Need some help here. I am fixing to build two custom rifles one for me and the other for my brother to hunt predators with. I am looking for some suggestions on what caliber rifle to use.

for predator .223

I'm a big 204 fan. Shoot 39gr blitzkings almost never an exit hole and haven't had anything go very far.

2nd on the .223

for predator rifle .223

223 or 243

lets see.. .222,.223,22-250,223 wssm, 243 wssm, 6XC, and my all time fav 6.5x284
But the 223 will do all you need.

20" AR in .223 with a good trigger shooting Hornady v-max.

18" #4 contour 223

17 Remington is my choice on the perfect predator round around here.

If pigs are included in your list of potential targets, go for the 243. Sometimes, when you don't have the luzury of exact shot placement, the 223 just isn't enough pig medicine. I had pigs often running off and dying after I used a 223 or 220 on them. I don't have a 243, so I use the 260. Now the dying happens before the running (most of the time).

22-250

Would not go with a .17 caliber. Better hit them good or u will lose more than u want....243

223

You can buy a 223 in so many variations, why build a custom one? I say 22-250, 243 or you could build one like me in a 6mm remington!

Sounds like the 22-250 or 223. I think it is cheaper to reload the 223 because of military brass but I'm not sure. The 22-250 is the better round. Why not two different cartridges if you are making two guns?

Any input on a 25-06

22-243 you wont regret it

or the 6.5 Creedmoor Just my opinion

25 calibers do not have the best BCs, and that is a pretty large caliber for varmints. I personally would not go that way

I would opt for a .270 before a 25-06 mainly due to ammo availability.

But really how can anyone recommend a caliber without any information as to what you are looking to do with it? I ask as the 25-06 is a little large for only predators? And if you reload or not. As in if you reload it opens up another world of calibers.

For myself after shooting for over 45 years I have found at least for myself I like calibers that can be used for many things. And since I also reload and cast my own bullets they are also cheap to load and easy to load.

For instance if I had to pick one Great all around caliber it would be my favorite build which is a Savage in .358 Winchester. If you wish to see a Coyote get blown up load that .358 Winchester with some Hornady 158Gr XTP/HP's and push them at 2600-2700 FPS. or load it with some Speer 250Gr Hot-Core and look for Bear. If you cast a good RCBS 200GR RNFP/GC does wonders or step up to the Lyman 358009 280Gr RNFP/GC. I could go on and on about the .358 Winchester. So since it is a .358 you have a world of bullets to pick from and Brass can be made from easy to find .308 Winchester brass if need be. And as many know pretty much anything based off of the .308 Winchester tend to be accurate and great performers.