Best Factory .223 Cartridge for Coyote With Pelts in Mind?

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Smithwess

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Edmonton, Alberta
Hello folks, I have a Tikka T3 Varmint in .223 with the 24" barrel and 1 in 8" twist rate and was wondering what you guys are shooting or recommend for factory ammo? I have been shooting Nosler Varmageddon 55gr FB Tipped with great, consistent accuracy. I'm talking 5 shot groups often under 0.5 MOA out to 200 yards BUT I find on every single coyote I've shot with the ammo (5 coyotes maybe?) there is a large exit hole. With my twist rate bullet weight isn't really a concern, I should be able to feed my rifle heavy bullets without issues stabilizing. I'd like a consistently accurate cartridge hopefully somewhat similar in the accuracy department to what I have been shooting without the exit hole. The bullet I've been shooting has a metallic tip and I'd like to hear how polymer tipped or hollow point bullets seem to do for staying inside the animals in your experience? I'd also prefer to shoot 55gr or heavier, preferably with a higher BC especially if not flatter shooting, BC on current ammo is .255.
Thanks, look forwards to hear back from some people!
 
Winchester White box at CT or Walmart is all you will need... they are usually remarkably accurate for such an inexpensive round.
 
yomomma said:
Winchester white box
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Dogleg said:
For sure.
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Smithwess said:
Is that supposed to be a joke? I am not gonna shoot FMJs, that'll go through for sure. I've also tried that stuff just for paper punching and was getting 3 inch groups at 100 yards.
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No joke. They aren't talking about FMJ

https://www.alflahertys.com/product...te-box-varmint-jhp-45-grain-box-of-40-usa2232

For being a "budget" ammo this stuff is great. And much more accurate compared to the FMJ you are talking about. Works awesome on yotes and doesn't blow holes in the side of them if you don't hit large bone.
 
I think they ate referring to the Winchester white box 45gr hollow point. Usually comes in a 40 round 'value pack'. Good accurate ammo in my experience.
 
I reload em but I shoot the 69gr TMK's for my coyotes and I think they work great on them. Dont know if you can buy them already loaded or not.
 
AB.boy said:
I think they ate referring to the Winchester white box 45gr hollow point. Usually comes in a 40 round 'value pack'. Good accurate ammo in my experience.
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Yeah I see that now, the thing is the BC will be much lower and I tend to shoot them quite far. That's why I was saying I'd prefer a heavier bullet with a good BC. It'll ride the wind better, I havn't even been able to find the BC for that bullet but I'd guess with the weight and the fact it's hollow point it's probably around .15 or worse.
 
jiffx2781 said:
No joke. They aren't talking about FMJ

https://www.alflahertys.com/product...te-box-varmint-jhp-45-grain-box-of-40-usa2232

For being a "budget" ammo this stuff is great. And much more accurate compared to the FMJ you are talking about. Works awesome on yotes and doesn't blow holes in the side of them if you don't hit large bone.
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Yeah I see that now, my bad, the thing is the BC will be much lower and I tend to shoot them quite far. That's why I was saying I'd prefer a heavier bullet with a good BC. It'll ride the wind better, I havn't even been able to find the BC for that bullet but I'd guess with the weight and the fact it's hollow point it's probably around .15 or worse. Closest shot I've gotten on a coyote with this rifle is 200 yards and I've been shooting out to 600 at them, I'd like to utilize my twist rate if possible.
 
Varmageddon Tipped is polymer, not metal. I shot a lynx with that bullet, exit was messy but taxidermist did a good job

The only time I've shot a coyote with a 223 and didn't get an exit was a 30 yard frontal shot with a 63gr spitzer @ 2800 fps MV. The rest exit on broaside shots, most with 55gr NBT
 
Why not try some copper solids. They will be longer than a reguler cup and core. Which will utilize your twist rate. They also shouldn't expand as much possibly leaving a smaller exit hole. Just a thought.
 
My coyote pill of choice is Horniday Superformance 53 grain V-Max. I've taken many totes with this round. My second choice is the Horniday Varmit 40 grain, which I used to use before the Superformance came out. Happy Hunting!


 
Smithwess said:
Yeah I see that now, my bad, the thing is the BC will be much lower and I tend to shoot them quite far. That's why I was saying I'd prefer a heavier bullet with a good BC. It'll ride the wind better, I havn't even been able to find the BC for that bullet but I'd guess with the weight and the fact it's hollow point it's probably around .15 or worse. Closest shot I've gotten on a coyote with this rifle is 200 yards and I've been shooting out to 600 at them, I'd like to utilize my twist rate if possible.
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You should try some game calls to get the yotes in closer. The drop on .223 at 600 yards is more than 30". I've called in a cpl to shotgun range, under 25 yards. Very exciting!
 
.223 reliable on coyotes at 600?
More frangible bullets at a faster starting speed will likely help when they are 'quite far'... but I'm sure we'll get there eventually on this thread....
 
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