As per the title says, I changed my Ruger and bought a T3 lite in .204 this year, my Ruger was way too heavy and was starting to wear on me on long walks, especially with the bipod on.
Didn't have to change loads as it was just about as good with the Tikka as it was with the Ruger.
When I shot a coyote with my Ruger, it was most of the time Bang flop, but had the odd twister and very seldom runners. On my chrono with the Ruger, the 35 gr. Berger traveled at 3789 ft/sec. with 27.6 gr. of H4895 with O.A.L. of 2.260". Never chrono'ed this load with my Tikka.
Shot 3 yotes with my Tikka so far, 2 runners, found them dead at 100 and 150 yards approx. and the other, well, it took me 4 bullets to make it expire and it wasn't a pretty sight when I got there. Shot him at about 300 yrds. What I was wondering is, what happened? Never had to put a second round in a yote before and now......! Just want to have 'em clean dead, not in pain for too long. Would a 20" barrel make that much a difference over a 26"? I really want to give this rifle a chance, but if I'm going to have to have a follow-up shot every time, it sucks.
Your suggestions, opinion and experience would be greatly appreciated to steer me in the right direction.
Here are a couple of pics!
This one ran 150 yards before expiring!
This one I won't show from the other side as it is pretty gruesome!
Happing hunting and thank you for your insights.
Canis