Author Topic: Is the 64 grain Winchester Soft Point too much for Coyote? (Read 1439 times)

TopperT · « **on:** February 09, 2012, 03:59:49 PM »

I have my H&R tuned in and producing nice groups out to 200 yards. Next week, I will be Coyote hunting up in the Allagash of Maine over baits with shots between 125 and 200 yards.

I have settled currently on the 64 grain load as it shoots very nicely from my rifle. BUT........now I am wondering if this load is over-kill and will tend to mess up pelts (assuming I get a shot).

Having never tried this type of hunting before, and this being is my first .223, any solid advice is greatly appreciated.

twoshooter · « **Reply #1 on:** February 09, 2012, 05:16:41 PM »

I would use them as a good deer load also, because they expand, not explode like varmint bullets. You will get an exit hole, but not gaping wounds like a high speed vmax or TNT might produce. If you are concerned about pelt, a head on shot through the chest should produce the best results.

streak · « **Reply #2 on:** February 09, 2012, 05:27:25 PM »

TopperT,
What type of rifle are you shooting?
Also maybe I missed something on your load but what powder and charge are you using?

Also what type of dog is in your avatar?

OSOK · « **Reply #3 on:** February 09, 2012, 05:52:49 PM »

You didn't say which 64 gr. load you are using. I know the Winchester 64 gr. Powerpoints are designed for hunting deer (I think they were the first .223 deer loads produced). Like Twoshooter said, you should get pass throughs on side shots, but I wouldn't expect a lot of pelt damage. If your rifle likes them then that is what I would use, they are cheaper that the fancy varmint loads.

nova71 · « **Reply #4 on:** February 09, 2012, 06:12:34 PM »

it's a hunting dog, even has his own rifle

Bugflipper · « **Reply #5 on:** February 09, 2012, 09:40:49 PM »

I would suggest a 55 gr sp. Personally I just buy which ever is cheapest in bulk, which is usually rem. Most sp .224 bullets are thin jacketed. So they will fragment and not exit in a coyote with a 45-55 gr bullet. You happened to choose one that has a thick jacket, so there would be an exit wound. Of coarse you have the second hole to sew. But also if the shot isn't perfect the coyote may run off and die without you getting the fur sometimes. In many cases a coyote will not offer a standing still shot so a good fragmenting bullet is usually wanted. Pretty well, a fragmenting bullet turns their inside to mush so they go down quickly and cleanly.

keith44 · « **Reply #6 on:** February 09, 2012, 10:05:28 PM »

I have taken coyotes with a .54 cal Great plains bullet (425 grain soft lead), 100 grain Rem PSP from a .25'06 running aprox 3,100 fps, .22 magnums, and even .22 LR. The only shot I regret is the 40 feet from the muzzle of the .25'06. Totally ruined lunch for both of us

Seriously though, shoot what your gun likes, and just deal with the pelt if you intend to keep or sell them.

petemi · « **Reply #7 on:** February 09, 2012, 11:01:11 PM »

Jim, Like keith44, I shoot them with whatever's at hand at the moment. My go to coyote rifle is my .32-20, believe it or not. I'd shoot what your rifle likes and worry about the pelt later. That bullet isn't gonna blow massive holes in the beastie, but will render him dead. The last one I shot happened to be with my .308 and a 168 gr. Ballistic Tip. In the front, out the back. Not much damage at all.

Pete

TopperT · « **Reply #8 on:** February 10, 2012, 01:48:04 AM »

Thank you. I should have stated a few more facts but as usual the forum 'knew" what I was trying to say

The rifle is my H&R .223 Varmint. Its a plastic camo stocked rifle with a 1 in 9 twist with a (China, but ok for now) 4-12 scope. This was a "Special Sale Item" at my local Dicks, and the 'package' came with the rifle, scope, base and rings as a $195.00 package that I actually got on sale for $171.00!!! What is NOT to love!

This rifle simply loves these Winchester Ranger 64 grn soft tip "Law Enforcement" (marketing name?

) rounds. Trouble is I could only find 5 boxes in my local shops.

I've never gone this way, always shooting BP Cartridge rifles but this type of shooting is FUN!!! As soon as I can I will add a second H&R .223 for range work and keep this rifle for hunting.

I should add, the rifle also shoots the Remington 55 fmj's with deadly accuracy but I have it scope-sighted in with the heavier 64 grn loads. I went to the heavier load as, well to be honest, I'm hoping that I get a shot at one of the rumored BIG 70# Maine Coyotes!!!! They are in this area and several over 60#'s have been taken......that IMHO is a big coyote!

Thank you for the advice and words of wisdom. Jim.

keith44 · « **Reply #9 on:** February 10, 2012, 05:19:29 AM »

Quote from: petemi on February 09, 2012, 11:01:11 PM

The last one I shot happened to be with my .308 and a 168 gr. Ballistic Tip. In the front, out the back. Not much damage at all.

Pete

. . .

I hope you mean to the pelt,

Wyo. Coyote Hunter · « **Reply #10 on:** February 10, 2012, 09:24:37 AM »

I have shot a number of coyotes with the 64 gr. WW..but from a 22-250 Improved..from memory, I don't remember excessive distruction of the pelt...I do remember shooting one though the lungs about 250 yards..he ran another 100+ yards before piling up...with a 50 grain Blitzking, I doubt he would hav made that long a run...if you get a shot for the lungs, besure and follow up if he doesn't pile up right away...

tacklebury · « **Reply #11 on:** February 10, 2012, 10:41:04 AM »

55 gr. Nosler Ballistic tips are deadly in my .223 H&R 1:9 BC and seems like a better bullet for the fur bearers. Just my 2cp.

petemi · « **Reply #12 on:** February 10, 2012, 01:32:56 PM »

tacklebury, that's a sweet looking carbine. It's set up about the same as my .32-20 and Maxi.

