What caliber for semi long range?

[JStang314]

I've been wanting a rifle to shoot out farther than my 22's and was going to buy an AR just to add to the fun factor. However I'm not dumb enough to pay 1600 for a dpms sportical. Question is what caliber bolt action would be good for 200-400 yards at the range and maybe some coyote hunting? Would prefer it cost less than a dollar every time I pull the trigger. Also would want a caliber that is easy to find.

 

[ROLEXrifleman]

.223, .243, 22-250 all good for under 400 all easy to get.

if you dont plan on breaking 500 yards no need to break into any .30

 

[HavokCycle]

.308

 

[Burnsy]

.223, .243, 22-250 all good for under 400 all easy to get.

if you dont plan on breaking 500 yards no need to break into any .30

Dunno if I would say that right now

 

[42769vette]

For 200-400 yards stick with your rimfire, and buy a scope capable of the task. There is no question you will learn more from your rimfire at 400 yards than and caliber on the planet.

For coyote anything centerfire will do the trick.

 

[ROLEXrifleman]

Dunno if I would say that right now

lol, very true!

 

[downzero]

Almost any centerfire rifle will shoot 2-400 yards with no problem.

 

[JStang314]

Thanks for the input. Ill probably be deciding between the 308 and 22-250 just in case I find somewhere I can shoot a little farther. And I'll probably do some fun stuff to the 10/22 with the money saved

 

[42769vette]

Thanks for the input. Ill probably be deciding between the 308 and 22-250 just in case I find somewhere I can shoot a little farther. And I'll probably do some fun stuff to the 10/22 with the money saved

That is the correct answer. Long range rimfire is the cheapest and best pratice you will find. Basically as long as your scope tracks, and has enough internal travel to dial out to range your ready to shoot.

 

[gunman41mag]

The 308 will do it all

 

[remauto1187]

If $$$ is an issue then upgrade your .22's trigger, scope and maybe even barrel. You should easily be able to get a AR15 setup for well less than 1600 including a nice scope. But you should have probably decided on an AR over 6 months ago, especially if you were going to build it.

If you dont want to stick with the .22lr and rule out an AR, I would go with the .308 and get you a basic reloader kit and learn it!

Good luck!

 

[cwagner1]

Agree with .308.

 

[Saltpork]

308 for coyote is a bit excessive, but it is one of the most common larger rifle rounds. I'm a fan of 270 Winchester & I do reload it.
If you just want 200 yards, 22 WMR will do the job just fine. If you want to go centerfire & still have a full sized round but not break into 30 cal stuff, 270 Win is a great option and a good deer round. If it will take down a deer, it will take down a coyote without any issues. If you're going for a traditional hunting cartridge(which 308 & 270 fall under), reload. It's far cheaper than the dollar+ per shot you get from just retail. All told my reloaded 270 Win runs me around 35-36 cents per round vs just under a buck if I bought it.

You could also look at 7.62x39 bolt action or semi-autos. Those would work great & normally the ammo is a bit cheaper than 223/5.56. With the gun craze the way it is, this might not be the best option even though there are domestic makers of 7.62x39.

Another good option for that distance is 30-30. Marlin 336's & other lever guns work wonders at 150-200 yards & aren't heavy. They're also relatively cheap(300-500 bucks usually) and extremely common.

 

[Buck69]

The 22-250 is sweet

 

[philbert001]

If you are torn between 22-250, and .308, and you don't plan to reload, I say go with .308. 22-250 is a perfect varmint round at your specified ranges, but .308 is that and more, for way less money, and way higher availability! (Way WAY cheaper in bulk!)

 

[bgcatty]

.243 Winchester or 7mm-08 in a good bolt action rifle and you have everything covered to about 400-500 yards.

 

[dsb]

Im partial to the 243. With winchester 55 grain ballistic tip its really fast and shoots flat but u can get that with several other calibers 220 swift, 22-250 and 223 WSM.

 

[JStang314]

well i still havent picked my caliber but i did choose the gun! remington 700 varmint sf. yes i like shiny things! i would rarely shoot past 400 yards.
remington 700 varmint sf - Bing Images

hopefully the link works. first time trying on a kindlle

 

[42769vette]

well i still havent picked my caliber but i did choose the gun! remington 700 varmint sf. yes i like shiny things! i would rarely shoot past 400 yards.
remington 700 varmint sf - Bing Images

hopefully the link works. first time trying on a kindlle

It worked, when you get to the point of picking base's, rings, scope let me know

 

[JStang314]

i definately will alan. i was planning to buy my glass from you when i thought i was getting an AR and i will still on this one. i will need some input from you once i figure out for sure what caliber and everything. maybe the diamondback series?