Looking for my first coyote rifle

[Dekkan]

Held my first CZ rifle today while looking at various brands. I had been looking at Tika until I saw the CZ. Any recomendations on calibur and model would be appriciated.

Thanks

[Faeruss7]

     CZ 527 American, .223 Remington

http://www.cz-usa.com/products/view/cz-527-american/

[jameslovesjammie]

     CZ 527 American, .223 Remington

http://www.cz-usa.com/products/view/cz-527-american/

+1!

I like to use bullets in the 52-55 grain for coyotes.  I almost exclusively use Sierra bullets.

[truckjohn]

First key question... What is legal in your area?
Many areas are Rimfire only for small game and/or varmints....
If this is the case - look at a 22 mag or a 17hmr.

2nd key question.... What sort of ranges are you talking about?  If you are talking coyotes in thick brush or under 50 yards and it's legal... Shotgun and load it with shot between #6 and #3.  They move QUICK and a shotgun gives you a bit more wiggle room for error....  They usually don't stand around long enough to give you time to settle in and get the scope on target... They pop in and disappear...

Now.. If you are talking coyotes out at longer ranges - and you will be hunting from a stand or fixed position - and hunting them with Center Fire is legal...  223, 204 ruger, 243, 7.62xanything, 308 even... ... but I certainly wouldn't turn my nose down at a 17 HMR in a high quality rifle - it's easily capable of 300 yard kills and they tend to be Tack Drivers!

Thanks

[Dekkan]

Centerfire is legal. Opportuntiy to hunt open fields from stand with woods behind so the shooting posibilities are endless regarding terrain. probably going with a .223

[cpt-t]

Dekkan:  IMHO I don`t think you can beat a CZ model 527 in 223. I belive you will be happy with an AMERICAN or VARMINT model. But don`t pass up a 17 REM , 22 HORNET, or 762x39 CARBINE. I really like each one of these and use them a lot.   Good Luck With Your Choice:    ken

[truckjohn]

If you are talking shots out to 300 yards.... the 7.62x39 has a lot of drop and the low BC bullets tend to get blown around in the wind pretty bad.....  But.. online ballistics calculators can easily make up a dope chart for various distances and winds so you can get your hold off's right...

I personally wouldn't hesitate on any of the mentioned rifles..  Add the Remington 700 and Savage bolt action as well...   In a decent size stand - you can easily tolerate a heavier barrel "Varmint" rifle or something along the lines of a Remington LTR, PSS, or a Savage LRPV.. where you would never consider something like that when walking.....

223 has the obvious advantage that nearly any flavor of ammo is available commercially from Barnes X-bullets and Bonded bullets for bigger game hunting all the way to "Varmint" bullets made to grenade on small game and FMJ/Military ammo for blasting at the range....  and they sell it at WalMart and most sporting goods stores... Unfortunately - the others just don't have that large variety of high quality ammo..... but they all have plenty of "Varmint" ammo available....  but you might not be able to buy 204 Ruger or 17 Remington at local hardware stores......  It's not as much of an issue if you mail order or reload, though....

Thanks

[Dekkan]

Great feeback. I musy say that I am torn between the 527 American and the Varmint version - can't reaqlly go wrong with either. Thinking I might appreciate the light weight (walking to my stand) as I creep up in age!

[jameslovesjammie]

I'm sure that you are aware of most of the differences between the Varmint and American, but keep in mind that the twist is different between the two.  The Varmint has a 1-9" twist and the American has a 1-12" twist. 

[Cesar]

I dunno that 'calibur' is, got an idea thou. Get a Savage 30-06 and be done with it.
I got one, shoots 3rds into a dime from 100yards. Do ya need beddah?

[jameslovesjammie]

I dunno that 'calibur' is, got an idea thou. Get a Savage 30-06 and be done with it.
I got one, shoots 3rds into a dime from 100yards. Do ya need beddah?

If you want to save pelts... the '06 isn't exactly the cartridge you want.

[Dekkan]

Yes, you are correct about the twist...also another decision I have to make depending on bullet weight - thanks for the reminder.

[armoredman]

I will be using one of three rifles for 'yote, when I get the chance. First, shots here are likely to be 150 yards max, scrub desert country. My firs choice is my incredible CZ 572M carbine in 7.62x39mm, and a new custom stock coming from LAGS Custom Gunsmithing in the future might make it even more fun. Second would be the SA vz-58 in 5.56mm, and third would be the SA vz-58 in 7.62x39mm. Any of them will take a coyote easily.
That .223 527 American would be an excellent czoice.

[Dekkan]

OK, I've been looking for the 527 varmint at a decent price. Have seen them on the net for under $700. Even the custom shop has them listed for 660. Called Guns International yesterday and they had them in stock. Called my local FFL to ask if I could ship to them and the called GI back 45 minutes later...they had just sold the last one! I found one through a distributor but the price is high... other than that nobody in the area has them or can get them. Custom shop was out too.

It seems like the 527 American might be a little easier to aguire. What are your thoughts....wait to get my hands on the Varmint or go for the American? It's definately not a lfe or death situation (except maybe for local coyotes it is )

[painter]

If you want to shoot heavier than 60 gr bullets wait for the Varmint. Otherwise the American should fit the bill just fine.

I've loaded 60gr Partitions for my 527 FS with success.