Author Topic: coyote guns, what to use? (Read 1737 times)

johnboy · « **on:** December 18, 2003, 07:40:07 AM »

right now i just started coyote hunting in bradford pa and i have have alot of track where i go and there are alot of rocks and brush. i have tried calling them in but nothing so i tried following some tracks. i have also noticed bobcat tracks. im not sure what to do . also since christmas is coming up i asked my dad to get me a gun and i was wondering what gun i should get and also if i c ould get a night vivion scope, and if i should use something like that?

PA-Joe · « **Reply #1 on:** December 18, 2003, 07:49:54 AM »

223, 22-250, 12ga #4 buck

Lawdog · « **Reply #2 on:** December 18, 2003, 10:41:29 AM »

My favorite coyote getter is my .22 Hornet. For called in coyotes it is all you need out to 175 yards. For any farther out I use a .223 WSSM but any good .223 Remington will work just fine. Which rifle to get is up to whatever you want and can afford. Lawdog

DesertRam · « **Reply #3 on:** December 19, 2003, 01:57:10 PM »

I use and heartily recommend a .223 Remington, particularly for a beginning shooter/hunter. A .223 rifle is a real joy to shoot, with low recoil and minimal muzzle blast compared to larger calibers (or even bigger .22 centerfires). Ammunition is inexpensive and easy to locate, and finding an accurate factory load is relatively easy for pretty much any rifle. Pretty much any "regular" factory rifle will get the job done for predators and varmints under most applications. You can get into a "budget" gun for about $250 or so new. I'm talking about the NEF single shot break action with an entry level scope. The sky's the limit from there, but you can set yourself up with a decent bolt action (Savage, Remington, Ruger, Winchester, etc.) and good scope (Leupold, Bushnell Elite, etc.) for about $6-800, depending on the particulars. Of course, there's a lot to be said for the afore-mentioned 12 gauge shotgun with #4 buck. That'll really knock 'em down and has all the range you need if you're calling in the brush. Feel free to drop me an email at dtwiebe@yahoo.com if you want to chat more about the .223 and coyote calling in general.

Good luck with you new pursuit!

Jim n Iowa · « **Reply #4 on:** December 19, 2003, 03:27:03 PM »

I don't know your terrain but here in Iowa in the winter when I get after the song dog it is fairly windy. The dogs around here are hard to call in, so we look for them on the south side of the slopes trying get some sun. A range finder will help more than a call. Any rifle capable of 200yd+ accuracy (usually bolts) that can handle the wind will work. A 243 is my min cal. Low recoil, can handle white tail, antelope, and easy to find ammo for. I even take my 338 mag out to hunt just to work it out.
Jim

SAWgunner · « **Reply #5 on:** December 20, 2003, 05:37:24 PM »

Whatever you are carrying. Whenever we are checking fence, cattle, etc. on my grandfather's Wyoming ranch, it is whatever we have (which is suually a .220 Swift). The .220 Swift is the perfect coyote round, just ask the past 4 generations of his family.

Dogshooter · « **Reply #6 on:** December 24, 2003, 03:58:25 PM »

Read Desert Ram's letter again. He's right. There are a lot of other good reasons to go with the 223. The hotter rounds, 22-250, 220 Swift and 243's are great rounds, I have those and several more but I always come back to the 223 when I actually go out and call. I'll take the others to the range once in a while but the 223's go huntin. Every time. It does everything the others do for the type of hunting I do. I hardly ever have to take a shot at anything over 150 yards but the 223 has taken coyotes cleanly at over 300 yards. And I haven't even touched on "all those other reasons".

johnboy · « **Reply #7 on:** January 06, 2004, 07:06:53 AM »

thanks to everyone for the good advice...ive been goin out and hearing more and more...ill let all of you know how things go! thnaks again and good hunting

wyote · « **Reply #8 on:** January 06, 2004, 07:38:39 AM »

I like the 223 for all around caliber, but I think the hornet is also a great round for the shorter ranges (150 yards) The hornet is more fur friendly for cats and fox.

Sensei · « **Reply #9 on:** January 24, 2004, 11:39:14 AM »

I have recently purchased a Weatherby Mark IV Varmiter 223 Rem. but I am still experimenting with the rounds and bullet wts. Powder etc. that won't destroy a Coyote hide. Suggestions of tried and tested loads please would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,

forum052001 · « **Reply #10 on:** January 25, 2004, 10:52:02 AM »

.223 would defanatly be may chose :grin:

bobcathunter · « **Reply #11 on:** January 26, 2004, 09:40:32 AM »

tikka 243 ss synthetic buy at walmart for 459.00 plus tax

varmit_master · « **Reply #12 on:** January 26, 2004, 09:20:08 PM »

hi i would have to go with the 22 250 gets my vote i will have to say i have a 223 rifle on order i cant wait to get it and try it out but i am getting the 223 to fox hunt with mostly but i will coyote hunt with it too VM

trappenjoe · « **Reply #13 on:** February 01, 2004, 03:49:04 PM »

I like my 222 with sako action, and marlin bull barrel , for 200 and under , 22 250 200 plus yards , just depends on your shooting habits,
and if you save the fur like me. If your not out for the fur and your shots
are under 75 yards 12 gauge with turkey choke in 3 inch mag would work
Joe

Chuck White · « **Reply #14 on:** February 02, 2004, 03:54:04 AM »

I would choose 17 Remington, 22 Hornet, 221 Rem Fireball (rifle), 223 Remington, in that order!

My Fireball is a 26 inch Encore and my 223 is a Rem M-7 18 inch barrel!
Balistically, these two are equal! Only about 50-60 fps difference!

1911WB · « **Reply #15 on:** February 06, 2004, 03:30:03 PM »

If it's windy which it often is in eastern & central CO I like a 6mm Rem. with a 70 gr Nosler BT. If it isn't, I love the .22-250. It shoots flat and hits hard for a .22. I use either a 50 gr. Nosler BT or a 55 gr. Horn. V-max.