Choosing the Best Caliber for Coyote Hunting: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you an avid coyote hunter searching for the perfect caliber to maximize your success in the field? Look no further. In this guide, we'll explore the best caliber options for hunting coyotes, considering their behavior, shooting distances, and bullet performance. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or a beginner, understanding the ideal caliber for coyote hunting can significantly impact your hunting experience. Let's dive in!

1. .223 Remington: The .223 Remington has long been a popular choice for coyote hunting. Known for its flat trajectory and versatility, this caliber offers excellent accuracy and manageable recoil. Its lightweight bullets, typically around 55 grains, provide exceptional velocity and expansion for optimal terminal performance. With the right shot placement, the .223 Remington is highly effective within moderate ranges, making it a top choice for coyote hunters.
2. .22-250 Remington: The .22-250 Remington is a high-velocity caliber that excels at longer ranges. It offers superior accuracy and devastating terminal ballistics, making it an excellent choice for hunters targeting coyotes at extended distances. The .22-250 Remington is typically loaded with lightweight bullets ranging from 50 to 55 grains, ensuring explosive expansion upon impact while maintaining trajectory stability.
3. .243 Winchester: If you prefer a slightly larger caliber, the .243 Winchester is an exceptional option for coyote hunting. This versatile cartridge offers a broader range of bullet weights, typically between 55 and 85 grains, allowing hunters to customize their ammunition based on their specific hunting needs. With its flatter trajectory and ample energy transfer, the .243 Winchester delivers reliable performance for coyote hunters pursuing medium to longer-range shots.
4. 6.5 Grendel: The 6.5 Grendel has gained popularity in recent years as a versatile and accurate caliber. Originally designed for the AR-15 platform, it provides excellent long-range performance with manageable recoil. With bullet weights ranging from 90 to 130 grains, the 6.5 Grendel offers exceptional downrange energy and minimal bullet drop, making it a reliable choice for coyote hunters aiming for precision and consistency.
5. Other Options: There are clearly a wide variety of calibers you could choose when hunting coyotes, depending on rifle platform, distance, etc. Two other popular calibers we wanted to highlight are 300 Blackout and 6.5 Creedmoor. With 300 Blackout, the limiting factor is going to be the range of the projectile, devastating impact at shots 100 yards and closer, but falls short if you need to make longer shots. Other benefits to 300 Blackout are shooting subsonic rounds suppressed to not scare animals in the region of where you are shooting. 6.5 Creedmoor is another great option, especially if you need to make longer shots. With a useful range out to a mile, there's not much out of your reach with this 6.5 CM, now, you likely do not need a 6.5mm projectile to take down a coyote, but who said you have to be practical?

Conclusion:

When it comes to coyote hunting, choosing the right caliber is crucial for success in the field. The .223 Remington, .22-250 Remington, .243 Winchester, and 6.5 Grendel are among the top choices for hunters seeking optimal performance at various distances. Remember to consider factors such as shooting range, bullet performance, and personal shooting preferences when making your decision. In conclusion, each of the mentioned calibers has its strengths, but ultimately, the "best" caliber for coyote hunting depends on your specific requirements and shooting style. Take time to practice and familiarize yourself with your chosen caliber, ensuring accurate shot placement and ethical hunting practices. Remember, always abide by local laws and regulations regarding caliber restrictions for coyote hunting. Happy hunting!