Shot size for coyotes

J

jacpor

CGN Regular
Rating - 100%
30   0   0
To all experience coyote hunters. What shotgun shot size would you recommend to shoot coyotes with from a calling stand?

Thank you in advance
 
Bare said:
I would use number 4 if it’s legal where you live. In BC though I don’t think it’s legal so I use 00 buck
Click to expand...

#1 buck or larger required, as coyote follows the same requirements as big game for shot size. You’re fine, but #4 is not legal as you mention.
 
I've had fantastic success with T size shot in tungsten. For on the cheap though I've used Federal blue box 00 buck. Not sure which one is the right answer but both have worked very well for me on about half a dozen Coyotes thus far.
 
Anything between BB and #4 is great. The larger shot sizes aren't ideal as they start to pattern pretty sparsely at over 40 yards, and a coyote is a small target. On the flipside, pellets smaller than BB don't retain enough energy to penetrate well at distance.

Within that general shot size range though, I'd suggest you experiment and see what patterns best in your gun/choke combo, and go from there. My best success has been with Remington's 12ga 3" buffered 41 pellet #4 buck load through a full choke in my SX3- it'll put an average of 10-12 pellets on a pie plate at 50 yards, which is plenty dense enough with big pellets to kill a coyote.

I'd avoid any steel shot, as it loses velocity and penetration very quickly at distance- lead or lead-alternatives are far superior, and worth the cost for coyote hunting.
 
Usually use a rifle, but have taken a couple with 3 inch #4's, mostly because I have a 5 gallon pail full and nothing else to use them on.
 
I've used 3 inch Winchester Supreme copper plated #4 buck ( hard to find lately ) with a Carlson's Coyote choke tube ( Invector Plus ) and Federal Premium copper plated 00 buck with a Carlson's Buckshot choke tube ( again Invector Plus ).
 
I've shot a few while hunting pheasants, and can tell you for sure that #6 and #5 and even #4 is too small. Coyote loads start at #2 lead. Steel BB is probably OK, and bigger is better if your gun patterns small buckshot well.
 
Buy #4 buck and 00 buck. 3" and 2/3". Take a mod and full choke and go do some testing.

My Browning Maxus with full kicks high flyer choke it shoots #4 buck very tight. 00 buck is great too, I have shot coyotes past 50 paces for sure. I also use 3.5" shells as well as 3, 2 3/4. Mostly Federal blue box and Hornady dead coyote as thats what I usually find
 
Finally found it in the BC Hunting Synopsis.

1. shotgun must have a bore size of 20 gauge or larger and use shells of shot size No. 1 Buck or larger.

Coyote are designated as small game with a 1. under shotgun.

Less Johnson sure rolls them over with his Mossberg and a tight choke.

Where would someone find #1 buck? Not at Cabela's!
 
Last edited:
I'm in Ontario and though using #4 Buck is legal I would question it's effectiveness. I don't doubt that many people have used it effectively but consider the ballistics.
#4 Buck PELLETS weigh HALF of what a 22 Rimfire bullet weighs. (#4 BUCK= 20 gr 22RF= 40gr)
They both start at ABOUT the same velocity of 1200FPS.... BUT the shape of the #4 pellets is a sphere and will SHED velocity much quicker than a 22RF.
At very close range (25 yards or less) you'd get multiple hits with the #4 but try for pattern out at 40 yards and see how FEW hits you'd get in the kill zone.
IN MY OPINION I'd think 00 BUCK or 000 BUCK would be a better choice.
 
With my H&R 10 gauge, i took a couple on a gully pass, they were folding at 60 yards, the full choke of this particuliar shotgun group X tight, 2.25 ounces of 4B.
 
I shoot #4B in a 20 ga, 2 3/4, 21 pellets hand stacked and buffered. Will pattern and kill consistently to 50yds with a full choke. That swarm of pellets is hell on dogs at bush ranges.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom