going to buy a rifle---advice?

[Unsullied_Spy]

Originally Posted by JThiessen

Thanks for clarifying . What kind of terrain would you be hunting in? .223 for coyotes is fine, but might be a tad on the small end for lion. Personally, best all around caliber for hunting is a 7mm. Not sure if you will find a "badass" 7mm though.
Spend a little less on the rifle, and put a good amount into your optics.

7mm Magnums RULE! They may not look "badass" but nobody will think any less of you once you start blowing coyotes to bits from 1,000 yards. That is a very powerful and flat-shooting round, bit on the expensive side but very good.

A .223 AR-15 would be awesome for Coyotes, keep a few spare magazines (call them clips and I will have to take your new gun from you). I've used my Bushmaster on ground squirrels, badgers, and coyotes and it is very effective. Come across a small group of Coyotes and you can lay waste to them in a very short amount of time Buying ammo in bulk is best for price, I just got a nice plastic case from Cabelas with 500 rounds in it for $199.