I have a good 243, an old Browning Heavy barrel(sako actioned)shoots 85gr. bullets just fine. But I have no experience with lighter weight bullets. The thought of being able to stay in the scope is appealing, the 243 with 85gr. bullets wont let that happen.

So I am considering a new purchase in 204 Ruger or 223. I do want a repeater as I intend to try calling, thus a walking weight rifle is desired.
I have looked over the Kimber 84 Varmint and think it is close to what I want but would like to know what else should be considered under $1000 for the rifle alone.

What Leupold would you set on top?

Many Thanks

HBH

HBH,

Of the two you have mentioned, the 204 shooting 35 gr. Bergers would be (is) my choice.

Can't give you my choice of scopes.

Merry Christmas.

Jim

Build a heavy barrel AR15 in 204 Ruger if you want a true "repeater" Love mine RRA lower with a Acuracy systems upper, shoots 40g bergers under .5" 5 or 10 shot @100 yards

HBH: If you are anywhere near Idaho Falls, Idaho then I saw the Rifle for you, there!
Its at Ross's Coin & Gun Shop and its a Remington 700 VLS in 204 Ruger. Its a minty Rifle but used and it comes with rings and bases - the asking price is $499.00.
I think you could get it cheaper!
Anyway the VLS0 Remington 700 is a blued, heavy barrel (26") Varminter with the laminated wood stock.
This is a heavier Rifle than you are wishing for but I think the extra "mass" will help you (as it does me) in having a much steadier aim out in the field especially on running or moving Coyotes.
For a scope I would recommend the fine Weaver 4x16 (V16) Model with the Du-Plex type crosshairs. This model will work for about all distances of Coyote Hunting.
I also like the Leupold 4x12 VX-II and the Leupold 4.5x14 VX-III for Coyote Hunting.
I tote my heavy barrel Varminters around Coyote Hunting with relative ease and no regrets.
What kind of cover do you envision yourself Hunting Coyotes in - distances normally encountered is one of the bigger considerations for determining what kind of Rifle will best suit you.
Yes with the heavy barreled Rifles in 204 Ruger you will be able to see your hits (and misses!) that is important!
Best of luck with whichever you choose.
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy

I know sometimes us guys are just fishing for new reasons to buy new guns, but try some 60 grain bullets with your .243 and see what you think?

Snell: No fishing involved I really don't think a guy really NNNNNEEEEEEDDDDDSSS a reason to buy a new gun, except of course that he just wants to. But the reason I like the 204 on the AR platform is two fold: One the 204 performs very well and still allows me to keep wily in my scope after the shot and the second is tied directly to the first because I have the 204 in a crazy accuarate semi auto I can keep running dogs in my scope without having to cycle the action and also on multiple call in's the semi auto that doen't jump comes in handy too. Just my .02

Thanks for the replies!

Varmint Guy,
That is well west of me, but hey, it is just a phone call away and I always like to see guys posting the where abouts of rifles because you never know it may just be the exact rifle someone is hunting. I am in SW PA and coyotes are just starting to be more common last 4-5 years. I saw 4 one day of Buck season. The terrain here is hilly/ rolling ground. Most crop/hay fields are under 50 acres so we have plenty of woods. I figure we will hunt the edges and try and call them to an edge. We dont but occasionally see them out in the fields mousing, at least nothing like I see them doing when I hunt Iowa. But having said this there are lots of places where 300 - 400yrds could be presented, assuming the coyote would stand still that long. Most of the ones we see aren't posing for long.

Someone mentioned an AR base and this state will not allow a semi for hunting.

Although I had no intention, and dont see it as exactly what I am looking for a MDl. 70 featherweight in a 223 WSS came along today and, I will give that a try. I do still think something slightly heavier will end up being the go to, but it was just too good of a deal to pass up.

Many Thanks

HBH