In building a dedicated coyote calling rifle to replace my Rem 700V .222, I wanted something with a flatter trajectory for the occasional 300-400 yard shot (although more than half of the coyotes I shoot are less than 100 yards away, according to my records). I like the performance of the 40gr Nosler Ballistic Tips that I've been using -- I was just looking for a little more speed, and the possibility of switch barrels chambered for 22BR, .20-.250, .22-250AI, .22-.243, .243AI, etc.
For many reasons I decided on a 22BR, which should push the 40gr NBT out the barrel at 4100fps or so. At 100 yards the 40gr NBT will still be going as fast as my .222's velocity at the muzzle. I hope that the extra recoil from the 22BR won't prevent me from seeing the bullet impact on the coyote as I can with the .222.
The BR case is famous for not feeding well from a magazine, but I've found that even with the short 40gr NBT they feed perfectly from the single-stack AICS magazine (without using the
Primal Rights magazine conversion -- although that is an option). Pam and Jeff at
CDI provided the bottom metal, 5-round AICS mag, and (free!) inletting service. The stock is a B&C Medalist that I picked up used in the classifieds on this site. The rifle balances just in front of the magazine, so it's comfortable to carry even when not using my Boonie Packer sling.
I thought about using a trued/timed/bushed/etc. Rem 700 action, but decided instead to go with the
Kelbly Atlas Tactical (
Ryan Pierce had the best price that I could find). The Atlas Tactical comes standard with the AICS magazine cut, small diameter firing pin, and melonite surface treatment so that no (or minimal) bolt lube is required (a great feature for a hunting rifle used in dusty conditions). As expected from Kelbly's, the action was dimensionally spot-on. The Atlas Tactical also has the TG mechanical ejector, which works exceptionally well with the BR case, and is also nice for setting up sizing dies because it doesn't put pressure on the case head when in battery. I could do without the enormous "tactical" bolt knob, though, so maybe I'll look around for something more tasteful.
Steve Kostanich fitted and chambered the Krieger #5 14tw barrel, finished at 24". Steve's 22BR reamer has a 0.246" neck, so I'll be doing some neck turning -- not a huge deal given the relatively low volume of shooting in coyote hunting. I got a Forster FL die and had the neck honed to 0.2405" to give 0.0025" squeeze on the 0.2430" necks. I'm using a Wilson seater die.
After I sponge-camo paint the rifle I will install a Jewell trigger. The scope is a 3.5-10x40 Leupold VX-3i with a duplex reticle, which was
on sale for $326. A 40mm objective is all I need for coyote calling, since 90% of shots are taken at the lowest magnification where light transmission is highest. For a hunting rifle I prefer Talley Lightweight low rings over the 20MOA Picatinny rail that came with the Atlas Tactical action. I have Butler Creek flip-up caps for both ends of the scope.
I had to do a little grinding and sanding to get everything to fit and function, then bedded the action. All-up weight is just over 9 pounds.
As soon as the paint is cured I'll take it to the range for a shakedown cruise.
Altogether I have almost $2800 in this thing. I hope that it earns its keep in the high desert!
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