Shot size for coyotes

[canadian hunter312]

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.

#4 buck is likely the most common shot size used for coyote followed by BB, and then maybe 00 buck. Winchester and Hornady make coyote specific shotshells loaded with BB because its so commonly used.

At 25 yards all of those #4 pellets will be in the animal and at 50 yards there is no issue flattening coyotes. Many people avoid 00 buck as the pattern density of smaller shot is more important than higher energy per pellet.

00 shot coyotes often run longer after being hit where as the smaller size shot often results in the animal dropping right away.

 

[SomebodyTookMyName]

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.

Echoing what canadianhunter312 said, you're correct that the energy level of each individual pellet is low, we're not banking on getting just one lucky pellet in the boiler room here- we've got 41 to work with and with the right choke, that generally results in a minimum of 10-15 pellets on a coyote at 50 yards.

While you're correct that 00 or 000 pellets offer way more energy on target, the likelihood of getting even one pellet in a vital spot on a small target like a coyote at ranges beyond 30ish yards is slim when you're only shooting 8-9 pellets.

Opinion is fine, experience is better

 

[caramel]

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.

To followup, years ago, my boy and i tested the load at 60 yards. After 3 shots ( taping each hole for the next shot) on a 4X8 plywood, the Federal load hold 70 4B.

1st. 61 pellets were in the sheet.
2st. 63 pellets.
3th. 59 pellets.

WILY HAVE NO PLACE TO GO.

 

[horseman2]

Received a Remington ad today and they have a 12 gauge 2 3/4" shell with #1 Buck and it contains 16 balls.

No 3" which would probably have another 4 or 5 balls. I saw another manufacturer with 3" that held 15 balls.

 

[Arclight]

I use 3" steel T shot for longer range goose hunting. I have read that the T size was made for coyote. Each of the 3" rounds I use have 68 .20 cal balls.

 

[scott_r]

Ive shotgunned a bunch of dogs, 4 Buck is what I prefer.

 

[finstr]

I would never, Ever use steel shot for anything except where its required by law. Even then I try to use something much heavier ie; tungsten.
Steel absolutely sucks compared to lead or hevishot. Because its almost 1/2 as dense as lead its kinetic energy is dismal at best. Oh sure it starts out faster but its larger size and lighter mass causes it to slow faster and penetrate less. Smaller and heavier pellets are the way to go. #2 tungsten is devastating on coyotes and geese. BB and 4buck in lead or nickel coated lead are very effective also.
In the spring during turkey season a 3" load of #5 lead kills coyotes easily to 40yds. But their coats aren't as thick in May either.

 

[brybenn]

My last 6 coyotes fell to 1oz loads of #6 copper plated shot. 2 of the 6 needed a second shot but both were over 35 yards. Turkey hunting i wont pass up a killable shot on a song dog. When using shotguns to target coyotes i use #4 buck. Either 27pellet 2.75" or 41pellet load 3" depending on what gun im using. #4 buck will drop then out to 70 yards