.243, 6SLR, 6XC or ? for coyotes

[Brent Parker]

Good morning,

I am a coyote hunter that make a good portion of my living killing coyotes. Both thru summer contracts for ranchers and a game department and for fur. I have run a 6 XC and .243 in the past and am going to be building another rifle shortly. My current go to rifle is a Tikka .243 1-10 twist with the barrel cut to 20" and threaded for a suppressor. I carry a rifle thru the desert and mountain a fair amount and weight is a concern. I do not want to go longer than a 20" barrel. I do have a requirement of using lead free bullets for the game department so nothing over 90 grains will be shot. In the past I have had good luck with the Barnes 80 TTSX as a fur bullet and have considered trying the Nosler 90 gr. E-Tips as well. Shooting requirements are from 0 to 600 yards. I already have my barrel a Proof Research SS 1-8 twist barrel, Tikka action and Manners stock. Just need to decide on a cartridge?

Thoughts?

Thanks
Brent

 

[Chfcemerson]

As long as you don't mind reloading...and it looks like you don't mind... take a look at 243AI. That will get you out there nicely.

 

[tonysnoo]

I shoot an slr and love it for simplicity of the .243 brass and no fire forming. You are already set up for .243 and xc so either of them makes the most sense for you.

Certainly a big nod toward .243 for brass availability as well as affordability, factory ammo, and "cheaper to lose" brass.

Good luck with the new build.

 

[XTR]

Straight 243 or an SLR would be my suggestions for ease of loading. The SLR would likely get better barrel life, but it you already have a full setup for 243 you'd spend more getting set up for the SLR than you would on a couple of barrels for the 243.

 

[6xcshooter]

6xc with a 1 in 10 twist shoots 80 gr and 88 gr bergers superbly. but you have a 1 in 8 twist. the 88 bergers blowup out of my 8 inch twist. the 8twist i have shoot the 105 to 107 gr bullets great but the accuracy of the lighter bullets dont match up with the 105"s. Some thin skinned varmints bullets ie: 88 bergers don't hold up to the 8 twist. You may have issues with bullet selection in your 8 twist. barnes solids will hold up if you can get them to shoot. E tips might never shot them though

 

[Brent Parker]

Thanks guys for the advise. I think I will end up sticking with the standard .243. I have found that an 8 twist barrel kills better than a slower twist barrel. In the past I have never had an issue with getting the Barnes bullets to shoot. The 6 XC was an 8 twist Brux. Berger bullets are out due too not being lead free. The Nosler E-Tips will be something new too try.

Brent

 

[johnmyers]

If you need speed look at a 6-284 or a 6 Remington AI

 

[basshusker]

Coyote wont know the difference. Whatever is easiest to use. 6x47Lapua is my favorite since the brass lasts so long. It will save you money not blowing out primer pockets if you anneal every 4 to 5.

Plus you save brass prep time then.
J

 

[Yote Hunter]

A smaller case than the 243 seems to me would be the way to go. That short 20" barrel will give speeds probably as fast as a 243 if you were to use the 6SLR or the 6x47 Lapua. They will be more efficient since they both have less capacity than the 243 (6x47 more so). The 6x47 is probably the most efficient and has more accuracy potential as well as great brass life.