Want to save coyote hide...what caliber?

[jrsower]

I'm planning on trying to take a coyote soon and want to know what I need to hunt them with.

Being primarily a deer/bear hunter most everything I have will be too much gun. 30-30, 45-70, 44 Mag, etc.

I do have a .243 but read in a couple other posts that it would probably damage the hide too much.

Do I need to look for another gun?

I definitely want to save the hide.

Another question: how far out am I likely to shoot one? If it's way out then do I need something other than say a .17 HMR? I have little experience with lighter calibers so any advice is good advice.

[Shotgun Mike]

.222, 223, .22/250? you could use the .243 and only take head shots but ts a bit risky especially if the bullet goes in low etc.

[johnch]

I use a 223 or the 12 gau with #2 hevi shot

[castman]

The guns you mentioned shooting hard cast bullets will only leave a caliber sized hole in the coyote, if in doubt as to if your bullets are hard enough to not expand, barnes makes solids now for the exact purpose your looking for, in all calibers from 22 to 458. My 44 shows absolutly no expansion shooting into a 15 inch thick railroad tie with 19gr H110 behind 300gr gas check homecast wheelweight bullet. Coyotes aren't quite as tough as railroad ties so youll be ok even if you drop to a smaller bullet shooting faster.

[dead_eye]

Umm a 220 swift would get-r-done. but ive heard good things about that new 204 ruger too.

[ELKINMTCWB]

I am totaly with CAST its not the gun that dose the damage it is the new expanding bulets. the big bulets leave a pincel size hole in them. I shoot 10 to 12 dogs a year with my 300 win every year during elk hunting.I have NOT ever hade to sew one of them up.I can not say that for my 223/222/or my 22-250

[Weasel]

I shoot 85 grain Sierra HP out of my 243 Win. At very close range, they are generally pretty devastating. If you shoot them out at 85+ yards sometimes you won't even have an exit wound.
Here is one I shot at 85 yards and didn't ruin the hide at all.

This photo is of the off side too!

[Night Hawk 223]

well sounds like you got some good advice. but if you use the 45-70 you will not have to track them!

[skhunter]

I shoot coyotes over bait at about 250 yds. I use a 220swift and reload 55gr Hornady SXSP bullets, if you hit them in the shoulder there is no exit wound. I have also used my 300win with 180gr Sierra match bullets, if you hit them in the shoulder they go down on the spot with no pelt damage. I am trying to find a load for my 6mm rem but haven't had much luck yet. Most fur buyers don't like them shot in the head as it makes them hard to stretch.

[deerslayer223]

Skhunter look into the 55gr Nosler BT.