22 magnum questions

[pathfinder]

1-Has anyone chronographed 22 magnum out of their single six? What velocity were you getting?

2-Is 22 magnum enough for coyote?

The coyote population around here has been infected with Mange. The coyotes I've seen in the last two monthes are mostly hairless and weak from starvation. Unable to get enough calories from hunting they've been eating fallen apples and openly scrounging garbage on the day it's picked up. I hate to see them suffering like this.

I typically carry or have imediately available a Single Six with 22 mag cylinder when I'm out doing chores on the ranch but I've never shot a coyote with one. In their weakened state they are unable or unwilling to flee and I'm able to get walk within 10 yards of them before they hobble off. My single six shoots under 3" at 25 yards and I'm confident at that range or closer I can make a head or vitials shot. I just want to make sure that the 22 mag is a humane choice for a starving 25 pound coyote.

It's really sad to see them in this state. Until lately the only time I'd see them was hunting mice along the fence. Most nights we are sung to sleep by coyotes. They've never bothered our critters so none of us has felt the need to hunt them. Compared to how beautiful and agile they were just a few months ago, they are almost unrecognizable.

[Nixter]

From what you describe, a 22 Mag should be plenty.

Granted, I've never shot a coyote  but if I needed to dispatch a sick animal at the range you mentioned the Mag should do fine.

How would one dispose of the mangy carcass? Burn it?

Nixter

[pathfinder]

I'm thinking burying it would be easiest.  I'm not sure if the mange would spread to non-canines but I don't want my critters or anything else coming in contact with it  or feeding on it.  

This is the first year I've seen coyotes with mange around here.  They are like walking zombies.  Now the cold weather is setting in they probably won't survive much longer.   Nature sure can be cruel.

[Spencer]

This is not first hand experience, but I know trappers that put a coyote down using a .22, not mag, and a double lung shot puts them down.  this is close distance, and will not damage pelt.  I believe a .22 mag will do the job even better.

[tatonka]

A 22 mag pistol will work fine if you choose your shots wisely and limit your distance to 40 yards or under. I've shot a couple under these circumstances with the CCI HP maximags and they went right down.

[222]

I've use the 22 Mag to take coyotes in traps and a couple with mange. They are relatively easy to kill in this weakened state.

[Del]

To Pathfinder & other Single Six owners shooting .22 mags.............

OK, guys here's some chronograph info. gathered:
Temp. was aprox. +28 degrees

Ruger Single Six, 5.5" brl., .22 WMR
Federal 50grn JHP - 1087 fps
CCI Speer TNT HP - 1609 fps
P.M.C. 40 grn JSP - 1355 fps
CCI maxi-mag+VJHP-1686 fps
Win.Suprm.34grnJHP-1532 fps
Remington 40grn JSP-1355 fps
Remington 40grn JHP-1261 fps
CCI maxi-mag40grnFMJ-1408 fps
Win.Spr-X 40grn FMJ - 1453 fps
Fed. 30grn SierraJHP- 1609 fps

I can tell you from 'field experience' the CCI TNT HP load is VERY effective on ground squirrel size critters, from my 5 1/2" barrel S.S.!!

(If you have a .22 mag RIFLE, you can probably add 500-600 fps to these velocities!!)

Accuracy varied from pretty dang good to 'shotgun' pattern groups @ 25 yards, find the load that works in YOUR gun.
Hope this helps,
Del

[pathfinder]

Great stuff Del. Thanks for posting!