Pete

quickdtoo · « **Reply #13 on:** February 10, 2012, 01:38:26 PM »

Quote from: petemi on February 10, 2012, 01:32:56 PM

tacklebury, that's a sweet looking carbine. It's set up about the same as my .32-30 and Maxi.

Pete

Is that 32-30 sumpin new yer keepin secret???

Tim

gstewart44 · « **Reply #14 on:** February 10, 2012, 01:46:24 PM »

Quote from: OSOK on February 09, 2012, 05:52:49 PM

You didn't say which 64 gr. load you are using. I know the Winchester 64 gr. Powerpoints are designed for hunting deer (I think they were the first .223 deer loads produced). Like Twoshooter said, you should get pass throughs on side shots, but I wouldn't expect a lot of pelt damage. If your rifle likes them then that is what I would use, they are cheaper that the fancy varmint loads.

I haven't had the chance to use the Win64gr PP on songdogs yet but I have used them on pigs up to 80 lbs. With head shots they DRT but I have shot a couple of 80 pounders in the chest and the results were dramatic.... first one was at 30 yds broadside just behind the crease of the front leg - entrance was about the size of pencil but when it hit the rib it musta tumbled or just blew bone frags out the other side...exit was nasty and about 1" diameter. Second was quartering toward me - hit low center of the chest taking out the heart but the exit on the opposite side musta hit bone again because there was a ragged torn hole about 2" by 1". Distance on this one was about 15 yds.

gendoc · « **Reply #15 on:** February 10, 2012, 02:40:02 PM »

if ya make'n $$ from them critters, they mite bea touch-too-much in tha exit dept.

but if ya kill'um like i do, for varmit control.........tha quicker they fall still, tha better

mechanic · « **Reply #16 on:** February 10, 2012, 03:34:20 PM »

From my point of view, I would like to use a 50 bmg. Other than that, use whatever kills them!

Ben

ratdog · « **Reply #17 on:** February 10, 2012, 10:20:07 PM »

i had never seen a bullet key hole till i shot a 62's grn hp's in my handi 1-9 twist. my ar's like them 1/4'' groups or better.have a223 shorty handy with 1-10 1/2 twist ill will have try it shoots 45 grain hornet bullets real good.

petemi · « **Reply #18 on:** February 11, 2012, 12:50:35 AM »

Quote from: quickdtoo on February 10, 2012, 01:38:26 PM

Quote from: petemi on February 10, 2012, 01:32:56 PM
tacklebury, that's a sweet looking carbine. It's set up about the same as my .32-30 and Maxi.

Pete

Is that 32-30 sumpin new yer keepin secret???

Tim

Dahhhh. I fixed it.

Pete

bikerbeans · « **Reply #19 on:** February 11, 2012, 04:07:30 AM »

As long as your weapon of choice is legal I say just shoot them as there are way too many of these pests for my liking.

BB

GWC · « **Reply #20 on:** February 11, 2012, 07:00:14 AM »

Those 64gr, PP are one of the best kept secrets for .223. Seem to shoot well in most everything ,do the job on deer/hogs on down to sage rats and are fairly economical when compareds to other fodder available. I say go for 'em and don't look back.

TopperT · « **Reply #21 on:** February 11, 2012, 08:19:13 AM »

Much appreciated comment. They REALLY do shoot great!!!! Just darn hard to find. Your right on cost too when compaired to some of the high priced spread!:) I picked up 5 boxes (all they had) at a shop for $16.00 per. Costs more then Remmy .55's by $6.00 but.........for the accuracy I am getting with them cost is secondary, at least for hunting. I leave in the AM for the Allagash (Maine, far far north woods) and I am looking forward to posting a "positive Coyote"

report upon return. Thanks again for all the comments and advice Jim.

Wyo. Coyote Hunter · « **Reply #22 on:** February 11, 2012, 09:26:38 AM »

Midway usually has these in bulk..bought 500,,, years ago when every thing was cheaper, but still have a bunch left...

MSP Ret · « **Reply #23 on:** February 16, 2012, 10:41:07 AM »

Quote from: TopperT on February 09, 2012, 03:59:49 PM

I have my H&R tuned in and producing nice groups out to 200 yards. Next week, I will be Coyote hunting up in the Allagash of Maine over baits with shots between 125 and 200 yards.

I have settled currently on the 64 grain load as it shoots very nicely from my rifle. BUT........now I am wondering if this load is over-kill and will tend to mess up pelts (assuming I get a shot).

Having never tried this type of hunting before, and this being is my first .223, any solid advice is greatly appreciated.

NO buddy, they will not be too much for a coyote. I hunt coyotes along the Golden road with anything from a .22 Mag to a .223 and a buddy from Millinocket very successfully uses a .35 Remington with 125 grain bullets out of a Marlin 336, his deer and bear gun. He also has a .22 Mag H&R which he uses occasionally. What is most important is that the ammo shoots accurately of out your gun. You are GTG with that ammo and have a great hunt. Be sure to post about it when you return....<><....