Coyote Hunters: What optics best?

Rugerman

Rugerman

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I am setting up a Remington in .204 for varmint hunting. I would like to hear from any coyote hunters what their preference is for optics. What works best for you. What is the average distance most of your shots are made at? Not sure if it makes a difference but the hunting will be in BC although it would be interesting to hear from any hunters and their typical hunting methods/distances.
Thanks.
 
I like a 3-9x, Ive used them on 221, 223, 22-250, 243. Typical range is 150-300 yards for me. I prefer the wider field of view of a 3-9 compared to a 4-12 or 4-14. I have no problem with 9x on a coyote out to 400y
 
I personally like my Leupold M8, fixed 6 power X 42 mm. Used in Saskatchewan on a bolt action .222 Remington, mostly for called in coyotes.
Distances used, 70-300 yards. No power ring to foul up! Great low light capabliity (IE-Early morning, & the receding light of sunset)
Reasonable of field of view, as well.
 
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I have a 4-12x on my .204 Ruger, but generally speaking a 3-9x is plenty. As bartell intimates, field of view is very important. Coyotes have a habit of popping up right next to you, and you need to be able to get on him quickly.
 
I have a used Karl Kahles 4x12x56 Helia L with 30mm rings cost me $600 pretty high for a used scope, but the OPTICS are the BOMB... That's what counts for me
 
Oh, forgot, I also have a set of ZEISS NVA 7X40mm Military binos, also used, at $450, bucks but these are also some of the best optics out there.. So look out varmits.
 
3X9 for me as well. Versatile enough to allow good coverage close up and far away. My current coyote rifle has a Leupold Rifleman 3X9X40 (it's also my daughter's deer/moose/bear rifle). A Ruger M77mkII in 6.5X55!

Troutseeker
 
Ive got a 3-9x40 Elite 3200 on my .204 thats dedicated to coyotes. Coyotes have a big kill zone and you'll have no problems taking one out past 300 yards on 6x or 9x. If you're looking to cross over into a gopher/coyote rifle I would seriously consider a Bushnell Elite 6500 4.5-30 x50 mil-dot.

Cheers!!
 
Sako 22-250 with 4X12 Leupold VXII, primary yote killer... but hard on fur. Sako Varmint 222 Vixen, Gailard heavy barrel with Leupold LR 6.5X20... nice with 52 grain match bullets.
 
I use the 6500 on my .204, 2.5-16. Low light is awesome with this scope, the 2.5 to 16 power makes it ideal for coyotes too.
I just can't say enough good stuff about the upper end Bushnell, the rain-guard alone makes the scope worth every penny.
 
5-15x and would not go lower.

Most yotes i have taken have not been 30 yrd shots.
If you're going to 400 yrds on a yote, with a 3-9 or less, you need some pretty fine hairs if you're unles you're just aiming at mass.

I also find the 5-15x great for the small target that's way out there on occasion like a jack rabbit or such that just shows up on a coyote hunt.

If you are dragging a heavy barreled heavy rifle with pod etc etc etc and have a call and decoy setup, I wouldn't go 3-9x. If it's a carry rifle and actively persuing them rather than calling them, I think a 3-9 might be OK.

ahhhhh, oppinions....
 
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