Author Topic: shot placement for .22s (Read 887 times)

rookie · « **on:** December 30, 2003, 06:05:49 AM »

I haven't ever tried predator hunting but in or area there are a ton of predators and nobody hunts em or even traps em. I've been wanting to get set up for queit a while. My birthdays comin up and i stumbled upon my gift from my dad and is an electric calling device so i plan on getting into it very soon. The only gun that i have that won't blow the coyote to peices is my ruger .22. I've sighted it in and at 70 yrds it's about 2 inches low. I know that at a closer distance i could put a bullet rihgt in ones head but out at long distances i'm not so confadent. So my question is will a .22 shot to the chest put one down at longer distances? I've been lookin for a cheap 17 cal or 22 250 but that'll be a while so until then my .22s got to work. Any posts will be much apreciated.
Thanks, Rookie.

PA-Joe · « **Reply #1 on:** December 30, 2003, 07:19:10 AM »

A 22LR for coyotes is not the best. Keep it under 50 yards. 223 or 22 Hornet are the other good options. If you use FMJ there shouldn't be too much pelt damage.

Lawdog · « **Reply #2 on:** December 30, 2003, 02:18:54 PM »

rookie,

Forget the .22lr for coyotes, even head shots unless they are very close. I have seen to many coyotes jerk their heads around for the head to make a good target. Save you pennies up and get a .22 Hornet like a NER and it won't break your bank to much. With a .22 Hornet you can take coyotes out to 150 - 175 yards with a good body shot. Lawdog

hillbilly · « **Reply #3 on:** December 31, 2003, 02:26:43 PM »

rookie

I whole heartedly agree with lawdog, i've shot coyotes up close and personal with everything from a 17HMR to a 338 win mag. and the 22lr just isn't enough gun, the head or rather the brain of a coyote is about the size of a small mandarin orange, I'm sure you can hit a orange at 70 yds but remember that orange is now hidden behind eyes, ears, jaws, and fur and is moving around up, down, side to side and to top it all off you'll probably be excited and maybe not shooting at your best and for sure not from a bench or at least a steady rest. And as for body shots, I've seen coyotes run flat out 300 or more yards after a solid lung hit with a 22LR likly this was in a full half section field with no trees so it was recovered. I think lawdogs got it right a NEF 22 hornet or HR topper in .223 can't be that expensive down there in the states up here in Canada they only run around $300CAN.
but regardless of what you choose good luck, please respect the animal, other outdoor enthusiaists and the land owners . and for sure have fun.

rookie · « **Reply #4 on:** December 31, 2003, 07:36:35 PM »

Well thanks a bunch guys i'll definately get a bigger gun before anything happens. And any time i'm out huntin even if i don't get anything i still have a great time.

rickt300 · « **Reply #5 on:** March 03, 2004, 08:13:27 AM »

I agree and disagree with the other two posters. Last week I shot a coyote thru the chest with a 4 inch barreled .22 pistol using a Winchester 36 grain holowpoint. The bullet exited leaving a half inch exit hole and the coyote ran maybe 15 yards. The shot was frontal quartering to my left. I used to use a .22 rifles all the time with various HP rounds with good success. Never have I taken a shot farther than 50 yards and all were good chest hits. Here's the agree part, many times you will only get a shot at a moving target and you have to pass the shot up if you can't make that just right shot. Shooting at a coyotes head is pretty iffy as they are continually looking around. Better would be a neck shot just in front of the shoulder blade. If you can't wait for the just right shot then using a .22 rimfire is not for you but if you can learn the disipline you will become a much better hunter.

dangerranger · « **Reply #6 on:** March 04, 2004, 10:59:37 PM »

Most dogs Ive shot have been with a 12ga. doesnt do much for the pelt tho.

handirifle · « **Reply #7 on:** March 24, 2004, 07:48:15 PM »

rookie
Get the NEF. At Wal Mart one can be had for about $180 plus tax. Buy a good scope and let 'em have it.

Nice thing about the NEF is, if you want to try other calibers later, just add another barrel and you have a new gun.

22 Hornet can become a 30-06 or a 22-250 or a 45-70 or a 223 or a 44 Mag or a shotgun....the list is long.

varmit_master · « **Reply #8 on:** March 24, 2004, 10:44:22 PM »

Hi on a 22 it will work i have killed them and when i trapped i use a 22 too just keep your shots under 50 yrds and pick you a good bullet out i like the CCI Stinger's for a 22 for coyotes but when i was trapping i would carry a single shot rifle with Rem 22 shorts i dont know how many coons coyotes cats foxes beavers and other stuff i have killed in a trapp with a 22 short's But u have to up close to them when you shoot VM

varmit_master · « **Reply #9 on:** March 24, 2004, 10:49:47 PM »

hi if i was looking for a 223 rifle the first one i got was a Rossi Single Shot 223 rifle from Walmart and it like the 40rd varmint pack 45gr HP they sale there too it was a GOOD shooting rifle for a 150.00 rifle and still is i give it to my dad and got me a Rem bolt action 223 rifle but i would look at the Rossi for the price VM

Old Griz · « **Reply #10 on:** April 10, 2004, 05:08:02 PM »

:cb2: Coyotes are tough critters. Yes, you might kill one with a .22, and you might get lucky and it be a clean quick kill. However, none of the men I hunt with would use a .22 on a coyote. It just doesn't have the knock down power to do the job humanely. He could be half a mile or more away before he dies and you would never find him. I have no love for the vermin, but hunting ethics dictate that you use enough gun. I use a .223 and a lever .357 if they're in close and moving.

I'd sure suggest that NEF in .223--ammo is cheap!