Predator hunting (coyotes, foxes, bobcats and other varmints) demands a rifle that’s light to carry, fast to shouldering, accurate at the ranges you expect, and chambered in a cartridge that balances flat trajectory with lethal terminal performance. Below is a practical, hunter-focused guide to the best predator rifles, the calibers that make sense, gear choices, and field tactics that actually work.
If you want to pair gear with guided predator opportunities, check outfitters and book hunts through Find A Hunt near the bottom of this page.
Quick picks — what works best (summary)
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Best all-around bolt action: Tikka T3x / T3x Lite — lightweight, smooth action and accurate out of the box. backfire.tv
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Best budget bolt: Savage/American series — great accuracy for the price; Predator models tailored for varmint work. savagearms.com
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Best lightweight predator rig: Ruger American / Weatherby Vanguard Predator — purpose-built varmint barrels and light contours. Shooting Times+1
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**AR-style/modern: **5.56/.223 or 6.8 platforms for run-and-gun setups where legal and safe. danieldefense.com
Which calibers are best for predators — practical guidance
Pick a cartridge that fits the ranges you’ll shoot and the species you’ll pursue:
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.223 Rem / 5.56 NATO: Lightweight, low recoil, abundant ammo — excellent for coyotes inside ~300 yds with quality varmint bullets. Works especially well from AR-pattern predator rigs. Outdoor Life+1
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.22-250 Rem & .204 Ruger: Fast, flat-shooting and devastating on small predators — ideal for open country and long, clean shots. petersenshunting.com
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.243 Win / 6mm / 6.5mm family: If you want one rifle that can do predators and deer, these give better wind performance and energy at range. Popular for longer shots or mixed-game use. resources.mossberg.com
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.308 Win / .30-06: Overkill for most coyotes but useful if you hunt larger predators, need deeper penetration, or face heavy wind and long distances. Use heavy-for-purpose bullets when needed. themeateater.com
Rule of thumb: a well-placed shot with an appropriate varmint bullet is more effective than an oversized caliber fired poorly. Match bullet type (varmint, V-max, polymer tip) to species and range.
Rifle types that work best for predator hunting
Bolt-action — precision + portability
Bolt rifles are the staple for many predator hunters because they’re accurate, reliable, and often light. Look for:
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Short, stiff varmint barrels (20–24") for quick harmonics and flat trajectory.
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Sub-1 MOA accuracy potential for longer shots.
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Lightweight stocks that balance well for field carry.
Top choices: Tikka T3x / Superlite, Savage 110 Predator / Axis XP, Ruger American Predator. backfire.tv+1
Semi-auto & AR-platforms — rapid follow-up shots
AR-style rifles (chambered in 5.56/.223 or 6.8) offer fast follow-ups and ergonomics that many spot-and-stalk hunters prefer. Helpful in dense country or for callers where quick double-taps matter. Ensure you comply with local laws regarding semiauto use. danieldefense.com
Straight-pull / tactical actions
Straight-pull and other fast cycling actions (e.g., some Weatherby or specialized models) are an excellent compromise: bolt-rifle accuracy with quicker follow-up. Consider if you expect multiple targets in quick succession. Shooting Times
Optics, loads & accessories — what to prioritize
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Scope: 3–9× or 4–16× variable is the sweet spot. For close work use lower-power, for open country step to 6–24×. Look for clear glass, light weight and reliable zero. Realtree
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Ammunition: Use quality varmint bullets (V-Max, Hornady NTX, Nosler Varmageddon) for rapid expansion and accurate energy transfer on coyotes. Test ammo in your rifle before the season. themeateater.com
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Suppressors: Increasingly common on predator rigs — reduce recoil, preserve hearing, and limit disturbance (where legal).
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Bipod / shooting sticks: Helpful for stability on long shots.
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Lightweight sling & pack: You’ll cover ground—packability matters.
Field tactics that get results
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Calling & decoy setups: Pair rifle choice with your style—stationary calling benefits from accurate bolt rifles; mobile callers may prefer an AR or lightweight bolt. Realtree
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Walk-and-gun / spot-and-stalk: Move with wind and terrain; use glassing points at dawn/dusk.
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Cutthroat timing: Predators are crepuscular—early morning and late afternoon are prime. Also hunt after storms or during low light when coyotes are active.
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Multiple targets: Set up for likely double-tap opportunities; know your follow-up plan and backstop.
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Ethical shot placement: Aim for the head/neck or upper vitals for quick, humane kills at varmint ranges.
Buyer's checklist — choosing your predator rifle
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Does it handle like you want in the field (weight, balance)?
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Can it group under 1 MOA with predator ammo you’ll use?
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Is the barrel contour and length suitable for your expected shot distances?
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Are parts and service available for the make/model you choose?
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Do local laws permit your desired action and caliber for predator hunting?
Sample setups by scenario
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Run-and-gun daytime coyote calling: Lightweight AR in .223 with 1–6× or 1–8× optic. danieldefense.com
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Long-range prairie varminting: Bolt action in .22-250 or 6mm with 6–24× optic and bipod. petersenshunting.com
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Mixed predator & deer property rifle: .243 or 6.5 Creedmoor bolt action with 4–16× scope for versatility. resources.mossberg.com
FAQ — real questions predator hunters ask
Q: Is .223 enough for coyotes?
A: Yes—when using proper varmint bullets and shooting inside effective range (generally <300 yds), .223 is a proven predator cartridge. Outdoor Life
Q: Should I pick a dedicated predator rifle or a do-everything gun?
A: If you hunt mostly predators, a dedicated light varmint rifle gives advantages (barrel, twist, weight). If you need multi-purpose, choose a cartridge like .243 or 6.5 that bridges the gap. resources.mossberg.com
Q: Is a suppressor worth it?
A: Where legal, yes—suppessors reduce recoil, speed recovery for follow-ups, and minimize disturbance across the landscape. mossyoak.com
Q: What optic magnification is best?
A: 3–9× for close country; 6–24× for wide open prairie work. Pick based on expected engagement distance. Realtree
Final thoughts
Predator hunting is about matching rifle, caliber, and tactic to the terrain and the species you pursue. Lightweight, accurate bolt actions and AR-type rigs dominate the field because they’re easy to carry, quick to employ, and can be optimized with the correct cartridge and ammo. Test firearms and ammo before season, practice shooting at realistic ranges, and always follow local laws and ethical shot placement.
When you’re ready to pair gear with ground and guides, browse predator hunt listings and book through Find A Hunt to connect with vetted outfitters and quality hunting opportunities.
Would you like this tailored to a specific predator (coyote vs. bobcat) or region (Midwest prairie vs. Western sage)? I can customize rifle and ammo recommendations and add location-specific legal reminders.
