So Ive got this Remington short action .223 bolt face. Im debating to either build a 223 Ackley or just sell the action and buy a 22-250 and run with it. Plan is to stick around the 50 grain bullets as I like saving hides. Gun will be used on coyotes mostly.

The action That I have has the firing pin hole bushed already and has a good trigger so that is a plus for me. The plus of selling the action and just buying a factory rifle to save some cash. Or do you guys have some other grand ideas for a calling rifle. Ive been down the 17 cal road and bullets are just to hard to find. The action actually came off a 17-204 that the barrel was toast on.

When I had my last 223 Ackley all I ran out of it was 40 grain bullets out of a 21" barrel. You guys with 223 ackleys how fast can a 50 grain bullet be pushed?

Can't recall the speed, but I shoot Sierra #1330 bullets Out of a 21 inch spout and it simply kills coyotes better than anything else I have seen.

What about a .222 Rem?

I'd build a .221 Fireball or a .222. I'd like to play with a .17 Fireball myself, but it sounds like that's not an option for you. Everyone seems real happy with their .204's, have you thought about that much?

I've ran a 204 on quite a few coyotes but the only bullet I had luck with on coyotes was a 35 grain Berger and there's quite a few times I couldn't find any of them

.223ai
1-9" 23" bbl
50 Zmax
30 gr h335
Formed Win case
CCI 400
3,725 fps

Come on now, there's plenty of .17 cal bullets to be found. Nagels and Golds are plentiful.
Just our of curiosity, how many rounds to toast your .17/204?
Once I run out of my stash of old style Bergers, I'll be going to the Nagels myself. Just don't think there is anything better for killing and saving fur than the hot rod .17's.

I'd go 1-8" 223 AI. Is it a stainless action?

I ran a 223 AI for a few years when I shot 'roos...I would go for a 22-250 were it my choice.

Nothing wrong with the AI, but I would prefer to load the 22-250 back a bit and save on the purchase price by going factory.

TR I couldn't tell you how many rounds it took because I bought it from an estate sale and shot it quite a bit myself. Talked to a friend and he's got a 17 cal barrel that I might just chamber again for 17-204 because just today I lucked into a good supply of Nagels from a friend. Just hope the 21" barrel isn't going to handicap the velocity from the big 17

Did you try any Ballistic Tips in the 204 for coyotes? I've heard good things about the 40 grainer.

When I was doing my 204 shooting nosler hadn't yet got into the 20 cal game but that would be another one I would try

ive only got 20.5" barrel on my 17/204 and during load development I was able to go over 4000, but the load I settled on runs right at 3950 and still kills good. You'll be alright with 21".

I have shot quite a few with 32 gr vmaxs out of my 204. Everyone has been dead right where it stood, and it has been excellent on fur.

fwiw,
Current calling rifle is a slow twist .223 AI... Setup to fling nothing heavier than a 55 grain Nosler BT with 40 grain BTs beings it's specialty... IF ranges were longer I would absolutely go .22-250 Ackley Improved... Lapua Brass. Never did like my first .22-250 as it was to heavy and to long(40XB-KS). That said would love to spin up a 5R Rock in anything from a #3 to a Remington Varmint in said chambering. Would have to comfortably stabilize 75 grain Amaxs...

Regards, Matt.

.223ai will make 3750 with the 50gr bullet. They dont bounce off coyotes!

. They will if you use the wrong bullet.

Why doesn't CZ make a stainless American with a laminate or synthetic stock? I figure that would make the ideal calling rifle.

.223 AI would be cool, but the .17 sounds interesting.

I have a .17 fireball, pretty good little round.

I like all my .221's better though.

If it were my rifle, I would have to try a 222 using 69gr TMKs. It's the opposite pole of the fur friendly spectrum, and I am definitely not recommending it, because I don't even know if it works. But I just want to see it in action and if it were mine, I'd have to try it.

I've been using a Sako riihimäki in 222 for the last couple years. I shot the 50 gr vmax and just recently switched to the 40 grain version. As far as I'm concerned you couldn't do better for calling. Did I mention I hate sewing hides? 😀

fwiw,
That brings back fond memories of hunting with my older brother(may he rest in peace). He shot a Sako A1 Deluxe in .222 Remington with the Vixen(Fox) engraved on the Floor plate. Beautiful little rifle... He never hunted as much as I did, however, I called in the first and only Vulpes Vulpes Vixen that rifle took. I only wish I knew what happened to it... Would give good money today for that rifle...

Regards, Matt.