What caliber for wolf without too much fur damage?

I have shot quite a few wolves here in BC.
They can get to be of some size. [big male =120lb+]

Most I have taken with the 220 Swift and a 52 grain Speer HP.
Shot around 6 with the 6mm Remington and the 70 Ballistic Tip.

I never had to chase any, most went less than 25 feet after the shot.
The Swift did not exit in many cases, so pelts in great shape.
When the 6mm did exit, the hole was substantial.
YRMV, Eagleye
 
A .22-250 is all you'll need for timber wolf. Any bigger and you'll be stiching the critter back together. I used to use fmjs out of my m14, the .22-250 is my choice.
Better yet is a well placed snare and a .22lr.
 
I use a 17 Fireball, 22-250, 25-284 and a 6.8 SPC. In the 2 smaller cals I use rapidly expanding bullets and in the 2 larger cals I use Barnes TSX. 100gr in the 25-284 and 90gr in the 6.8, the same loads I use for bigger game.
 
In my experience the fireball won't exit, the 22-250 could make a mess if not hit in the shoulder, ie back and low in the body will take out a chunk.
 
I shot 2 young black wolves a few years ago that almost came into our camp while we were making lunch. I used what I had close by. The first one was stopped broadside, and the Federal Fusion 225 gr .338 dropped it in its tracks with a lung shot. the second one made a run for it, and kind of got hit quartering away, from the guts to the front shoulder. It needed a LOT more stitching, but the taxidermist did a good job fixing the mess.

After that, I bought a .243 for wolves, but have only specifically targeted them once more since then, with no luck.
 
Superbrad said:
Apologize to the op...didn't read as I should have... I hunted my wolves in idahoe... North of timmins.. I think .243 is perfect for your needs
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Idaho is in the USA... "Ivanhoe" is in Northern Ontario.

.243 is a great wolf caliber... it is what we have used for 30 years. There are still parts of Ontario where wolf hunting is unlimited... no tags required.
 
blasted_saber said:
What area of Northern On? Parry Sound - Algonquin - Pembroke have the Eastern wolf and further north has the grey wolf. Major difference in size thus calibre choice would be different.
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The Eastern and Grey wolves are the same animal... it is called the Eastern Grey Wolf. And if you are calling Parry Sound and Algonquin "NORTHERN" Ontario... you must be way South... probably London"ish."
 
My friend caught his first wolf today and he used a 22-250. Here he is with his catch.

Otokiak
Rankin Inlet, NU
CANADA

KooksWolf.jpg
 
The .243 is really in its element if you want a dedicated wolf gun. I would probably consider the 85 gr TSX as the expanded diameter is a bit smaller than the typical 100 gr lead core bullets, yet you get the BC of the heavier 100 gr bullet combined with the velocity of the lighter one. Otherwise I would just use your general purpose big game rifle taking care to choose a bullet that expands grudgingly. Some experimentation might be in order.
 
hoytcanon said:
The Eastern and Grey wolves are the same animal... it is called the Eastern Grey Wolf. And if you are calling Parry Sound and Algonquin "NORTHERN" Ontario... you must be way South... probably London"ish."
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Nope.

I live in the Algonquin area. The Eastern (Algonquin/Red if you will) wolf (canis lycaon) is genetically different then both Gray wolves and coyotes, as determined by Trent University. I have first hand experience as a hunter and trapper, as well as post secondary education in this field.

http://www.sbaa.ca/projects.asp?cn=314

http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/Business/SORR/2ColumnSubPage/STEL02_163450.html

As for the Northern ON thing, I consider Parry Sound-Algonquin-Pembroke to be Central ON, but for most official documentation it is indeed considered Northern ON.
 
If you wouldn't shoot deer with FMJ's why waste you time drilling wolves with them as you will recover neither with body shots?A wolf is as tenacious as an elk and can soak up good hits while still putting distance between you + him.My uncle shot one with a 180gr .308 and it went 150 yards with both lungs gone...use anything suitable for deer.......Harold
 
I once used a 222 Remington on a young wolf in Ontario and found it barely up to the task at 80 yards or thereabouts.
And myself I would not ever advise using military FMJ on any animal.
Unless you are disciplined enough to stay with standing still headshots, chances are the critter will get away with a mortal wound & suffering until it's demise. Worse then that, is the worry of where that harder to stop bullet might end up behind your intended quarry.

my opinion only
 
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