Leadbelly
New member
I went through the same ordeal. Started off with a 22-250, and then went to the smaller .224's the only Yote I lost was with a 222 and 52gr smk's. I soon quit using the smk's in the deuce. I had great luck with them in the 22-250 though. I had a couple runners using the AR-15 223's. Always recovered them but still 100 yards is to far to track down a small critter with a minimal blood trail.
I've since moved to the .17 Remington and haven't looked back. It shoots a bit flatter then a 22-250, it's pretty dern accurate with some load devolpment, and I haven't had any runners........ Yet
. Shot placement is still critical like the smaller .224's.
Rifles can be had in bolt or AR. You could simply buy a new upper for your existing AR if that platform suits you. Honestly I didn't care using my AR for calling. CZ and cooper build bolt actions in .17 Remington.
Another route you could go would be a custom bolt gun. If you go that route if definitely give the big .17 wildcats a look.
.17-204, 17TAC, .17predator, .17ppc, and .17BR just to name a few.
The .17's might not be your cup of tea, but they worked for me, and I had similar experiences that your having.
I've since moved to the .17 Remington and haven't looked back. It shoots a bit flatter then a 22-250, it's pretty dern accurate with some load devolpment, and I haven't had any runners........ Yet
Rifles can be had in bolt or AR. You could simply buy a new upper for your existing AR if that platform suits you. Honestly I didn't care using my AR for calling. CZ and cooper build bolt actions in .17 Remington.
Another route you could go would be a custom bolt gun. If you go that route if definitely give the big .17 wildcats a look.
.17-204, 17TAC, .17predator, .17ppc, and .17BR just to name a few.
The .17's might not be your cup of tea, but they worked for me, and I had similar experiences that your having.