Is a .223 enough for a Coyote?

[MinnesotaMuskie]

I have never hunted coyotes before. But, they are becoming pretty brazen at my inlaws farm.

I need to buy a predator rifle. Is a .223 enought to use on a coyote? Could I use this if I ever get an opportunity to go to SD after Prairie Dogs?

[poutpro]

.223 is plenty enough for a coyote and will work good for prairie dogs. I have shot a few coyotes with my new savage .223, and I dropped them dead in their tracks. Another good option would be a .243 because it can be used for deer also. The problem with this is that it leaves a little bigger hole in the hide if you want to save it, and the shells are much more expensive. You can get REMAN .223 shells for about $5 a box if you are going to go and shoot prairie dogs. You'll probably use 2 or 3 boxes in SD for them.

[MinnesotaMuskie]

Thanks Poutpro...I looked at a used one in Gander yesterday. My inlaws have land near Hoffman...do you ever hunt over there?

[Rost]

Not only is the .223 good enough for coyotes, it is probably the most popular gun for predator hunting. Atleast, most of the guys I know shoot one.

[lawdog]

Absolutely yes for both. I've shot hundreds of prairie dogs with my .223 and its a very good Coyote gun too. 22-250 is a little better shell, but MUCH more expensive to shoot.

[kc0myy]

is long rifle .22 enough for yotes??? I heard it is and I have heard it is too small.

[MinnesotaMuskie]

If anyone wants a rookie to tag along on a coyote or prairie dog hunt...keep me in mind.

I also have lots of land to hunt coyotes west of Alex.

[Rost]

A .22 will no doubt kill a coyote, but certainly would be a poor choice for a coyote gun. First, you'd have to get that coyote pretty darn close to be within range. Secondly, the velocity of your bullet is not enough really knock a coyote down. The speed and weight of your bullet creates "shock". This is what piles an animal up. There are many good calibers out there....204, 220 Swift, .222, .223, 22-250, .243, but I'd stay away from a .22

[wheelierida]

I just got a .17hmr, would this work?

[Muddog]

With the .17HMR i think it would be a matter of penetration. Those little bullets come apart fast.

I would rather use a .22 Hornet for a minimum.

A 65gr out of a .223rem? Fire away! I think the AR 15 is the top pick for yotes. If you have 4 come in and you have a Ruger No 1 in .3006 your under guned. The same gos for the T/C.

You don't want to teach them, you want them dead!

Know this can be some seriously fun shooting!

[zelek]

What do you guys think about a .17 Rem for coyote? I've heard it works extremely well with a little 25 gr bullet.

[FlyingV]

I use a .17 Remington. Kills coyotes out to 300 yards. You might get a runner once in while. They are tough animals.

Reloading is your best bet for accuracy and bullet selection. There are not many factory loads to choose from but the Remington loads work good. If you reload, use the 30 grain bullets for more knockdown power on coyotes.