Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Custom Rifles & Wildcats Coyote/Deer Rifle ?

I have a Rem. 700 long action 30-06 that I would like to rebarrel for a cartridge that kicks less and is more suitable for a coyote/deer hunting rifle. I have 223s and 220 swifts for varmits and they would work for deer hunting here in Texas but 22 centerfires for deer is not my style.
I have it narrowed down to 6mm Rem. , 257 Roberts , or 243-06. I'm thinking about a number 4 barrel contour 24-25in. to keep the weight down.

What do you guys think?

Bob.

Edited to say: Bob. #2 22" to keep the weight down. Maybe a #3 tops. 24" will get you a little more velocity, but precious little.

David

25-06,

How much do you want it to weigh? If you want a #4 (my favorite) and want the weight down. Flute it and throw it in a Light weight stock. You still will not have a fly weight by any means. Prolly in the 9lb range scoped. If you want a lightweight a #2 in an Edge or a Banser is the direction you need to go.

I would not hesitate to use a #2 Kreiger for a 257 or 6mm,and would expect it to easily group 1/2 MOA with the right load.With a good scope, good bedding in a good synthetic.And if I missed a coyote or deer clear to 500 with it,I'd blame myself.This should help keep weight down.

Neither coyotes nor deer are "volume shooting" pass times,so barrel heat is no issue.Why lug more than required?

Of the ones you list I would go with the 257 Rbts.

Given that it is a long action M700 I would maybe choose 25-06. Just my thoughts on it.

That was my first thought as well.

25-06AI

id agree with pick, your action is a long action. it makes no sense to make it a short action caliber. 25-06 or if you reload the 6.5-06 is very popular now

FWIW, why not consider the 25-06? In my opinion, the 6mm is a bit marginal on deer; what bullet were you considering? The Roberts is a good choice. Are you calling these coyotes in close, or spot and shooting them way out there?

I'd lean toward a 24.5" 6-06 if fun shooting and coyotes are a large interest. 25-06 if deer hunting is the primary use. #3 contour would be plenty heavy, considering the length.

Good points about the 25-06. Since it is a LA, that's probably what I'd do. I love my Bob, but the '06 gives you a little more with little increase in recoil or muzzle blast. Course you could open the bolt face and make it a Roy. Then the recoil would step a little more and I'm sure blast would too. I say the '06 would be the ticket here. Or maybe the Roy. Too many options!

25-06, 6.5-06 or a .270 would get the nod from me.

Terry

25-06 or 6.5mm-06.

The 6.5mm-06 with 130g Scirocco II's (BC .571) driven fast (3150fps, or faster in an AI) is my preference but it is a handloader's option. Run the ballistics and compare against the .25-06 or even the .257 Weatherby with any bullet and you'll see what I mean. Very flat and 1000fpe past 850 yards with mild recoil (about 16-1/2 foot-pounds in an 8.3lb rifle/scope combo).

6.5-06 sounds good as well. Didn't consider that. Or, do like me and step up to the 264 WM and get another 150fps out of that Scirroco II, at least I hope to. Ordering my stock this week. Good thinking CH.