55gr FMJ .223 for Coyotes?

be2man

be2man

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I've been looking for a factory load that will work well out of my Benelli semi. Tried all the major brands and the only consistent performer is the Federal 55gr Nosler Ballistic tip at $36+HST:eek: a box . A close second is the American Eagle 55gr FMJ (Also made by Federal) at $11 a box. Groups almost as well but point of impact is 6-8" different low and right at 100 yards. Looking for opinions on whether the FMJ solids will consistently anchor coyotes or whether I'm better to stick with an expanding bullet.
Ideally I'd like to sight in and plink with the cheaper ammo and have the option of hunting with it as well.
 
wheelin_ca said:
you dont need to shoot cloverleaf groups on a coyote, keep it inside a softball size target=dead coyote
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It does seem that "minute of coyote" is the best I can do with the ammo I've tried so far, about 2 MOA with the best and 6-8 with the worst. Likely part me and part the gun.
 
tracker said:
I hope you don't take this the wrong way but hunting in SW Ontario farmland with FMJ's is not a good combination.
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No offence taken, most of my experience is with shotgun sports/hunting. I didn't know with the high velocity if the solid bullets would break up or still have a tendency to ricochet, will stick with the ballistic tips or PSP's
 
It might be time to look at an excellent new hobby that's called reloading. Cheap quality ammo that you can make at home.
 
In times past(not that long ago) some folks used FMJ strictly for coyotes and other fur bearers, to do minimum damage to the pelt. Some bullet outfits made fmj bullets in alot of diff. cals. to satisfy the demand. The use of fmj bullets for pretend war, was unheard of and only used otherwise by the military. I do remember Hornady offering 80 gr. 6mm FMJ bullets for varmint hunters wanting to not damage the fur.
 
be2man said:
I've been looking for a factory load that will work well out of my Benelli semi. Tried all the major brands and the only consistent performer is the Federal 55gr Nosler Ballistic tip at $36+HST:eek: a box . A close second is the American Eagle 55gr FMJ (Also made by Federal) at $11 a box. Groups almost as well but point of impact is 6-8" different low and right at 100 yards. Looking for opinions on whether the FMJ solids will consistently anchor coyotes or whether I'm better to stick with an expanding bullet.
Ideally I'd like to sight in and plink with the cheaper ammo and have the option of hunting with it as well.
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Ethically I'd say to go with the Noslers but 2 bucks a round could get pretty expensive with a semi. and a running coyote!!! Also, FMJ's can and do kill humanely, so I'd say the answer depends on how much self control and discipline you have. So, as long as you've enjoying yourself and the animals aren't suffering unnecessarily then your choice was the correct one.

Have fun!!!
 
ben hunchak said:
In times past(not that long ago) some folks used FMJ strictly for coyotes and other fur bearers, to do minimum damage to the pelt. Some bullet outfits made fmj bullets in alot of diff. cals. to satisfy the demand. The use of fmj bullets for pretend war, was unheard of and only used otherwise by the military. I do remember Hornady offering 80 gr. 6mm FMJ bullets for varmint hunters wanting to not damage the fur.
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I traded a few hundred of the 7mm ones two springs ago, after I foolishly sold my .280.

They were available in all popular calibers up to .30 .
 
If you use FMJ bullets you will get a much higher percentage of animals that will run off a long way before they die, and a larger percentage of animals that will take many hours and days to eventually die.

I think you should stick to expanding bullets on living targets.
 
FMJ are legal in Ontario and other provinces, even for big game.

Yes I talked to the MNR about it last year.

Its really up to you if you want to poke a small hole in it with fmj and let it linger a long death if the bullet doesnt hit bone and tumble to cause internal upset.

Id stick with expanding bullets for youre own peace of mind.:)
 
7mmlefty said:
FMJ are legal in Ontario and other provinces, even for big game.
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Not in all provinces, certainly not here in Newfoundland & Labrador, and I understand they are not in at least two other provinces, and probably others.
 
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