best cartridge for coyotes opinion

[n.c.outlaw2024]

think we have a problem with coyotes. a neighbor's cat went missing. they're sure it was a coyote that got it. also a couple of wild bunnies turned up dead and partially eaten. could be foxes but folks don't think so.

 

[Big Mc]

think we have a problem with coyotes. a neighbor's cat went missing. they're sure it was a coyote that got it. also a couple of wild bunnies turned up dead and partially eaten. could be foxes but folks don't think so.

A Swift. Tommy Mc

 

[AWS]

If your just killing a coyote to protect stock/pets, any center fire that you can hold on fur at the longest distance your going to shoot. They will all kill the coyote. I personally use regularly 222 Rem, 223 Rem, 22-204, 5.6x50R, 22-250, 22 Savage Highpower, 6x45, 6mm-204, 6.5x58R, 6.5 Grendel and just added a 6mm ARC to the mix.

 

[Nomad88]

For the occasional yote, hard to beat a cheap ar15 and good ammo.

 

[Doug Casner]

Give that coyote a medal for gettin that cat. Doug

 

[Coyotefurharvester]

I found tracks,blood,hair sign of coyote catching rabbits, but never a partial eaten. Coyote are competitive and can carry that size kill. Hawks, barn cats, owls,mink will leave partially consumed kills. Coyote will kill yard cats, SIL has occasional loss that I need to respond to, owls/hawks and raccoons will kill kittens.

 

[K22]

Depends on maximum distance that you intend to shoot or, more importantly, as limited to your field shooting skills.

I am no expert predator hunter, but the areas I hunt, most shot opportunities are within 250 yards thus just about any capable varmint cartridge will suffice such as the 222, 223, 22 250, etc. The 204 and17 guys can chime in since I have no experience with those.

My favorite is the 223 Rem in my Tikka's (8" twist) with 60 Vmax's, but I have taken them with 55 Nosler BTs in 12" twist rifles. The ones I have hit, have all dropped on the sport or ran a short distance and piled up. I don't harvest the fur so that is not a consideration. Those aforementioned bullet leave a nasty exit wound.

 

[ohlongarmisle]

think we have a problem with coyotes. a neighbor's cat went missing. they're sure it was a coyote that got it. also a couple of wild bunnies turned up dead and partially eaten. could be foxes but folks don't think so.

Dependent upon skill level in shooting, excellent shooters can take coyotes at 100, to 125 yards with one shot from a 22 , some can't at 25 yards,whatever you can shoot consistently and hit an egg with at 200 yards works. For me all i'll ever need is a 17 hornet ,out to 300 yards,north of 300 the venerable 204 comes out.

 

[Wild Bill IV]

If you want to put him down hard with mild recoil, 25-06!!!

 

[nakneker]

Depends on the ranges you may shoot. A basic 223 will serve you well unless your getting out past 300 or so and then you may want to consider something like a 22-250. Ammo is pretty easy to find for either one. I have multiple rifles I use for coyotes, many are wildcat chamberings but those two will get it done, kind of like hitting the easy button.

 

[Bill K]

Yes, cats that are allowed to run wild and free kill a lot of birds i.e. quail and such.

Give that coyote a medal for gettin that cat. Doug

 

[Anchorite]

Hard to go wrong with a 223. My favorite yote set up is an AR twisted 1x8" with a 3x9 Burris Ballistic Plex. I shoot 55gr Hornady (either v-max or sp) in front of 23.5/H322. Mixed brass. Not a speed demon load but zeroed at 100yds the first plex down is 200 and the next 275.
If I need more reach out and touch magic, I reach for the 25-06 with 85s - OR - 270 with 90s.

 

[ohlongarmisle]

Yes, cats that are allowed to run wild and free kill a lot of birds i.e. quail and such.

30% of the time I take the caller out I call in a feral cat,I consider them legal quarry, and get satisfaction knowing I've gave many forms of beneficial wildlife a second chance at surviving. cats while having their place kill millions of beneficial birds wantonly every year, Maybe billions.

 

[perazziguy]

Any caliber Creedmoor for the win...

 

[Doug Casner]

Most of the coyotes Ive killed were with a 220 swift. They oughta put a bounty on them dam cats if hes 100 yards from a house. Doug

 

[Jeff Porter]

I have taken coyotes from 10 to 462 yards with everything from a 12ga. to a 30-06 with 110 Vmax. Killed a bunch with an SKS 7.62x39 but my go to after seeing some splashes and spinners with 50-55 Vmax in an AR became the .243 with 58 Vmax Superformance ammo. Point blank hold center of fur out to 300 yards. Bang- Flop DRT. rarely an exit wound.

 

[Doug Casner]

Let me be clear. Im talking about feral cats not somebodys pet. Doug

 

[DGP4]

Might help to tell us what environment we are talking about. You mention a neighbor and a domestic cat which makes me think you may be in a suburban setting

 

[No manches"]

Take them swiftly,
Like Tommy MC said

 

[n.c.outlaw2024]

Might help to tell us what environment we are talking about. You mention a neighbor and a domestic cat which makes me think you may be in a suburban setting

yes you are correct. suburbs.