Looking for caliber suggestions.....

[BrianMDowns]

I live in South-Western, South-Central Ohio, where there are too many hills to attempt a 1000-yard shot. I primarily use a rifle for 'yotes and target shooting. I have a Mosin (LOVE IT) but am looking for a newer rifle that is easier to put a scope on. I'm leaning towards a Stevens 200, but am unsure of what caliber I want it in. Does anyone have any serious suggestions?

 

[Nathan]

243 Win

 

[cordesr1]

Savage makes the stevens 200 in 22-250.

One hell of a coyote and woodchuck round!

 

[BIG P]

223 IS A GOOD CHOICE for yotes
But I like 25-06 great dual purpose round if you going to do deer also.

 

[BrianMDowns]

Unfortunately Ohio is NOT a rifle state for deer.

 

[AlBundy]

I would get a .223. The ammo is cheap, it's accurate, it's not punishing or expensive to shoot, and if you have, or plan to get, an AR you'll only have to stock one caliber. I like the .243 a lot but the difference in the cost of ammo vs .223 just doesn't make sense to me. I have also heard really good things about the 22-250. Haven't had any experience with the 25-06 but I like the look of it.

 

[hoytinak]

22-50 or .223 would be my choice.

 

[Deja vu]

I use a 357 magnum rifle but I think a 223 would be great!

 

[thinkingman]

.223rem or .243win.

 

[rickyrick]

.223

 

[hooligan1]

So you can shoot at coyotes with a "centerfire" but not deer????? move to missouri dude

 

[BrianMDowns]

Eh, it doesn't matter to me about not being able to shoot deer with rifle. Shotguns work just as well.
Thanks for the responses fellas!!

 

[Stealth01]

If you handload, 260 Remington! Otherwise stay with the 223.

 

[chucknbach]

.223rem or .243win.

Yeap

 

[Jim243]

Can think of anything but a 243, just in case you hunt in another state. (for deer)

Jim

 

[Brian Pfleuger]

.22-250 for 'yotes and down. 243 for 'yotes and up.

 

[BrianMDowns]

I've decided on the .223. Now to choose between a Stevens 200 and an Axis. Anyone have any experience with either gun?

 

[cordesr1]

the Axis is a good gun but the Stevens is interchangeable with almost all Savage parts. you can find all sorts of stuff from stocks, triggers ect. There isn't much out there for the axis. I have 2 stevens 200s, one in 300 WM and one in 270 Win. Both shoot sub moa after a little trigger tinkering and load development.

I would highly suggest the 200 over the axis!

 

[2ndtimer]

Definitely the Stevens over the Axis, if those are your only 2 choices. You might also shop around and see if you could find a Howa 1500 or a Weatherby Vanguard. Both of those are offered in .223 and are a step up from the Stevens for not that much more $. If you could be patient, maybe Ruger will eventually chamber their new American rifle in .223. That would be a cost effective upgrade from the Stevens, and still be American made!

 

[BigMikey76]

I would also take the Stevens over the Axis... not much more to pay for a noticeably better quality rifle. What is your budget?