the 243 is a great coyote rifle but it will do some pelt damage as will any rifle except maybe the 223 or the 17rem.if your looking to save pelts go with a 80 or 100 grain bullet.the 55 grainers are traveling to fast and explode on impact creating a large entrance and somtimes large exit wound.use a bullet intended for larger game such as deer.the bullet will pass thru a coyote before full expantion occurs,leaving two holes(entrance and exit)but both holes will be smaller.and if you roll your own,slow them down a bit for even less pelt damage.this year i,m trying the 95 grain nossler-winchester silver tip slowed down to around 2700 fps.this bullet if put on the shoulder bone will cause extensive pelt damage so shot placement will be critical.i always had good luck with the sierra 80 grain p.s.p. slowed down to around 2850 to 2900 fps.this load will create a sizable hole depending on where you hit it and is way to much for fox.avoid all hollow points,expecialy in the lighter grained bullets.regardless of what load is used in a 243, if there hit at under 100 yards theres going to be pelt damage.try to keep shots at 200 yards or better.

Edited by - coyoteseeker on 12/09/2002 16:23:15

Edited by - coyoteseeker on 12/15/2002 17:51:43