lots of, FUN Practice ! )
1-8 or, 1-7.5 Twists, Medium Heavy, Sporter Barrels and about, .095 to .104 FreeBore, just,.. "Works" !
And you already HAVE,.. the Dies, right ??? Keep Rifle weight around,. 10 Pounds or, Less ( All just,.. My Opinion )

 

[DLT]

Yup,.. ^^^
Until, a SMART One, sits out there at, 400-500 yards,.. Laughing at, you !
I've started Leaving my .22-250 with, 50, 55's or, 60 grain, Bullets,. HOME ( Unless expecting, Closer shots ! )
The 6 XC, w/ 95 gr Classic Hunts, 103 gr. ELD-X's or, 105 Hybrids / 108 grain, Berger, Elite Hunters, WILL,..
REACH out Across, the High Deserts and,. TOUCH those,.. Nicely ! ( the OP's # 4,.. Option )
And WITH, Better Barrel Life than, either of, the 2 Creeds !
( Then you can "Play" and shoot Steel for,.. Lots of, FUN Practice ! )
1-8 or, 1-7.5 Twists, Medium Heavy, Sporter Barrels and about, .095 to .104 FreeBore, just,.. "Works" !
And you already HAVE,.. the Dies ??? Keep Rifle weight around,. 10 Pounds or, Less ( All just,.. My Opinion )

Can’t find squat on the shelf James didn’t have anything 10 twist. I can’t help but wonder if a 12 will without a shadow of a doubt work with 70s and 80s Urban only offers 8 or 12

 

[Idaho-Lefty]

Can’t find squat on the shelf James didn’t have anything 10 twist. I can’t help but wonder if a 12 will without a shadow of a doubt work with 70s and 80s Urban only offers 8 or 12

The 8 twist, will "Work" Fine ( Watch FreeBore and,.. Barrel Weight ! )
95 to 108 grain, 6 mm Bullets HAVE, "What it Takes" ( the BC's and Punch ) for, 600 -700 yard Shots, IMO
James at Northland uses, .104 FB in his 6 XC chambers,. Last, I Heard.

 

[DLT]

The 8 twist, will "Work" Fine ( Watch FreeBore and,.. Barrel Weight ! )
95 to 108 grain, 6 mm Bullets HAVE, "What it Takes" ( the BC's and Punch ) for, 600 -700 yard Shots, IMO
James at Northland uses, .104 FB in his 6 XC's,. Last, I Heard.

I don’t want to shoot that heavy of a bullet. I’ll call him and ask what twists in a 6xc he has

 

[Wild Bill IV]

Yup,.. ^^^
Until, a SMART One, sits out there at, 400-500 yards,.. Laughing at, you !
I've started Leaving my .22-250 with, 50, 55's or, 60 grain, Bullets,. HOME, Unless knowing / expecting, Closer shots !
The 6 XC, w/ 95 gr Classic Hunts, 103 gr. ELD-X's or, 105 Hybrids / 108 grain, Berger, Elite Hunters, WILL,..
REACH out Across, the High Deserts and,. TOUCH those,.. Nicely ! ( the OP's # 4,.. Option )
And WITH, Better Barrel Life than, either of, the 2 Creeds !
( Then you can "Play" and shoot Steel for,.. Lots of, FUN Practice ! )
1-8 or, 1-7.5 Twists, Medium Heavy, Sporter Barrels and about, .095 to .104 FreeBore, just,.. "Works" !
And you already HAVE,.. the Dies, right ??? Keep Rifle weight around,. 10 Pounds or, Less ( All just,.. My Opinion )

What is the twist of your 22-250?? Mine is a stock 700 VLS 26" 1:14 and the SGK 55HPBT rocks at long range laughing dogs!!! I loved pulling scolding, chirping dogs out of hole at 50 yards or less with my Mini-14 and Speers Hot Core 70gr RN!!! If I could see a nose, aim a couple inches into the top of the mound just below the nose, and slow squeeze the trigger!! That solid bullet would cut through the dirt and yank that dog out of the hole sending it spinning helplessly into the air!!! THOSE WERE THE DAYS!!! I can still see those dogs spinning in my memories today!! So funny that the dogs had a wake up call from their so called fortresses!!

