OK, I picked up the used Ruger .257 Roberts in January and worked up two loads - a 75g Hornady VMAX at 3606fps and a 115g Barnes TSX at around 2950fps. Both are accurate, but the VMAX shoots a couple inches higher at 200 yards. The TSX is dead on at 200.
For the last month to six weeks I have been trying to get a coyote with it, but without any success -- they've been pretty scarce lately. (Might have something to do with the fact that I only hunt a couple square miles of ranches and have shot 11 coyotes there since elk season ended early in November.)
Anyway, I made the circuit of the larger ranch this morning and had crested the last big hill before turning back to the gates and home. The resident herd of antelope was grazing about 200 yards out so I stopped to watch. When I started the truck up again, a coyote broke cover and streaked in front of the truck, 50 yards away. By the time I got set up for a shot he was well over 100 yards and still going. The first 75g VMAX went high, as did the second at around 150 yards. The coyote was going uphill now, and stopped for a second behind some low-lying brush that only covered his legs - his last mistake. Shot #3 did the trick.
On inspection, the VMAX did well - a tiny entrance hole and a 2" exit wound. The spine was shattered just behind the shoulders.
Later I drove the smaller ranch and spotted a coyote at 75 yards. I just watched as he raced for a far hill 400 yards out. But I'll be back...
