Coon Hunting Rifles
The typical raccoon hunting rifle is a small caliber and long range type of rifle because the hunter doesn’t need a very powerful weapon to take down these small animals. Instead of great power, the hunter needs a weapon that offers not only accuracy but also a flat trajectory. Due to the fact that raccoons are rather small-sized animals, the generally accepted maximum permissible bullet deviation above/below the line of sight is just only 1.5 inches which also means that high power telescopic sights are a must.
In most cases coons are shot only when they are motionless, it is almost impossible to take down one of these animals when they are running. As far as recoil is concerned, it should be light, as many shots may be taken during a single hunting day. Exactly for the same reason, hunters have problems with the barrels that are heating up that is why the type of cartridges that burn up a large amount of powder aren’t suitable for this particular type of hunting.
The most popular raccoon bullets are in .22, .24 and .25 caliber and a very narrow selection in the .17 caliber. Bullets used for coon hunting are specialized as they need to be very accurate and withstand the heat of acceleration to extremely high velocity but at the same time fragment in a explosive matter on contact with their small targets or the ground in order to prevent over penetration or very dangerous ricochets in partially settled zones.
Moving on to the cartridge area, calibers like the .222 and .223 Remington are very popular among coon hunters all over the world. The .222 uses a 50 grain bullet at a MV of 3140fps while the .223 model uses a 55 grain bullet at a MV of 3200fps. Experienced hunters recommend using a 8x or 10x power scope, 3.5-10x or 4-12x variable scopes as they will prove more accuracy. The long range raccoon cartridges start with the .17 Remington model and include the very popular .22-250, .220 Swift and also the newer model, the .223 WSSM. The .22-250 uses a 55 grain bullet at a MV of approximately 3680fps while the .223 WSSM and the Swift use a 55 grain bullet at a MV of just about 3800fps.
Many people affirm that the raccoon and varmint hunters are the deadliest small game shoters due to the reason that they have learned to dope the wind, estimate the shooting range in a very accurate matter and hitting what they shoot at but before achieving all of these, the raccoon hunter must know which weapons are the most suitable for hunting coons, that is why we offer you a small list of weapons recommended for this particular type of hunting, a very popular sport that is practiced all around the world.
Useful Info :
Savage Varmint 12BVSS 22-250
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Specifications:
• Category: Firearm/Gun
• Type: Rifle
• Action: Bolt
• Manufacturer: Savage Arms
• Caliber/Gauge: .22-250
• Model: 12BVSS Varmint
• Finish: Stainless
• Stock Or Grips: Laminated
• Barrel Length: 26”
• Overall Length: 46.25”
• Weight: 10 lbs
• Capacity: 4+1
Ruger No.1 Varmint 223 Rem
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Specifications:
• Family: No.1 Series
• Model: No.1 Varminter
• Type: Rifle
• Action: Single Shot
• Caliber: 223 Rem
• Finish: Blue
• Stock Description: Wood
• Barrel Length: 24”
• Overall Length: 40.25”
• Weight: 8.75 lbs
Marlin 17VS
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Specifications:
• Caliber: 17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire
• Capacity: 4-shot and 7-shot clip included
• Action: Bolt action, thumb safety, red-cocking indicator
• Stock: Monte Carol laminated gray / black hardwood with nickel-plated sling swivel studs, full pistol grip, rubber rifle butt pad
• Barrel: Heavy 22” stainless steel (4 grooves)
• Overall Length: 41”
• Weight: 7 lbs.
Mauser CZ 527
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Specifications:
• Caliber: .204, .222, .223
• Action: Mauser Bolt Action
• Stock: Walnut
• Barrel: 25.75”
• Weight: 7.25lbs
• Safety: Side Operated
• Trigger: Standard and set trigger
Howa 1500 Supreme
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Specifications:
• Model: Thumhole Varminter Supreme 1500
• Action: Bolt
• Caliber: 22-250
• Barrel Length: 24”
• Finish/Color: Blue
• Grips/Stock: Laminated - Nutmeg
• Hand: Right Hand
• Type Of Barrel: Heavy Barrel
• Capacity: 5Rd