 

[Idaho-Lefty]

@ Wild Bill 1V,..
It's an Old Rem, 700 Lefty, Medium barrel, Sporter, 1981 model, 1-14 twist and "Rocks" 50 gr. V-Maxes, Perfectly up to, a Few, 60 grainer;s like, the Sierra, FB Varminter HP's or, OLD Nosler,.. Solid Base, Bullets.
It's my "Main Squeeze" for Sage Rats with, the 50 V-Maxes as I can See them "Explode" at, 3,550 FPS,..
in my Braked, Rifle. Pretty Deadly to,.. 250 ish yards

 

[Idaho-Lefty]

I don’t want to shoot that heavy of a bullet. I’ll call him and ask what twists in a 6xc he has

Go with, a 9 or 10 twist then, as Allows Up to, SOME, real decent BC, 95 gr. bullets.
Using the 75, or, 87 V-Maxes up to, the 87-95 gr. Bergers,.. WILL, / SHOULD, Make you,.. Happy !
My grandson Has "Flattened" 2 Big, Desert Mulies DRT with, the Extremely Accurate, 87 gr. Berg. H-VLD's at, 3,165 FPS, in a 10 Twist, .243 Win. in the 250 to 300 yard "Range".
The 10 Twist, 6 XC,. IS, a Fine choice, IMO !

 

[DLT]

Go with, a 9 or 10 twist then, as Allows Up to, SOME,.. real decent BC, 95 gr. bullets.
Using the 75, or, 87 V-Maxes up to, the 87-95 gr. Bergers,.. WILL, / SHOULD, Make you,.. Happy !
My grandson Has "Flattened" 2 Big, Desert Mulies DRT with, the Extremely Accurate, 87 gr. Berg. H-VLD's at, 3,165 FPS, in a 10 Twist, .243 Win. in the 250 to 300 yard "Range".
The 10 Twist, 6 XC,. IS, a Fine choice, IMO !

Love to find one in a prefit on the shelf. I’ll have to wait seems like

 

[Idaho-Lefty]

Love to find one in a prefit on the shelf. I’ll have to wait seems like

Yeah,. It's unbelievable that, All these Barrels ARE so Hard to get, STILL,,..today !
Same as, Covid Days,. I Had to "Settle on",.. a 1-7.5 Twist ( 8's were impossible to find,. 4 years, ago ).
James and My Son said that, the 7 1/2 Twist, WAS gonna Be, "Good" they were RIGHT and,.. Mine,. IS !
From 80 gr. Bullets to, 108's it's,. a Dandy !
107 gr. SMK's, 5 shots, Down into,. the Low 2's,. 108 EH's and 95 gr. Classic's, 5 shots, One Hole, in the 3's !
1/2 MOA,. is,.. a Chitty Group for,. this Rifle !
But at $3,000 with All, "the Goodies", Like , Jewell BR Trigger @< 1 pound, H-S Precision Stock, Glass / Pillar Bedded, 6x-24x Scope, Bag Rider, Criterion Medium Hvy Barrel with Minimum H-S on Norma Brass and Forster Dies,.. it should Be, "Good",.. me thinks

 

[Clancy]

I have shot a bunch of coyotes beyond 400 yards with a 6 BR and 68 grain Avengers.

Coyote hunting is not about ballistics.

Going with more twist than needed is throwing away accuracy and barrel life before you’ve ever fired a shot. You’ll detonate bullets earlier in the barrel’s life by adding the RPMs unnecessarily.

I don’t get to go as much as I used to, but we still average 12 over 14 a day so we get to see a lot of the “great performers” fail.

Slow twist 6mm with midweight bullets that cause zero damage to fur and don’t allow a single step after impact are the bread and butter of coyote hunting. I will probably never skin another coyote, but lots of people do, and even if they don’t, why have the awful mess?

If you’re filming and don’t want the recoil, go with a 22 cal and a 55 varmageddon or 69 TMK. Otherwise, the above advice is as good as it’s going to get.

That’s really all the help I can offer.

 

[DLT]

I too am looking at new barrel on a 700VLS 22-250! But that action is short, short action! So, I was looking at the 6mm International AI (necked up AI 22-250), or just increasing twist to shoot the heavier 224s!!! The International would require new custom reamers where just changing the twist would be cheaper!!!
My question to you is this:
Why go with the 22Creed when the 22-250 has about the same powder capacity??? You have 22-250 cases already, just rebarrel with faster twist and go with it!! Or, AI the 22-250 and get a touch more powder!!

I do have 22-250 brass I could use but I know it’s hard to find now so I guess you could say don’t want to use it. If I had to choose between a 22creedmoor and the ol trusty 22-250 it would be the 22 creedmoor just for brass availability alone. Bradley has mentioned it numerous times on here and he’s right.