What caliber is too big for coyote?
- Thread starter kapuskasing
- Start date
My parents and I have working on this issue for some time: How to kill cleanly and leave a near perfect hide. I actually had a Tikka Continental in .243 Win just for Coyotes at long range (300 yards plus: they run here... run away FAST) that I sold due to experiments in reloading turning out poor. I am convienced that the .243 is perfect for killing a coyote, but horrible at pelt retention, in my opinionated thoughts.
Here are my notes, shortened:
- If I loaded Barnes solids I found accuracy counted a lot to ensure a clean kill. Bonus was only pins holes in the pelt.
- If I loaded light bullets, usually quite fast, I found massive internal and exit wounds were possible do to "radical bullet fragmentation". Barnes Varmint Grenades could hit the front shoulder and not penatrate, leaving a wounded animal: basicly skinning the shoulder.
- If I loaded mid range bullets I found that bone shots resulted in large exit wounds.
- If I loaded heavy bullets they became solids unless they hit bone, then the exit wound was bad.
I think three or four dozen coyotes "volunteered" for that study over many winters. I am not saying that certain bullets could not be loaded to be very accurate and provide proper penitration and expansion - but reloading for this seemed harder than for a .223 or .22-250.
At this point I personally feel (MY opinion ONLY) that 22 calibre is the way to go for coyote pelt retention: low velocities and small diameter is a pelt savior(relative to .243 55gr).
Jordan Smith
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Calgary, AB
You'd probably be pretty happy with a .204 Ruger, but it would require handloading.
If you're set on factory, then .223 can't be beat.
If you're set on factory, then .223 can't be beat.
Seriously??!! My friend, you have no imagination and are lacking in judgement.
Those would be PERFECT....unless you want the pelt...You have to think about how exactly you're hunting/shooting coyotes, and the important considerations for that.
Let's say that when you're shooting coyotes they're going to be between 200 and 350 yards when you see them. Very seldom any closer. They're pretty active too, and will stop for just a few moments. Obviously there' not huge and don't need that much KE at point of impact.
So, you need something that is relatively light/small-bore, but accurate and relatively quick to get into action. My vote is for a well-balanced 6mmBR.
Let's say that when you're shooting coyotes they're going to be between 200 and 350 yards when you see them. Very seldom any closer. They're pretty active too, and will stop for just a few moments. Obviously there' not huge and don't need that much KE at point of impact.
So, you need something that is relatively light/small-bore, but accurate and relatively quick to get into action. My vote is for a well-balanced 6mmBR.
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+1. Kinetic energy works just fine from that altitude.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kinetic_bombardment#Project_Thor
Polar Man
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Seems like a no brainer, especially if you are buying your ammo at Canadian tire, it's the cheapest. It will reach way out there and packs more then enough punch.
LongBomber
CGN Regular
- Location
- Fernie, bc
Load your 300 win mag with some 208 amax, or some 200gr accubonds. Sure it's way more energy but it's not the energy that ruins the pelt, its a bullet that fragments on impact that makes a big hole. Run a heavy for caliber bullet and just about any cartridge will work fine. Run a light bullet and you will punch a huge hole in the hide.
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deadeyes40
CGN Regular
- Location
- nova scotia
i have been using my 30-06 with 150 grain silvertips.they have a tendancy to leave an extremely big exit hole if you hit larger bone but thru rib cage you should be good to go.just picked up a 222 rem,have yet to see what it will do on a yote.here in NS we canot use the 222 until after deer season.so after the first week or so of dec i will have it out for a few.can use the 30-06 until then as it is legal for bear which is on now and the deer rifle season opens the last friday in october.so unless i tag out can use the 30-06 at least until i tag out on both the deer and bear.
You need to learn about calling them. I have shot 7 since September 8, and only 2 were more than 200 yds away.
If you want to use your 300 and keep the pelts and you have access to loading equipment or have a trusted person load for you TRUSTED!!! then go with 150gr. FMJ loaded to a mild recoiling FPs of 2800-2900 . This response is somewhat tame compared to some of the others but you will find this load will work fine . Works in my 300
