6.5X55 for coyote

[John Y Cannuck]

Yep, I'm gonna take the old Swede out, and get the dust off of her.
Got a spot at a local sheep ranch that has a small problem with coyotes.
The range is limited, so are the directions I can shoot.
I've got a bunch of 120 Nosler BT's left over from years past, and a few 140 BTs. That might be a bit heavy.
What would you think I should use?

 

[John Y Cannuck]

Yeah, I know, it's reloading question. But, it's a firearm specific reloading question!

 

[mylesrom]

For coyotes in that caliber, does not really matter, both equal dead coyote. The fur would not be salvageable.......

 

[p-17]

I have a match rifle in 6.5x55 with a Gaillard barrel (1-8 twist) built around a '17 action.

As it turns out, this rifle loves the 120 Nosler Ballistic Tip (or Sierra Matchking) pushed by 49.0 grains of H4831SC. In my rifle, this gives accuracy that hovers in the 1/4 m.o.a. range, which is very serious, indeed.

If I were to shoot coyotes or even deer with that rifle, I'd think seriously about this combination.

 

[bearhunter]

I use a T3 Lite in 6.5x55. It has a 1-9 twist rate and loves 95 grain Hornady Vmax bullets. It is my go get coyotes rifle. Fast, accurate and explosive, right out to 400+ meters, as long as I do my part.
I've extolled the virtues of the 6.5x55 as a great coyote rifle many times on other threads. It will do everything that the 223, 243, 257 families will do and then some. If you're looking to save pelts, use a target bullet that has been swaged with a small hollow point, designed to punch nice round holes.
You mentioned limited directions, BE CAREFUL, check out your back area.
I know I don't have to mention this after your above comments, but it don't hurt either.
You may need to go to the heavier bullets with the 1-7.5 twist rate in the "old swede". It may overstabilise the lighter bullets. The 120s you mention should be fine though.
In my humble opinion, the 6.5x55 is probably the finest round going for coyotes, especialy with a good scope that works good under low light conditions.
Just in case you don't know it, most coyotes have an actual 4-6 inch cross section from spine to breast bone. Again, you probably already know that.
Have fun and straight shooting, bearhunter

 

[todbartell]

I'd use the 120 grain Ballistic tips

 

[Big Guy]

I would use 85 gr. Sierra HP. over 44.5 gr IMR 4064 This gives me 3300fps in my swede (96) and 0.75" groups

 

[John Y Cannuck]

Thanks for the responses so far, Nice to know I have not forgotten everything about the old girl.