Coyote gun conundrum

[603Country]

For years I used a 220 Swift and 55 gr Nosler BTs, but then the hogs started showing up. I had a 260, so I loaded up 100 gr BTs and used that. It worked on coyotes, pigs and deer. That said,
I also shot a bunch with a 223 and 40 gr BTS, and that little bullet put them down instantly. I have come to believe that a bullet that puts all its energy into the coyote, like that little 40 gr BT, is a good choice. You could push it over 4000 fps in a 22-250 or a 220.

 

[swd]

Out to 150 yards my go to is a 22 Hornet with the 50gr VMax. It just stones them. The 22 Creed with small primer brass would be a real killer in the NV desert..

 

[Oso]

 

[NF1E]

I have nailed a bunch of them here in the NE on my range. All shots have been under 200 and never had one go anywhere but down after a hit. Using a tiny 40 gn Vmax running at only 2Kps in a 5.7x28 rifle. Suppressed and with a 50 rnd mag, there's plenty of time for follow ups. 30 rnd AR mag on the one one the pickup tailgate is hollowed out and collects the spent brass so no mess is left to pick up later. Whatta Hobby!

 

[20 TAC]

This has been a great thread to follow. My favorites over the years has been a 220 Swift pushing a 50 V Max to about 3800 fps and for the last several years just a 22-250 pushing a 50 grain to just over 3500 FPS. A mild load that has worked quite well. Recently been using a 25 Creedmoor. My big regret here is going with a 9 twist instead of a 10. Goal was to shoot 75 grain V Max at close to 3600 fps. The 9 twist just won’t group them to satisfaction. It really starts shooting with 85 grain and I’m using a 90 grain Sierra Blitzking running 3325 fps. It has been wrecking some coyotes so far.
As previously mentioned, a 22-250 AI, 22 Creed shooting 53 V Max, or the new 62 ELD-VT would seem to be an ideal package. Also, a Swift Ackley shooting the 62 or even up to a 75 grain is one I’ve been pondering too.

 

[Kracken McGraw]

I would go 22 creed. I’ve used 204’s, 20 tactical, 223’s, 22 bra, 243, 6mm creed, 25 creed, and 260 rem.

My go too are 20 tactical and 22bra. A 22 creed with 55-75gr bullets would be a perfect calling rifle. I use the 20 tactical for calling primarily inside 350 with 39gr blitzkings at 4030fps and 22bra for those longer shots/fields or bait with 85.5gr Berger at 3130 fps

What bullet did you us in the 25 Creedmoor?

 

[Matt_3479]

What bullet did you us in the 25 Creedmoor?

131 blackjacks at the time. I built it more for long range bait piles but it came on calling stands a handful of times. I like all my rifles to get a kill under there belt lol

 

[Kracken McGraw]

131 blackjacks at the time. I built it more for long range bait piles but it came on calling stands a handful of times. I like all my rifles to get a kill under there belt lol

Thanks, I have 7 twist three groove coming back in the mail from chambering, going to try the 134 eldm’s.

 

[Matt_3479]

Thanks, I have 7 twist three groove coming back in the mail from chambering, going to try the 134 eldm’s.

I shot the 134’s in my 25x47 and they shot well, so do the 135 bergers.

 

[Phil]

In my travels, cleaning up after myself, I bumped into 2 gold boxes of unfired 243 brass.
This project might be shifting gears but nothing set in stone yet, thanks for all the replies, always learning.

 

[ELR LVR]

I’m thinking about a Creedmoor, either a 22 or a 6mm either would be using 70-80gr bullets.
BC, speed and max point blank range are all considerations for a point and shoot calling gun.

What day the people who have already traveled this road, given the two options, which way would you go and why…..

I’m curious to see what others have to say about this.

Thanks for reading,

Phil.

22
mainly for the better price of that caliber of bullets if you shoot a lot
if thats of concern

 

[RussellJ]

I’m thinking about a Creedmoor, either a 22 or a 6mm either would be using 70-80gr bullets.
BC, speed and max point blank range are all considerations for a point and shoot calling gun.

What day the people who have already traveled this road, given the two options, which way would you go and why…..

I’m curious to see what others have to say about this.

Thanks for reading,

Phil.

Shoot a rifle with a low recoil so you can see the coyote fall over or react when you shoot it. It will double your fun.

 

[17VLD]

What bullet did you us in the 25 Creedmoor?

I'm glad to see Hornady has added a new ELD-VT in 25 caliber for 2026 the fast twist guys have another choice, it's 95 grain.

 

[HillbillyLongRifle]

I have and use a few different calibers for coyotes
17 TAC
20 TAC
222 Rem
22-204
22 Dasher

If i had to pick just one it would be the 20 TAC

 

[20 TAC]

I'm glad to see Hornady has added a new ELD-VT in 25 caliber for 2026 the fast twist guys have another choice, it's 95 grain.

I had not seen this before. Thanks for mentioning. It looks like they’re recommending a 7.5 twist to shoot these? I wonder if a slower twist will shoot them. All said, the BC is a little better than the 90 Blitzking but running the ballistics, I wonder how much real world difference one can expect?

 

[Kracken McGraw]

I'm glad to see Hornady has added a new ELD-VT in 25 caliber for 2026 the fast twist guys have another choice, it's 95 grain.

I bought myself their new manual for Christmas, I’ll have to see if that bullet is in there. Thanks!

 

[roband]

I have and use a few different calibers for coyotes
17 TAC
20 TAC
222 Rem
22-204
22 Dasher

If i had to pick just one it would be the 20 TAC

SAME. I dont know if its because its one of my first semi custom i had built always been my favorite.
40 grainers are just magic.

 

[Rope2horns]

The 22CM is the easy button and it stomps yotes up close or waaay out there. I shoot the Berger Fullbore 80.5's at 3260ish and the Sierra 77grTMK's a tick over 3300fps out of a 22" barrel.

 

[Idaho-Lefty]

It looks like the OP is in California, which is a whole different ball of wax when their non lead bullet mandate is considered.

OP NEEDS a Big SIX, like,. 6 Creed or 6 XC with, a Fast Twist ( 1-7 or, 1-7.5 ) to shoot the Higher BC,..
Long Copper, stuff
I Use, the 95 gr Berger Classic Hunt's, 103 gr. ELD-X's and 108 gr. Elite Hunters for, the Longer Ranges,..
Here in the Idee'Ho and Northern Nevada,.. Desert country ! ( High BC's and 3,000 - 3,100 fps, Gets It, DONE )
SKIP, the piddly,.. .22's and .20's IF, "Needing",.. ALL, Copper bullets !
A Big SIX,.. is NEVER, the Wrong answer for,.. Yotes !

 

[Kracken McGraw]

I'm glad to see Hornady has added a new ELD-VT in 25 caliber for 2026 the fast twist guys have another choice, it's 95 grain.

Load information is in the new manual for the 95gr ELD-VT, looks like 3300-3400 speeds will be attainable in the 25 Creedmoor.