Predator hunting rifle

[Cat Whacker]

I currently have a H&R Handi-rifle in .204 and I love the way it shoots. However, the finish on this gun is a little porous and I am having a heck of a time keeping rust off of it. I am thinking of trading it off and buying something else. I would love to stay with a .204 but every other company is pretty proud of there guns and they are extreamly expensive. I would like something to take coyotes and bobcats. Is there another caliber I can get a little cheaper that would work well? What manufacturer would you recommend? (I'm sure this will get some interesting debates going)

[lunkerman]

.223 is a pretty popular caliber, ammo is a little tough to get since our soldiers use it

[cooper]

The predator rifle that I use the most is an AR-15, in 223. It just works the best for the way I hunt and when I an sitting It aims the best for me. A big plus is the extra shots, but mine weighs 10-11 lbs. Good optics is also a most, you can't hit what you can't SEE..... mc

[vizslaguy08]

I have a CZ USA .204 ruger. Sweet little rifle with a set trigger. My go to rifle is a Tikka 595 in 22-250. The 250 has a a lil bigger chunk of lead, at almost the same velocity, so it works great for yotes. Both were bought for less than 400 apiece. I assume with it being a cat/yote rifle you will get a sporter barrell (less weight) A guy in the area sells Savage package guns in most calibers for right around 400. I think they are priced at 394.00, but not positive. PM me for info.

[BucksnBlues]

Cooper, he said the other companies were a little proud of their guns, by this I assume he means they're expensive. I doubt he wants to spend $1200.00 on an AR.( Not that it's a bad choice, but $1200.00 varmit guns are not for everyone) I'd recomend a Savage for price and accuracy. Not sure if they have a rifle in .204 though.

[Cat Whacker]

I was thinking about a .223. This caliber shouldn't tear up a cat too bad would it? It should be cheaper to shoot than the .204 right? The rounds I shoot now in my .204 are about $16 a box. I do prefer a lighter gun because I sometimes head out to west/central NE to hunt dogs and walk long distances. Any input is welcome. Thanks for the input so far guys.

[vizslaguy08]

.223 are cheaper. Should be able to get reman ammo for about 20-25 per 50 rounds. Ive never shot a cat with any rifle, but a 223 shoudnt make too much of a mess. Im sure a whole lot of cats and yotes have fallen to the 223. The 22-250 will outperform it at longer ranges. Same bullet+ more velocity=more pelt damage with the wrong bullet.

[cooper]

Yes the 223 is a fine round. I've taken a cat and a few coyotes with it.
As far as ammo, I reload so I can make up just about anything and cheep.
One time I had a 40 grain bullet out of a 22-250 explode on impact with a leg bone on a cat. I had to trail him through some pretty thick stuff.
I have a 204 ruger, and have yet to use it on anything bigger than a p.d.. I just don't trust it on something bigger.. .. IMO...... mc

[Cat Whacker]

Cooper, I have taken a coyote and a friend of mine that predator hunts non-stop has taken numerous yotes with his .204 and it just anchors them. I shoot 40 grain but my friend is shooting I believe 32 grain. Don't be afraid to hammer a yote with yours.

[Commando]

It can be done w/ a .204 but shot placement is very important. You need to keep that little bullet away from big bones.

[quackwacker]

The .204 is a fine yote rifle. The key is what ammo you are using. I have tried lot's of ammo and the best thing to anchor a yote with is a 35 grain berger HP and/or a 40 Grain Nosler BT. I have lost several animals with the 40 grain Hornady v-max and the 32 grain in both sierra and hornady. The 39 grain BlitzKing (sierra) is an awesome PD round with good mist. But it is to lightly jacketed for yotes. I have not tried the Hornady 45 grain soft point but it is supposed to be Hornadys answer for the failure of the V-max to penetrate. All in all a great round and I have taken alot of game with it. Choose your bullets carefully and you will have no trouble.

[carbonman]

If your Handi rifle meets all your requirements except for the finish, here is a suggestion. Should fix the issue for under $25.
Lightly bead or sand blast the exterior and finish with a good bake on thermoset epoxy. If you don't have access to a blast cabinet, you can get away with hand scuffing the finish with 220 grit paper. Brownells stocks their baking lacquer in a multitude of colors. Degrease, bead or sand blast, spray and bake. The smell of the stuff curing isn't bad enough to clear out the house and if your wife is of average cooperation you should be able to handle it in the kitchen oven.

[WarPig]

I've also heard good things about a product called "Duracoat". It is an epoxy finish similar to what carbonman described only it doesn't require baking to cure. It also comes in several colors and you can get kits to produce different camo patterns. I'm thinking of doing my .243 in Duracoat camo.



DuraCoat Firearm Finishes