Is this good coyote medicine . . . need input!

[Ranger413]

I've got an Encore in .223 and am really happy with the way it's shooting right now.  Its topped with a Bushnell Elite 4200 4-16X40mm.  This set up is getting me 3/8" to 1/2" groups at 100 yards for three rounds.  The ammo I'm using is Winchester Varmint Pack 45 gr. hollow points.  This is the stuff that costs about 12.00 for 40 rounds at Walmart.  

Now, I know this is not high dollar ammo that is moly coated and has a plastic tip, but . . . I'm wondering - since this stuff shoots so great - what it's performance on game will be like.  Below is a cut and paste of the particulars I got from the Winchester Website.  


Rifle Ballistics
 
Distance (yds) Muzzle 50 100 200 300 400 500
Velocity (fps) 3600 3307 3033 2533 2084 1687 1355
Distance (yds) Muzzle 50 100 200 300 400 500
Energy (ft. lbs.) 1295 1093 919 641 434 284 183
Distance (yds)   50 100 150 200 250 300
Short Trajectory (in.)   -0.4 0 -0.6 -2.3 -5.4 -10.1
Distance (yds) 100 150 200 250 300 400 500
Long Trajectory (in.) 1.2 1.1 0 -2.5 -6.7 -21.4 -48.7

Sorry this didn't paste too well.  Again, my question is how will this work on coyotes out to about 200 yards.  Velocity at 200 yards will be about 2500fps and energy will be about 650 ft. lbs.

Thanks for your help

Ranger413

[jlk]

That should do a good job on the coyotes. My longest shot on a coyote was a measured 471 yds. with a .223 using a 50 gr. soft point. The coyote was sunning on a large rock, at the shot it just flipped off the rock and did not move. I have shot other coyotes with a .223  14" contender at ranges form 15 yds to 250 yds. and the bullest (same 50gr.) preformed well.

I sold the .223 and I am now using a custom tuned Rem. M700 in 22-250. I am loading Hornady 53gr Match BTHP's for this rifle and it shoots sub MOA at 300yds. :-D  At 100yds it shoots one hole consistantly. :-D

John

[DesertRam]

I've never shot a coyote with that particular bullet, though I have shot a bunch of jackrabbits - ugly messes!  Based on that, I'd say that the 45 grain HP is a bit "explosive" for coyotes.  I'd be worried about inadequate penetration, especially if you hit the shoulder.  I've heard of these bullets creating "surface wounds" rather than penetrating.  Keep in mind that these bullets are designed to produce dramatic, explosive results on small critters (prairie dogs, chucks, etc.).  A 30 pound coyote is a whole different deal.  However, if you stay off the shoulder, I imagine you'd shoot a bunch of coyotes before you encountered a problem.

[SAWgunner]

I have actually shot coyotes with the exact round, and it put him down.  I did notice that the round went all the way through the coyote.  I tried the same round on a small log, and it penetrated the log just like the Federal Premium Ballistic tips.  It is a good round, and cheap.  A winner all around.

[hillbilly]

i use the 52gr Calhoon RBT Dbl HP (double hollow point) at 3400fps in my Remington 700 ADL 22-250 for everything from gophers to coyotes, and have never had a problem with "surface wounds" the RBT is known for  extreme expansion bordering on explosive. just last evening i got three coyotes at the same stand at one time. the first was about 45yds, it dropped like it had been blackjacked, the second at about 110 yds it tumbled once and died, the last was at about 200 and running full out when the calhoon caught up with him just behind the shoulder and he skidded about three feet dead before he stopped sliding. All three had no exit wounds and were basically reduced to soup inside the first more so than the last, I'll spare you the gory details but over the past number of years I've found the Calhoon one of the best bullets for varminting, and at a very resonable price.and no i don't work for them.as for the .223 i'd try the 46gr Dbl HP or the 50gr DblHP, both will work at the lower  velocity of the .223 or .22 hornet try for a velocity of around 3100 fps and i'm sure you won't be disappointed.as for accuarcy at 100 yds my gun will print pretty little three shot clover leafs

[varmit_master]

The same ammo But in a 22 250 Win 45gr varmint pack i have killed deer with and it will make a blow a hole i had a doe tag last yr and i shot her and she drop in her tracks  i just got a 223 and got some of the 45gr to try out waiting on my scope to come in VM

ONE SHOT ONE KILL :eek:

[myronman3]

using that ammo in my 15 inch contender, i have killed a skunk,  one rabbit, and a feral cat.   explosive.   this ammo clocked 3003 fps out of that pistol.   i would think that it would do a number on coyotes;   but i would use something else if i wanted to keep the pelt.  if you just want them dead, rock on.

[Redfrog]

DesertRam is right on the money. They are varmint loads. I shot 12 coyotes with them last season and had blowups on the entrance. Some coyotes with solid hits took more than 1 shot and 2 coyotes ran off, after 3 hits. One of those was never found. these shots were inside 150 yds.

Some of the coyotes fell over dead, but it is not consistent enough for me.
I use a 52gr hpbt match and kill regularly out to 300 yds. with no exit. Oh yeah I shoot a .223

I like them for gophers, they are accurate and explosive.

[hillbilly]

redfrog I was figurin' we should maybe get together for a dog hunt after the fall goose season and compare guns and loads. Do you know the community pasture north of oyen, I hunt muleys there and see a lot of song-dogs. as for your load in the .223 what are you using for powder and how much as my brother just got a .223 and i have no experience loading for it, I'll stick to my 22-250.