I am building a break action single shot and intend to make a second barrel set. The larger of the two will be a .338 Federal.

I am looking for something in the class of a 22-250 or 220 swift. Considerations I am including are simply variety of factory loads, cost of ammo ( a larger concern as I wouldlike to shoot it ...A LOT),and capability on coyotes, bobcats and the like. I won't be shooting at extrememly long ranges, probably 300 would be the most.

If you're shooting a lot the .223 Remington is hard to beat out to 300 yards.

I like the 22/250........it's a great little round !!

I am getting more and more where I grab the 22/250. Not as accurate as my 223 but sure does give me the extra confidence for distance.

The 223 will take care of the criteria you listed. The 22-250 has no flies on it though, either one would be great.

300 yards max? I would look long and hard at the Triple Duece or the FireBall.

my blaser K95 2 barrel set is in 222 and 06 - makes a great combo

Thanks for the suggestions.

One other thing I have considered is to go with a .243 win. and enjoy the availability and choices in loads. I am a big proponent of versatility and this might fit my desires a little better. Any opinions??

The .243 Winchester will be more expensive to shoot than .223 Remington.

If you plan to shoot past 300 yards and if smaller big game is on the agenda, the .243 would be a good choice.

If smaller big game is the first choice with varmints on the agenda take a look at the 25 calibers.

If you plan on shooting alot AND RELOADING, I would go with the 204. A little better range than the 223 and less recoil than the 22-250
(you can see your impacts through the scope)

Again, I appreciate the input. I am leaning towards the .243 with the .223 close behind.

I have 76 acres with ferral hogs and coyotes. We have a few deer, but I like having them here, and there aren't any decent buck that I have seen, so Ijust enjoy them. The hogs and coyotes are always in season however.

I think the .243 will do well on both with different bullet weights of course.

I have a 6.5-06 that has taken a few of the hogs, but the rounds have to be ordered ( I don't have time to relaod) and it's performance is so close to a .270 I don't see the point in keeping it. If it is ballisticly superior to the .270, I am not good enought o exploit it.

Look into the 22-250 AI. It will give you 22 swift performance with cheaper brass and makes case life much better. This is one of the very best of the AI calibers.

For what its worth I prefer the 22-250 over the 243 especially if your after hogs and coyotes. Don't know exactly why I've just had better luck with the 22-250. But if your chosing between the 243 and the 223 I'd take the 243 everytime.

Bailey
If you were doing large volume prairrie dog shooting I would go with the 223. If you were doing longer range wood chuck shooting I would go with the 22/250...
But on your place in Texas the 243 would be a good choice especially if you plan on shooting a pig or two with it.