Definitely not pelt friendly. They are very violent, great for varmints. I haven't shot a long range coyote with them yet (may not, looking for a less destructive round) but the last one I shot at a little over 50 yards had a 4" hole... My barrel is 1-7" twist and under 50 yards I've gotten entry wound blow ups, 4" craters. With a 1-9" or 1-10" twist that might not occur, I don't know.
I'm going to try some Remington 55 grain psp's. Not as cheap but should be much more pelt friendly, small hole in, reasonibly small hole out. Most of my shots are 15 feet to 75 yards so most ballistic tips in 223 are also too explosive for pelt saving, large exit holes. I guess maybe I need to break down and get a 22 hornet or use my 22 mag. Decisions decisions....
But anyway, the varmint box JHP is VERY explosive.
later,
scruffy