So I won a custom rifle…

[Jeff Porter]

For your defined purpose, the 22-250 seems to be the easy button, BUT - I am a big fan of the 243 with 58 Vmax Superformance factory ammo. Bang / Flop! No exit wounds. Totally jellies the innards. 3600 fps in my M7 is flat point blank zero out to 300. Hold center and squeeze.

 

[bobm]

I like my 20” 22 arc.
I’m running varget and 80 eld at 2900 fps.

Solus is def worth the extra $150

I would choose this, too.

22 ARC - Hornady Manufacturing, Inc

The 22 ARC brings you the exceptional power and performance of the 22-250 cartridge, all elegantly packed into the compact and versatile AR-15 platform.

www.hornady.com

 

[foxguy]

I Like 243 and you will have a dual purpose rifle.

 

[Matt_3479]

204 for sure for factory ammo. 20 tac, 20-223ai, 20bra for reloaded

 

[Leveraction35]

I Like 243 and you will have a dual purpose rifle.

Only worried about coyotes

 

[jwink]

As a guy who went from 22-250 to the AI 22-250, stick with the standard unless you are interested in going further than 300 yards.

 

[JB10]

6creed is leading my list…i just worry it’ll blow a basketball out of them

If you get the right bullet and not too much speed in the 6 creed might work. But i will tell you a 108 eldm at 2,920 leaves a very large hole. I tried it a few times just to make sure was just freak accident. Happed all 3 times. I dont use that set up anymore for coyotes.

 

[Leveraction35]

If you get the right bullet and not too much speed in the 6 creed might work. But i will tell you a 108 eldm at 2,920 leaves a very large hole. I tried it a few times just to make sure was just freak accident. Happed all 3 times. I dont use that set up anymore for coyotes.

That’s my concern man… guys keep telling me to get that because it’s multipurpose, but I only have one purpose in mind, coyotes

 

[jghoghunter]

That’s my concern man… guys keep telling me to get that because it’s multipurpose, but I only have one purpose in mind, coyotes

If you only have one purpose in mind. Go with a 223 with a 55 grain soft point. You have minimum pelt damage with little drop to 300 yards.

 

[Leveraction35]

If you only have one purpose in mind. Go with a 223 with a 55 grain soft point. You have minimum pelt damage with little drop to 300 yards.

Understood but I’m not wasting a free custom rifle on a 223… I could buy a Ruger American for 450 bucks anytime I want

 

[SD guy]

I would weigh in barrel life & opt for the 22 ARC over the 22-250 If the action supported a 22 ARC. Should you take up reloading & pelt damage was really a priority then I may favor the 17 FB.

If factory ammo is a necessity the 204 Ruger starts looking favorable. Then the 223 may do well also with super barrel life.

 

[SD guy]

Understood but I’m not wasting a free custom rifle on a 223… I could buy a Ruger American for 450 bucks anytime I want

Congratulations on the win & opportunity to have this rifle built.

Not Sure I agree in the thinking a custom 223 would be a waste, If you intend on shooting factory ammo. A good custom rifle will generally not be very picky in finding a accurate round. Wide variety of inexpensive ammo options would be no small thing. A lot of good pelt friendly 223 loads to choose from at a rather friendly price.

If it were me I feel this discussion would be one to take up with the Smith. If reloading comes in to the picture then the really good options become more plentiful. What is the Smiths input with your goals in mind?
Curious what you settle on.

Perhaps you spring for a 2nd barrel & do a switch barrel. 22 ARC switch to a 6mm ARC would a cool package in my mind.

 

[helipilotm]

What’s the fur report on that bullet?

I love the Vmax, but absolutely hate shooting coyotes with them in a 22-250. Ive shot probably around 35-40 with vmaxes. If you can sneek one in between a rib they're perfect. If you hit bone of any kind its a big splash and usually the coyote has a fatal wound but its in the next county. My vote for your custom rifle is a 22-250. Its been my main coyote gun over the years. Im currently shooting the sierra 52gr matchking. In my experience its the perfect fur bullet. From 10-400 yards I've never had big exits, No splashes and is accurate. Im not sure on factory ammo with that specific bullet, but there has to be something close. Congrats on winning a custom rifle!

 

[5spd]

.243. Will take care of all.
Slams coyote down hard especially with a 65 to 90g bullet.

 

[SD guy]

.243. Will take care of all.
Slams coyote down hard especially with a 65 to 90g bullet.

Same could be said for the 6mm ARC. The added benefit of extended barrel life is hard, to over look for me.

Heavier bullet in this case, though getting the job done to be sure in the video below.

 

[jpjulian]

I love the 6 Creed... I have 2 myself, but they seem to be overkill for a coyote, unless you don't care for the pelt, which you do. I'd pick a .223 as dog killin', pelt savin' ammo is everywhere. Since .223 isn't on your list a 22-250 seems the easy button.
Re: Blueprinted 700 vs. Solus...... Have you ever seen a cloned Solus? Everyone clones a 700 for a lot of reasons. QC issues with a bankrupt Remington's actions aside, ain't nuttin' wrong with a 700.

 

[C.E.Smith043]

243 for my vote

 

[nakneker]

If your not gonna handload and you want to save the nicer pelts I’d go with a 204 and Solus action. I like stocks better than chassis but if your shooting from a tripod I understand how a chassis and arca rail might appeal.


I would encourage you to take up reloading. It opens up your cartridge options and you can shoot any bullet you want in any given caliber and you can tune it to your rifle. Not to mention the therapeutic value of loading your own, very enjoyable past time.

If you didn't care about the pelts I’d go with a 6 creed.

 

[swd]

That’s my concern man… guys keep telling me to get that because it’s multipurpose, but I only have one purpose in mind, coyotes

Since you don't hand load I would look over the ammo options for the 204 and 22-250 and see what has better availability and is more applicable for you. Either will get the job done.

 

[Infrequent Shooter]

start with 22 or maybe even 24 inches.