I am thinking about a .25" AR-15 option. If I went .22", the 22-NXS would be hard to say no to but, I want more payload for a bigger target impact. My primary desire is explosive performance on dogs and coyotes.
Aggressive dogs from dope growers and small packs chasing nursing cows are the primary concern, though coyotes are a problem too with chickens and geese. I had a calf killed by dogs and I have been attacked by aggressive dogs so, I want to anchor them hard even with a less than ideal shot placement. Almost all shots are inside 200 yards with a lot of them inside 100 yards so, impact velocities should be relatively high and I don't want to 'ice pick' a dog or coyote with a bullet that doesn't expand or doesn't literally explode with a large compression wave upon impact. My goal is 'red mist' or a large puddle after impact where the offender used to be!
I'm hoping for something along the lines of a 25-06 or better ballistically. Will a 6.8SPC wildcat get me there? If not, would a 6mm Hagar or 6-6.8SPC be a better option? I don't mind a vertical single stack magazine but, it needs to be AR-15 compatible with a barrel, bolt, and magazine. I'm thinking about an 18" or 20" barrel but, I would consider something longer if it makes a tangible difference though I don't want a lot of weight in front of my hands and it needs to be maneuverable enough to use around a UTV and on a tractor or around trees so no 26" barrels!
TIA,
Sid
Aggressive dogs from dope growers and small packs chasing nursing cows are the primary concern, though coyotes are a problem too with chickens and geese. I had a calf killed by dogs and I have been attacked by aggressive dogs so, I want to anchor them hard even with a less than ideal shot placement. Almost all shots are inside 200 yards with a lot of them inside 100 yards so, impact velocities should be relatively high and I don't want to 'ice pick' a dog or coyote with a bullet that doesn't expand or doesn't literally explode with a large compression wave upon impact. My goal is 'red mist' or a large puddle after impact where the offender used to be!
I'm hoping for something along the lines of a 25-06 or better ballistically. Will a 6.8SPC wildcat get me there? If not, would a 6mm Hagar or 6-6.8SPC be a better option? I don't mind a vertical single stack magazine but, it needs to be AR-15 compatible with a barrel, bolt, and magazine. I'm thinking about an 18" or 20" barrel but, I would consider something longer if it makes a tangible difference though I don't want a lot of weight in front of my hands and it needs to be maneuverable enough to use around a UTV and on a tractor or around trees so no 26" barrels!
TIA,
Sid