.223 or .243?

Definitely go with .243
If you decide to deer hunt, you could use that too. The only way I would consider a .223, is if it were coming from an AR. The .243 is just a solid round for small and big game.
 
From a cost effective standpoint for yotes and paper the .223 slaps the .243 in the face. If your not reloading .223. If you are choose whichever you prefer. 600yds doesn't seem like much of a problem for .223 on yotes. I'm not shooting varmint bullets so might be carrying a tad more energy downrange.
 
from what I've heard and seen in pictures, coyotes around NY tend to be bigger than coyotes in most other areas of the country. Not to say that a .223 couldn't handle it, but it's something to take into consideration when you're taking advice from people who may shoot coyotes half the size of what you may be shooting.
 
Local area here most go with a .243 for coy doggies over even a 22-250 just due to the afternoon wind factor.
 
A .243 loaded with 55 or 58 gr bullets performs similar to a 22-250 but loaded with 95 or 100 gr hunting bullets is very capable of handling hogs, deer, antelope, and similar game. It's not overkill but gets the job done and does not beat you up with recoil, especially if you use the varmint bullets for target practice.
 
The OP said they already have a deer rifle - a 30-06. Since we have that covered, the .223 would be my choice. I would choose something with a 1:7 to 1:9 rate of twist barrel for a .223. Even if you reload, the .223 takes less powder so there is a cost savings. Factory new ammo for the .223 is also less.
 
I hardly use my .223/5.56's anymore, way too sensitive. We were playing with them back in the '70's and discovered that sawgrass would deflect them, my original Mini 14's and M16 conversions have been relegated to playthings ever since.

The .243 can carry more weight but I still use it only over clear ground like pastures.
 
You did say that the caliber you buy will be for coyotes and paper. And you did mention that you had a 30-06 for deer. Seems to me that you don't need another deer rifle, so a 223 seems an obvious choice. For years I resisted getting one and made fun of the itty bitty cartridge, but I have one now and I enjoy hunting coyotes and pigs with it. Cheap to shoot. Zero recoil. Accurate, and relatively quiet when compared to the other rifles I have. And it seems there's an endless supply of bullets of all weights.
 
I like a .22-250 for varmints but .223 is cheaper if you want to shoot lots of factory ammo. .22-250 is faster and flatter than .223 with a longer effective range.

.243 is a fine round but you have a deer gun in a 30-06...
 
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