RE: coyote gun
 

.223 is all you'll ever need.

The .17 caliber will blow off target with a 10 mph breeze much easier than the .223

RE: coyote gun
 

Why just 17 hmr or .223? There are many calibers out there. I own a Ruger 10/17 grey laminated chambered in .17 HMR. The ground squirrels, rabbits, and other small varmints are targeted with it. I have even taken many badgers with this round. But for coyotes, you need to step up the caliber. Personally, I use the .308 round, which many can consider too big, but I find it appropriate for accuracy, knockdown, and reliable trajectory. Some people I know around where I am at use .223, 22-250, .220 Swift, .243, 30/30(lever action for close encounters), and even .338( that would be me a 400 yard plus shots). I really depends if you are up to the hunt. My piece of advice, do not use the .17 HMR, and don't just rely on the .223 beeacuse it is cheap ammo. That is not a wise decision on a long term investment. Choose on what you would be comfortable on, your experience and markmanship, and whether your pocket book allows you to have options.

RE: coyote gun
 

.222 remington...Sweet little gun

RE: coyote gun
 

I think .223 is a bit on the light side for hearty coyotes at over 150 yards. I suggest 22-250 or .243. Those calibers should give you a bang-flop every time.Try aTikka T3 in 22-250 and you will never look at another Remington again. (That ought to raise some back hairs...LOL)

RE: coyote gun
 

Most any centerfire .22 caliber rifle will work fine. Anything shooting a 50 gr. or larger bullet will usually result in a quick clean kill, with the animal just going limp and falling to the ground.

Practice is the key. Get a gunthat fits youwell (because you'll have to sit with it aimed for long periods of time)with a good scope, and in a caliber you can afford to shoot. It doesn't do any good to get a new XYZ whizbangmagnum if shells are $20/box and you can't afford to practice enough to ever become a decent shot. I've got a .223, and I got it for that reason. I can afford to go out and target shoot frequently, and as a result I'm a decent shot with it. Its ballistics don't graph out as nicely as some of the other guns, but I haven't ever felt under-gunned when taking it out in the field. With a decent sized bullet, I have never lost an animal with a decent shot.

RE: coyote gun
 

My go-to coyote gun used to be a Remington 700 ADL in 223. I had 2 bad experiences with it while calling coyotes, and I started to lean towards a bigger gun. This was mainly due to a bad choice in ammo selection. I was loading Nosler 40gr BTs to max load, and I shot 2 coyotes right behind the shoulder that I end up having to blood trail almost a half mile before catching up to them and finishing them off. The problem was the bullet was hitting the shoulder blade and blowing up, causing a massive flesh wound. I did, however, kill many coyotes with the 50gr Hornaday VMax and Speer 52gr TNT HP.

The 223 will make a dandy coyote gun, but your range will be a little more limited. Now I use a 243, and I don't know if I will ever switch back to a 223. I have been eyeballing a few 22-250s tho.....

RE: coyote gun
 

.22-250 savage is what i use, .223 casings are a good bit smaller so i use it for groundhog

RE: coyote gun
 

I've herd the 17 are a little on the small side for yotes and there knock down power is a little iffy around 100 yards. any of the 22 will do the job. i am gonna use a 223. large selection and cheap too. also though about trying a scatter gun.

RE: coyote gun
 

i would get a .22 WMR or a .22-250, THEY ARE FREAKING ACCURATE, otherwise i would use a 6mm