Skip to main content
Help Center Community Shop

If you had to choose only one...

Marlinman336
....rifle for eastern coyotes (Illinois) and western antelope/deer (Nebraska/Wyoming), what would it be?

I have a severe case of firearm lust for a Model 70 Featherweight in .270wsm, but I know it's overkill for the coyotes. Still, I've always wanted a .270, and the new short magnums in the larger calibers seem to have pretty impressive ballistics.

The other obvious possibility is .25-06...probably a much more "reasonable" gun, and easier on the shoulder for target shooting.

Any other thoughts?

Thanks!

MM336



Remington 870 large-frame Wingmaster 20
Marlin 90 O/U 12
Marlin 39A
Marlin 336SS 30/30
0

Comments

11 comments

Date Votes
  • Bill Costik
    Why not get a regular .270? I have used one on coyotes and deer here in Northern PA. They do a great job on coyotes and deeer. If you handload thats all the better. Also, the .25/06 is a great round, shoots flat, easy on the shoulder, hard-hitting too. Both the .270 Win and 25/06 would be a great choice for you.
    0
  • 1911a1-fan
    it is ilegal to shoot a high powered rifle hunting in the state of illinois?

    and coyote is protected in illinois


    http://dnr.state.il.us/admin/systems/Digest/2004_05_hunting_guide.pdf

    - .... . / --- -. .-.. -.-- / - .-. ..- . / .-- .. ... -.. --- -- / .. ... / .. -. / -.- -. --- .-- .. -. --. / -.-- --- ..- / -.- -. --- .-- / -. --- - .... .. -. --.


    ... --- -.-. .-. .- - . ...
    0
  • Salvage33
    Since I've been shooting a custom Mauser98 in 25-06, it's hard for me to recommend anything else. Will do the trick on coyotes, fox, deer, pronghorns, feral pigs, javelina, elk (you gotta choose your shot carefully on those) and almost anything else. Would have to except bears and possibly moose from the list.

    Easy on the shoulder, shoots really flat, and, if you really want to do some easy research....compare the 25-06 ballistics to the slightly larger 7mm Rem Mag and be surprised.

    Can't go wrong with the 25-06...though must admit that I am a bit curious about the 7mm-08.

    John


    A penny saved is a congressional oversight!
    0
  • D. Bryan
    Have you checked on the .25 WSSM? Pretty impressive performance and a super short action. I am waiting on them to come out with the 7mm WSSM.
    0
  • Pinhead
    A regular .270 would do very nicely. Also the .280 Remington would be a great choice as it offers an even larger selectiion of bullet weights. I know most people never think of it but the 6.5 X 55mm Swedish Mauser would be a excellent choice and they are very easy on the shoulder too. There are a wide variety of calibers that would do the job--.257 Roberts, 6mm Remington, .243 Winchester, 7mmo8, and .260 Remington and if you go custom--the 6.5/06 which will slightly better the 25/06 but not by much. Isn't this a great country or what. Jim
    0
  • Marlinman336
    Thanks very much, guys. I've considered the regular .270 as well...and your point about reloading is well taken. I'll have to do a little legwork, Salvage33....I do like the "easy on your shoulder" part from a target-shooting standpoint.

    1911a1: Not sure if we're looking at the same statutes? Per your link, the coyote season in Illinois is open all year with no bag limits (page 2)(with the exception of deer season, during which time you may not possess a rifle bigger than a .22 in the field), however, you MAY take a coyote during deer season - if you have an unfilled deer permit - with a shotgun (slug), muzzleloader, or handgun. (page 7)

    Additionally, there are several animals listed which CAN be legally hunted with rifles, including squirrels, coyotes, raccoons, possums, skunk, etc. There are no caliber limitations that I could find.

    "Protected" in the statutes means that the animals cannot be hunted outside of the specified season. The specified season for coyotes is "all year". Much of my family lives in Illinois, and I seem to remember my uncle hunting coyotes for the state-sanctioned bounty placed on them, as they were TOO plentiful...and I'm not being glib here...I "seem" to remember it because I'm not positive- just one of those things that is stuck in my mind.

    At any rate, thanks very much to all who have replied.

    MM336





    Remington 870 large-frame Wingmaster 20
    Marlin 90 O/U 12
    Marlin 39A
    Marlin 336SS 30/30
    0
  • vegasblj
    I would say the 25-06 would be my first pick (I love mine), though the 270 would work well also. Take a look at the 260rem also. I had a 7mm WSM and the extra muzzle blast and recoil made that thing no fun to shoot, I do think the WSM's have there place, but I wouldn't want it for your application.


    BTW, The 25-06 really needs a 24" barrel to burn ther powder efficently.
    0
  • Marlinman336
    quote:I had a 7mm WSM and the extra muzzle blast and recoil made that thing no fun to shoot, I do think the WSM's have there place, but I wouldn't want it for your application.


    BTW, The 25-06 really needs a 24" barrel to burn ther powder efficently


    Good points, Vegasblj - thanks for that.

    MM336

    Remington 870 large-frame Wingmaster 20
    Marlin 90 O/U 12
    Marlin 39A
    Marlin 336SS 30/30
    0
  • fishermanben
    something you guys need to consider. Illinois can be mighty flat with a lot of cornfields. If you are chasing coyotes you do not want a round that is going to have that much energy at one mile. It is just not wise unless you really know the layout of the land around where you are hunting. With that said: I don't think one rifle covers both hunts. You should buy two[:)]. A medium range round for coys and a long range round for out west.

    Ben

    "The real art of conversation is not only to say the right thing at the right time, but also to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment."
    0
  • Bill Costik
    I forgot about the 6.5x55, that seems like it would be an awesome round. fishermanben I do not agree with you however. He asked about a round for both, not what two rifles to buy. I think the preceeding suggestions are all great, and I dount he needs two rifles for two different game animals.
    0
  • gskyhawk
    encore in 223 or 22-250 for yotes , 280 barrel for deer [:D]
    0

Please sign in to leave a comment.

Recent Activity