most efficent in a short barrel varmint round

[nitis]

What would be the most efficient round in say a 20" ish barrel of the varmint rounds? 223 223AI 22.250 204 220 or something else?

Looking to build a lightweight easy to carry calling rifle for coyotes. I know that it would be possible to get them all to shoot acurately but what would be the ideal situation?

If at all possible I would like to keep my mpbr as close to 300 as I can

 

[Big Squeeze]

Can`t speak for the rifle itself, but as far as the cartridge choices are concerned the 223 Rem, the 22-250 or the 243 Win should work fine from the shorter tubes.

Ruger makes their shorty 16.5" tubed handy compacts available in the 223 Rem and 243 Win. So for a rifle build, I can`t foresee any issues with a barrel 20" long or thereabouts from either of those two rounds. Nor from a 22-250 for that matter.

 

[FOTIS]

223 Remington. The less case capacity the more efficient.

 

[30-338]

I've done 2 short barrel varmit rifle for me short was 22" one was 17MachIV other 22-250. Depending on barrel contour/caliber barrel can heat up pretty fast also muzzle blast can be a concern plus velocity lost with the shorter barrels.

I've got one now that I think is just about for me at 7 3/4 lbs with 2.5x8 leupold scope. Used an R700 short action ADL,Mcmillian stock, SS #2.5 contour finish 24" 1/14 twist had everything Matte finish caliber 223. I could of shave alittle more off using McMillian Edge,Banser stock even using Model 7 action lots of options.

I've got less than 100rd fired in that rifle shooting 50/52gr bullets 3500fps plus accuracy great.

Well good luck

 

[desertcj]

A 16" flat-top AR in .223 is about the perfect 300yd coyote rifle in my opinion. Short, fairly light, fast follow up shots if needed and I wouldn't hesitate to take it out to 400 plus yards if you are comfortable with it. Get a 20" barrel if you want a little more velocity, but 16" is good for me.

 

[Elkman]

Remington makes a really neat light SA 700 in .223 which I have and like. In addition I bought a Marlin bolt rifle in .308 last year that is really nice and light. I believe it also comes in .223. Both of these are 1" guns. As for caliber I think .223 would be the best. Both of these will go on sale at christmas. I paid less thn $300 for both using my Cabela's points.

 

[velvetant]

I also have a 16" AR that I use and I to agree with desertcj, it really is about the best thing for coyote hunting.
I also have a very light 20" bolt gun I got for coyote hunting but it never gets out of the safe only because I prefer the 16"AR.

 

[Charlie-NY]

In my opinion the 221 Fireball is more efficient than any of them, especially in a short barrel. It is also wicked accurate in a decent barrel.

 

[Powerstroke]

My go to round for coyotes has always been the 22-250 - IMO the coyote hammer! Cross that 250 / 300 yard line and the 22-250 will really shine. HOWEVER :grin:
I really like the versatility of the .223 - The Rem 700 VTR has a 20in tube - doesn't include the goofy brake they put on them. The nice thing about the VTR is the 1 in 9 twist barrel, which allows you to shoot the heavier 69 / 70 grain bullets.

I'm sure others do the same - the Tikka T3 lite offers a fast twist - and is that gun ever lite of off the shelf.

 

[JD338]

Another vote for the 221 Fireball. Second choice would be the 223 Rem.

JD338