Ruger Mini-14, 223 question

[Mr. 16 gauge]

Just bought a Ruger mini-14 this past weekend, and would like to use it for coyote and varmint hunting. Eventually, I would like to put a telescopic sight on it. My question is(are): What type of scope would you reccomend for a semi-auto .223 rifle; 2x7?, 3x9?, 4x fixed? How far would this rig shoot accurately using a telescopic sight? 100 yards? 200 yards? 300 yards? Finally, what is your favorite bullet for hunting yotes, fox, ect.? FMJ?, HP?, soft point? and what grain weight? I eventually plan to reload for this caliber. Thanks in advance.

[yoda]

The 2x7 you mentioned would be all you need for that gun 16, and for a distance, I'm thinking about 200 yards max for that rifle, the round will kill Yotes farther, But unless you found a Dimond in Rugers pile of rocks, you will be lucky to to hit past that range, Don't get me wrong, it's a fine rifle for what it's intended for, but killing small things at a distance is not one of them :D . I shoot a Ruger All-Weather MKII in .223... Be very careful of the "Fast" expanding bullets Like Hornadys V-Max... they will cut a 40 pound Yote in half at less than 100 yards if they even think about hitting a bone ,, If your not hunting hides I don't see a problem.. You might want to try the Nosler Ballistic Tips, there a little harder, fly very well, and are less explosive.... 50 or 55 gr bullets fly very well from my bolt gun.. even the 40 gr V-Max shoot nice groups.. Stay away from the FMJ's the riflings to fast in the newer guns and they just punch holes in the hide...instead of tumbling..

[Worm Dunker]

Mr. 16 gauge I bought a mini 14 stainless for coyotte hunting and two others in our group use them. We shoot Federal Premium 50 grain hollow points they seam to group best for us. We hunt them with dogs down here so get lots of shots running accross corn fields so thats why I got the auto. I shot three yoes (around Lansing) with my Browning 25-06 Stainless A-Bolt got the new auto haven't hit anything with it. I'm using a cheap Tasco 3 to 9 maybe thats my promlem use a 4 to 12 on Browing.

[Dogshooter]

I have one and while I ain't puttin' it down, I have to say that it only sees use when I know my shots will all be 100 yards or less. I have never seen one that shot really small groups with the exception of one that had spent a lot of time on a gunsmith's bench. I'd say use a 2 X 7 and go to the range and see what your's will do. Then, use your own judgement about it's potential.