Building a coyote & hog black rifle...

[356]

With the acquisition of a thermal scope, I decided to build a coyote/hog gun in .223. The goal is a rifle that shoots cost-effective rounds (Hornedy varmint .223's are about .45/round), reaches out 150-200 yards, and is light weight. Using a polymer lower by ATI & 16" barrel keeps the rifle just under 6#. With the Athlon thermal weighting 13.5 ounces, and the Simple Man .30 cal suppressor & adapter running 13.5 ounces, the total field weight is still under 8#.

I have to get my fingerprints done next time I am in town to get the suppressor shipped. I hope to have the gun ready for late Coyote season (March) and our Oklahoma hog hunt in Mid-April.

 

[Telemark]

Hornedy varmint .223's are about .45/round),

That's what I use. It doesn't anchor big coyotes as well as soft-points, but I've never lost an animal with them, so I keep using them. For me the most important thing is avoiding over-penetration, and they are great form that.

 

[bigboreblr]

You keeping pelts?

I'd give that 223 a bit more push with a 20 barrel.

 

[Mtyhunter]

I've walked miles hunting hogs, and a lighter weapon has its place for sure. A 223 will do the trick on a hog, but the big ones....it usually takes a few well placed shots for them to go down. I usually aim for the ear, but if its a quartering shot at the head, it'll ricochet off and only stun and knock em down. Put more rounds in it while it's down before you have to start taking the running shots.

 

[356]

You keeping belts?

I'd give that 223 a bit more push with a 20 barrel.

No, just predator management for now. However, I’d love a few pelts for decorating at the cabin.

 

[omicron1792]

I've walked miles hunting hogs, and a lighter weapon has its place for sure. A 223 will do the trick on a hog, but the big ones....it usually takes a few well placed shots for them to go down. I usually aim for the ear, but if its a quartering shot at the head, it'll ricochet off and only stun and knock em down. Put more rounds in it while it's down before you have to start taking the running shots.

Say what?