Would a 243 be a bad gun to sue if i wanted to save the pelts off coyotes?

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I have used Barnes X bullets, both 85 and 95 grain, with pretty good success on coyotes. They will, of course, shoot clear through them - even end-for-end; but generally leave a small exit hole that can be closed up with a couple of stiches.

First off, I don't own a .243, and I have no intention to do so, I just felt compelled to add numbers to the end of my name. younggun243.
Catchy,huh?

Anyway, just shoot the coyotes in the head. I saw a photo of a kid that shot a wolf in the face with a .50 cal. muzzleloader, and there was just a hole the size of the bullet. If you shoot the coyotes in the head, you shouldn't have a problem.

alright thanks

bigdeernofear,

I have used the 243 on coyotes before, with no intention of saving the pelts, they were becoming a nuisance and needed thining. That said, the pelts recieve a lot of damage, of course I was using 100 gr bullets. The best I have ever seen was a 223 and a 30-06, both using military surplus ammunition. The metal jackets (as we call them), just punched a clean hole with very limited damage. There is a down side, these bullets do not explode and can go far, so as always, know where you're shooting and what's on the other side.

dog1

I use a 243, and a 260. Both with Barnes target solids, somtimes. They don't do much pelt damage if I shoot them in the chest. A couple of times I've hit shoulder and the head and did a lot of damage on exit.

Just about any centerfire rifle cartridge is going to blow a coyote up (depending on the range). The smaller the hole the better (.17) and the less likely it is to overpenetrate (.22 mag, .221, .17) the better.

That being said: the .243 is the highest powered "varmint" cartrige out there. If your concerned about penetration, there are better choices IMO like the 223, 222, 22-250, etc.

The strength of the .243 comes from it's versatility and flat shooting. It's able to do everything from deer size down. If you want strictly coyotes I think a .22-250, .223, .204,.220 etc... woulddo better for you.

i wanted a 22-250 but they are alot of money

Not really. You can get a cheap .22-250 in the Remington 700 SPS. they are only about $400. The Howa 1500 Lightning is only $300 and it's the same as the Weatherby Vanguard.