243 Rifle for Coyote

MountainM · #1 02-12-2016, 05:43 PM

Looking at buying a new rifle for Coyote. I was thinking a BAR in 243 as we are often shooting at running dogs (pushing blocks). But open to other suggestions!

Cowtown guy · #2 02-12-2016, 06:00 PM

Be careful with your bullet choices if you don't want to sew.

catnthehat · #3 02-12-2016, 06:08 PM

Semi auto? Get a Ruger Ranch Rifle in .223
Cat

Albertabowhunter · #4 02-12-2016, 06:16 PM

id suggest .223 or .204.

old dog · #5 02-12-2016, 06:39 PM

I use a 243 browning a-bolt. 55 grain federal works great

Cowtown guy · #6 02-12-2016, 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by old dog

I use a 243 browning a-bolt. 55 grain federal works great

I've also used 55 grain ballistic tips in my 243. They left a big bloody hole for me.

J0HN_R1 · #7 02-13-2016, 09:54 PM

I'm still trying to get my first with 90gr FMJ BT pills in my .243...

Should pass thru with little to no expansion. Pencil hole in, pencil hole out.

catnthehat · #8 02-13-2016, 09:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J0HN_R1

I'm still trying to get my first with 90gr FMJ BT pills in my .243...

Should pass thru with little to no expansion. Pencil hole in, pencil hole out.

Unless it tumbles, which is why I quit using FMJ's in the .223.

They do work well if the don't turn!
Cat

Bergerboy · #9 02-13-2016, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J0HN_R1

I'm still trying to get my first with 90gr FMJ BT pills in my .243...

Should pass thru with little to no expansion. Pencil hole in, pencil hole out.

Holes will be small. That dog will run a long time before it drops.

berta-04 · #10 02-14-2016, 12:51 AM

Yup you should use a cannon for those things kill as many as we can

densa44 · #11 02-14-2016, 05:21 AM

Wife uses a .204 and it is a very fine caliber. I have a .223 and a .243. I don't save the pelts.

The .243 with a 55 gr. Nosler bullet will reach out to 500 yards and still pack a wallop.

Suit your self.

Oh if you don't reload, I'd say a .223 but the quality of the factory ammo varies a lot. If you fine a cartridge that your rifle likes, I'd stock up.

chironomidkraut · #12 02-14-2016, 08:40 AM

58gr hornady superformance varmint, dropped every yote in its trax, small entrance hole and never exited yet, all about shot placement

RBI · #13 02-14-2016, 10:24 AM

I can certainly tell ya that if you are looking of pelts . a 7-08 with a 139 gr Hornady interloc is not what you want to use .

On the other hand , if you want a 3 " exit hole , and a very instant dead yote , they work just fine.

( bad day deer hunting )

ForwardBias · #14 02-14-2016, 11:10 AM

Could get a semi in 223. Little cheaper to feed, easier on fur, and the ear drums.

Natek · #15 02-14-2016, 12:02 PM

I think .243 is a great choice because if your predator hunting during deer season and a record book whitetail walks out you don't have to contemplate making an illegal shot with a .223 haha. You can use the same grain bullets so shouldn't cause that much worse damage. Also if you ever decide to hunt wolves the .243 is the better choice.

bigdogdv · #16 02-14-2016, 10:51 PM

243 with a light bullet will work but you have to hit the ribs or your pelt is toast. My favourite is the 22-250 as it's more forgiving and still packs the energy to knock em down out past 300-400.

Jameson340 · #17 02-15-2016, 07:38 AM

way to big for Coyote. 22-250 is on the fast side, coming from a guy who's getting tried of stitching fur. I'd run a 223.

Salavee · #18 02-15-2016, 02:45 PM

Before you decide on a caliber or cartridge, first decide if you want to be in the fur business, or if you just want to shoot Coyotes.
If it's fur you want, you're choices in calibers and bullets are limited. Otherwise, any hunting rifle/bullet combo you have will do. Coyotes make for some excellent field and LR shooting practice.
From what I have experienced, unless you get a good number of saleable pelts, shooting for fur $$$ can be less than cost-effective. Either way, have fun !

Albertaguide · #19 02-15-2016, 02:55 PM

I shoot a 243 win exclusively for coyotes. I handload Barnes 62gr varmint grenades for a muzzle velocity of 3614fps. The only time I end up with excessive exit wounds are if I hit a bit far back. Any shot into the chest cavity rarely exit and if they do its never been bigger than 1 1/2" to 2". At ranges beyond 100yds it's tough to even find the entrance. Never had a runner

Albertaguide · #20 02-15-2016, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bergerboy

Holes will be small. That dog will run a long time before it drops.

X2. I'm not 100% sure using FMJ is legal on game

catnthehat · #21 02-15-2016, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Albertaguide

X2. I'm not 100% sure using FMJ is legal on game

You can use FMJ's on varmints just not on big game
Cat

J0HN_R1 · #22 02-15-2016, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Albertaguide

X2. I'm not 100% sure using FMJ is legal on game

Coyotes are NOT "game", they're "varmint"...

overhere · #23 02-15-2016, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Albertaguide

I shoot a 243 win exclusively for coyotes. I handload Barnes 62gr varmint grenades for a muzzle velocity of 3614fps. The only time I end up with excessive exit wounds are if I hit a bit far back. Any shot into the chest cavity rarely exit and if they do its never been bigger than 1 1/2" to 2". At ranges beyond 100yds it's tough to even find the entrance. Never had a runner

I shoot the same as well .....don't do head shots .....big exit holes .......but chest is perfect

honda610 · #24 02-15-2016, 10:03 PM

I have been using a 700 remington in .243 with a 4x12 vx1. I took 2 coyotes today one at 200 broadside and one running dead away with 80 gr ballistic tips. Bang flop. Oh yah the fur was toast. Great combo. But like they say not fur friendly.

7mmremmag · #25 02-16-2016, 08:03 AM

I shoot a 243 with 58gr V-Max's. Head on shots the bullets dont exit, broad side it leave about a 3/4" exit.

Xbolt7mm · #26 02-16-2016, 10:46 AM

Should be perfect, that round will take any game in North America with a great bullet and a well placed shot

Albertaguide · #27 02-17-2016, 05:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J0HN_R1

Coyotes are NOT "game", they're "varmint"...

Thanks for the clarification. But regardless of the classification I don't believe fmjs are an appropriate bullet for hunting. They were designed for target and or wounding enemy combatants. I think even varmints deserve a clean kill. Just my opinion.

Xbolt7mm · #28 02-17-2016, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Albertaguide

Thanks for the clarification. But regardless of the classification I don't believe fmjs are an appropriate bullet for hunting. They were designed for target and or wounding enemy combatants. I think even varmints deserve a clean kill. Just my opinion.

^^^^my opinion too

J0HN_R1 · #29 02-17-2016, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Albertaguide

Thanks for the clarification. But regardless of the classification I don't believe fmjs are an appropriate bullet for hunting.

They were designed for target and or wounding enemy combatants. I think even varmints deserve a clean kill. Just my opinion.

Thanks for your opinion. Not that it matters to me what you think...

...Did I say that out loud ?

hayseed · #30 02-17-2016, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Albertaguide

Thanks for the clarification. But regardless of the classification I don't believe fmjs are an appropriate bullet for hunting. They were designed for target and or wounding enemy combatants. I think even varmints deserve a clean kill. Just my opinion.

Yep for sure as you walk out and watch a couple of em eatin the rear end of a live calf or cow that just calved....

Don't care how long them bastards lay there and die, as long as they do...