With a Hornet in the ribs a coyote will run some, but not much fur damage. A fox in the shoulder with a hornet is not good for the fur. I had a 17/223 that was good but a PIA to load for.

Don't make me second guess now! Lol =)

1:9 is decent for a good range of bullets in particular very common 55gr

if you can spend a little more now for an axis II or step up to a 10 110 , 11 , 111 , 16 or walking varmantier you will have more gun

the axis stock has a fair amount of flex to it and can push on the barrel

also the accu-triger is nice the basic axis trigger left some to be desired.

an after market trigger to make a low dollar axis better are 110 dollars so you can see where upgrading after could cost much more than spending more now.

the other thing is I think the axis uses the same stock ,and action for short and long action , meaning a longer than needed bolt movment


at least handle the Savage 25 walking varminteer before you buy you might find the nicer stock , better trigger , shorter bolt movement and weight very handy

Thanks Pete,
Good info on the twist rate. That sounds about like the reviews I read with the stock and the trigger. Budget is a huge issue for this one. Do you think they are passable for a 200 yard gun? If I have to I can build a new stock in the shop.

Maybe I'll pickup one of these 223's for a Maine truck gun or maybe just take my hornet or maybe my Savage 24. If I do get the Ruger what factory 223 easy on fur load would you guys use for coyote/fox.

Don't know if you've looked at the price on the mini lately but they are like a $900 gun now. I should have bought one years ago when you could get them at Walmart for $600.

can you reliably hit a coyote at 200 yards with it even with the factory stock and trigger sure , you will find guys posting videos where they shoot farther than that.

my point is if your spending 300-350 that you can get a bunch of nice features for 75-100 dollars more and have more resale value later should you want to upgrade further


an axis for 300 https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/2084_36_62_974/products_id/70942

an axis II XP with scope and better trigger for 390 https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/2084_36_62_974/products_id/53046/Savage+AXIS+II+XP+223+REM+BUSHNELL+%09

there are other makes also but sometimes your better spending a bit more upfront you have more in the end.

Let's see, $900 divided by $50 coyotes = 18 coyotes to break even. Guess I'll forget about it.

you can build a AR that will shoot as good or better than the $900 mini-14 for $500 and save you 8 yotes to break even

I use a 243 with 58 grn v max. Usually no exit unless it's a grey real close, like inside 30 yards. Handloaded

Add the 204 and you'll be happy happy.....

You said you have reloaded, the 204 loads pretty cheap.

I am not a fan of the 223 for cats and fox. Not even on yotes to be honest.

The 22 hornet IMO is the best fox gun ever made, but at 150 yds, you have to know your gun really well, and trust yourself even more.

I got a 204 this past year and it has taken a few fox and a lot of yotes from 20yds out to 400. I couldn't be happier with it.

The 20 tactical and 20 practical would be good ones to, but you have to reload and size for them.

Out of the box the most accurate rifle you can buy for the money....

OK READ HIS POST OUT TO 150 yards. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mine too, since 1976.

And easy to download to 218 Bee and 22 Hornet ballistics.

I love the .218 Bee out to 150 yds!..45 grainers go into the boiler room and don't come out.

I did , then he said



so I answered the question

what did I say that was untrue ?

.17 Remington, wait the ammo cost & availability may be a concern.

The .223 best fits your original perimeters and a cheap AR with a good scope and a good trigger will suit you very well!

223......consider the CZ American.......what an accurate rifle !!!

.243 cal. Hornady Superformance Varmint 58 gr vmax here. Muzzle velocity is 3925 fps and it drops 29.6 inches an 500 yards. Or thats what the box says anyway. Its impressive.

that is a beautiful gun , they even make it with a 1:9 twist , a Mini Mauser action take home price is going to be close to 650 dollars



anither nice option is the Howa Mini in 223
https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/2084_2108/products_id/2393/HOWA+HMP60202%2B+MINI+COMBO+223+BLK

this is a combo that would be about 550 take home but it would have a scope ready to check the screws for tight and sight in and go hunting.

here is a nice option a bit closer to his budget
https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/2084_2108/products_id/4411/Savage+AXIS+II+XP+223+Hardwood+Weaver+22in+4Rd
be about 450 take home price. but would also have a scope , check for tight and go sight in and go hunting , an axis II it has the better trigger and the hardwood it has a better stock

I like the hardwood stock and trigger on the II. Wish I could find one without a scope. I've already got some decent glass to put on it.