My opinion is, it's more gun than needed, and yes the pelt damage would be greater than necassary, although I believe you could use a heavier bullet, one suited for big game, and the pelt damage would be minumul, do to the heavier bullet not expanding so violantly due to the smaller bones of the coyote. I know one guy that shoots his .300 win. mag. for everything, including coyotes, and damage is not near what you would believe, again due to the heavy bullets aren't designed for the smaller critters. Effective, OH YES, but I don't like to pay for anymore bullet than is needed, to dispatch a coyote. I say, use what ya got, most calibers will do the job, and if ya can shoot it good, well that's that much better.