Varmint round-competitions

[JohnK]

Searched for an already posted thread on this first but could not find one. What’s everyone’s view on the best varmint round for coyotes, fox, bobcat? Realistically, nothing past 350yards.

currently I’m shooting a .243 with a 58gr polymer tip. Been happy with it but have had the itch for something else. Is this in line with most out there given the shorter distance or is there something else you feel is superior.

Obviously, animal weight is a large factor so a fast LA that would do lots of damage isn’t considered.

 

[Boon20]

Im a fan of nosler varmaggedon 55g but im also using a 223. Very rarely do they go through a coyote when they do its usually in the -20 to -30 temp range.

 

[BurnOut]

I like the .204 Ruger with either the Hornady 40gr Vmax or the 39gr Sierra.

 

[tuckybill]

22-250 is a blast, Great for hunting but if your going to make a duel use hunter/range toy barrel life might rule it out. For just a hunting round not much better east of the Mississippi. In a varmint weight you can see your hits.

If your in a area getting Gentryfied try a .22 hornet. If everywhere else is like my area I think the .22 hornet is going to make a big comeback. Of course you can load a .223 down to hornet levels easy enough. Those hornet rounds are soooooo cute though!

 

[SupressYourself]

Depends on your goals. If you just want them dead, it's going to be hard to beat your current setup. If you want to increase your range, just upgrade to a 85-90gr bullet. Personally, I like the 87gr v-max.
Now, if you want to "save fur", especially on fox and bobcat, you probably want something in 22cal or maybe even a 204 Ruger.

 

[GrumpyOleFart]

I use a 129gr SST.
It's accurate and cleans up the ferals.

 

[Charlie112]

Searched for an already posted thread on this first but could not find one. What’s everyone’s view on the best varmint round for coyotes, fox, bobcat? Realistically, nothing past 350yards.

currently I’m shooting a .243 with a 58gr polymer tip. Been happy with it but have had the itch for something else. Is this in line with most out there given the shorter distance or is there something else you feel is superior.

Obviously, animal weight is a large factor so a fast LA that would do lots of damage isn’t considered.

22-250, will kill all the game you listed. That round kills !!! Easy to load for if desired.., my rifle is a Tikka Compact, Leo scope , easy to carry, shoots great, 52 grain bullets, H380 powder, been a good Varmint round a long time...

 

[JohnK]

Great info, thanks. Any knowledge about a .22 creedmoor? I don’t reload so this would be the greatest downfall. Everything I’ve seen tho if it’s sighted in +1 @100yds there’s no holdover out to 350.

 

[Aescobar17]

Great info, thanks. Any knowledge about a .22 creedmoor? I don’t reload so this would be the greatest downfall. Everything I’ve seen tho if it’s sighted in +1 @100yds there’s no holdover out to 350.

I run a 22 Creed for thermal hunting hogs and coyotes with an 80 ELDM. For strictly Varmint hunting I’d lean more towards the 22-250 with lighter pills and better factory support.

 

[fdkay]

If you wanted to go with something easier on barrels a .224 valkyrie or 6mm ARC running light bullets might scratch that itch.
I built a .22 nosler on a bolt action, getting the 80 grain bullets to 3100 was easy, a 55 at 3400 would be no challenge, you can get similar performance from a valkyrie. It will be a bit slower.
A 221 fireball on a mini action would be sweet. 16" barrel suppressed running the 53's.

 

[JohnK]

I’m a fan of the .224 Valkyrie. I shot a savage MSR and Hornady 68gr with good results. This may be the route I start to look.

 

[fdkay]

I’m a fan of the .224 Valkyrie. I shot a savage MSR and Hornady 68gr with good results. This may be the route I start to look.

Hornady Varmint Express 224 Valkyrie Ammo 60 Grain Hornady V-Max

Designed around the hard-hitting performance of the famous Hornady V-Max bullet, this ammunition is specifically designed for supremely accurate...

www.midwayusa.com

 

[BeardedBastard]

223 Ackley has my vote. I run 50gr Nosler Ballistic tips at 3760 fps and 80gr Berger VLD at 3100fps. All from a 23" 1:8 twist, a lot less powder burnt, cost effective bullets, less recoil, and a barrel life of 8K+ rounds. I currently have 3300~ rounds on my tube and have very minimal fire cracking and no erosion to speak of. Worth a look for sure.