New Coyote gun

[zonie]

Don't ever get rid of the 788 it's has a very loyal following and generally will out shoot most 700's.   My friends and I started using them in the early 70's for long range varmit shooting , butt ugly rifles, less than great triggers, magazines rattle,  but  they are flat accurate.   Mine is a 1969 in 243,  I still use it today, and  there is no way I would sell it.   I paid 200 bucks for it with 4 x 12 bushnell bdc and 2 extra mags, check out the prices now for really good condition rifles. 

[Derrill Fox]

Ron here is one you might be interested in.
http://www.gunsinternational.com/Remington-788-22-250-New-Unfired-Condition-.cfm?gun_id=100168936
Derrill

[huntinjt]

I was going to tell you a 22-250 since you said rock chucks I take it you're out west. but when you said big game I have to say 25-06 in vanguard or a 257 weatherby

[Geurts340]

If Weatherby would make a Vanguard in 224 Weatherby magnum, the question of what caliber to use for coyotes would be solved.  Awesome cartridge and how cool would it be to have a belted magnum coyote rifle.

[mddewit]

I use a 22-250 weatherby vanguard to hunt coyotes, and i love it.  Just recently started reloading my own ammo, and learned that the gun does not like every type of bullet you shoot through it.  I learned that ballistic tip boattails start rolling in the air before 100 yrds.  The bullet of choice in my rifle is a 55 grain soft point spitzer style.  Usually have less than 1'' groups at 100 yrds. I have had people tell me they have successfully taken deer with that caliber also, but have not myself since i live in Iowa.  I would be happy to give you any tips on this caliber if you get one.

[Hdiahe]

04 is the only thing I would look at if fur friendly is in mind. Cheap shells probably a 223 but u will blow holes in them way more than a 204. I shot a 22-250 for years and it is great but I'm lucky to have a hide worth much with it. 204 shoots pretty flat to 400 yards....

[danno50]

 Original post: "This gun will be mainly used for coyote, rock chucks,  and maybe some thin skinned big game."   I don't believe the 204 would qualify in the thin skinned big game category. Great round for saving fur though. Of the choices the OP gave, I'd go with the 257 Wby or 243 as they both come in loaded ammunition(reasonable prices)or could be hand loaded. Outside the OP's choices, I'd like the 240 Wby.(again reasonable ammo prices) BTW, Welcome to the Nation Sir.   

[224KING]

240 Weatherby Magnum of course

[.257]

Coyotes, Rock Chucks, Smaller big game.   .257

[DW5]

I like this old topic getting a revisit. Welcome Hdiahe! While the .257Wby is probably my favorite round, i’ll Agree with King here. For the applications mentioned in the OP, I’d probably be reaching for my .240 and most likely loaded with some 80grn TTSX’s.

[danno50]

I'm looking to buy a new gun for coyote, but what caliber .223, .243, .22-250, .257, who knows whats the best, I am sure nobody does, but some suggestions would be great!  This gun will be mainly used for coyote, rock chucks,  and maybe some thin skinned big game.  Thanks in advance.

Fast forward 10 years and the Vanguard First Lite is a winner. 26" barrel(with Accubrake), #2 contour with fluted barrel, fusion camo pattern for the stock, and Cerakote barrel finish, in 240, or 257 Wby.

The 240 Wby mag would be my choice.