opinions on a remmy 700 VTR 223 as a 500+ gun

[Larryjk]

The .223 is a poor cartridge for any kind of killing at 500+ yards, no matter what rifle it is being fired in. The 22-250 will reach out much better, depending on what you want to shoot. I have never shot an eastern coyote, but a western desert coyote is a tough bird. I would want a .243 with an 80 grain bullet if you are going to stay with factory ammo. 500 yards is a long way, and you don't want those dogs flopping down, only to jump up and run away when you get about 50 yards downrange from your shooting point. They try it all the time around here. Most of our federal predatory animal personnel use either a 22-250 or a 243.