I mostly hunt coyotes alone, but I always have 2 guns. The primary, a rifle chambered in .204 or .223 depending on location, and I take a 18" barreled 20 gauge for when the bastards sneak up behind you. I keep that handy while walking in and out. It's loaded with Federal 3" 2 buck. If I was limited to a 2-3/4" shell I would choose 3 buck.
I've been hunting coyotes a long time. And while my methods, tactics and equipment may seem unorthodox, they work for me.
If you are in an area where stray pellets might be an issue, good results can be had with turkey loads using 2 or 4 shot Keep in mind this limits your range a great deal though. Coyotes are pretty tough critters.
Pelt damage and safety of the residents in the area is what should determine your choice of ammunition. The .204 is always fur friendly. The .223 can mess them up a bit. A .22-250 or .220 Swift will just make a mess. The buck doesn't mess them up too bad, but at close range any shotshell gets ugly.
I've been hunting coyotes a long time. And while my methods, tactics and equipment may seem unorthodox, they work for me.
If you are in an area where stray pellets might be an issue, good results can be had with turkey loads using 2 or 4 shot Keep in mind this limits your range a great deal though. Coyotes are pretty tough critters.
Pelt damage and safety of the residents in the area is what should determine your choice of ammunition. The .204 is always fur friendly. The .223 can mess them up a bit. A .22-250 or .220 Swift will just make a mess. The buck doesn't mess them up too bad, but at close range any shotshell gets ugly.
