Upgrading my scope collection

[Rick65Cat]

Just bought a "NEW IN BOX" Bushnell Elite 3200 5-15x40 off of E*** for $270 shipped. Cheaper than a sporting goods store here in Edmonton by over $100.
The exchange on the US dollar helps too.

The 5-15 will go onto my .204 replacing the Elite 3200 4-12 on it now. The 4-12 will go onto something else in the collection...not sure what yet.
Cmon springtime!!!! (gophers)
I ran into a buddy at the range yesterday and he invited me on a (date to be discussed) `yote hunt with a couple of the other gopher crew. Should I upgrade to 40gr VMaxs for a coyote? Or even go with a heavier gun alltogether? Choices being a 7.62x39 Sks, (got tons of ammo for that) or my 6.5x55 Swedish (not much ammo but more accurate)

[walleyeman]

What type of ammo do you shoot in it right now? Also, are you trying to keep the hides? I for one am not handloading at present so have settled on the 34gr Win JHP. There was a picture posted last year where someone shot a yote in the neck and the bullet did not exit and the entrance was super small, very fur friendly.

I have heard of good results with the 40gr VMax as well as even better results with the Hornady 45gr SP. Either will perform DRT's on yotes as long as you are putting the projectile into the proper place. Any perimeter entrance will/may give splash type wounds.

walleyeman

[Rick65Cat]

Just using 32gr VMax hornadys right now...the splash factor on gophers is verrry high
I doubt if we'll keep the hides due to the stink factor

[Ryan S Albright]

32gr Vmax will anchor them with little with pin holes if you don't hit bone close to the surface.

[Arizona Hunter]

Like you had, I have the 3200 4-12 Elite on my 204. It has been great on prairie dogs. Besides more magnification, does your 5-15 have any other features?

As for coyotes, are you saving pelts? Like Ryan said, if you don't hit a bone the 32's will work. 40's are less explosive (especially up close) but the new Hornady 45 gr. Spire Point pentrates very well and with no blow up-even goes through bones.

Myself, I use the 204 just for prairie dogs but for coyotes and javelina I like to use the 6.5 x 55 Swede with a 129 SST.

[Rick65Cat]

The only thing the 5-15 has extra is a sunshade. No mildot
I'm not sure if we'll being saving the pelts. One guy at work today said to just throw the whole dog in a large freezer and then call this pelt place here in the city. (he has a contact there) Then just take the carcass to them. This being that the fur isn't all blown to he!! of course.
The only bullets I have seen are the 32s and 40s...haven't heard of 45s yet where I shop.
Hehehehe...I could mount the 4-12 on the 6.5x55 and sight it in for sayyy 150 yrds.
I need to find a barrell supplier that has replacements for a 1942 vintage 6.5x55 though.

[Sub-caliber]

The 204 32 or 40 grain is more than enough for any coyote. Obviously the 40 gr is better for a long shot - 300+ yards.

[Arizona Hunter]

Rick,
One place I know of that can do a good barrel for your 6.5 is Pac Nor.