Shot-gunning for coyotes. Ammo selection.
 

While looking for coyotes, or road hunting, I usually only use a shotgun. Using a rifle can be dangerous. I have used turkey-load and turkey choke with great success. This winter I am going to switch to Buckshot. I bought 2 boxes of 12 ga, 3" 00 Buck (15 pellets). I am not very familiar with buck shot. Did I make a good choice? What is the max effective range, 50 yards?

12 gauge 3" OO buck shot will definately do the trick, however you are going to need a sewing kit if you were thinking about selling the pelts.



Why not use a rifle for the "open country" shots ?

4buck does the trick. NOT 4 shot 4buck dont get those confused

I do carry my AR-15 in my truck, but I am road hunting. Some people get pretty bitter about shooting a rifle from the road. Which, is illegal. Usually, when road hunting, I will go into the field before I shoot, making it legal. We can shoot shotgun from across public roads as long as it is not a slug. So, I must use pellets. BTW, I don't keep the furs. We have an over population of coyotes. Kill a cat or coyote, save uncountable amounts of pheasants, turkeys, and deer. They are worth like $5 anyways. I was just wondering if there was a better pellet size/choke combo.

nick,
I think they get upset about shooting from the road because in some states it is illegal. But I do just about the same thing, ya kill more if you have the guns with you at all times.

Yeah, I realize that. That is why I rock it with a shotgun.

I'll second the #4 buck. If it is legal where you hunt it is a devastating load. 00 B will work, but with less effective range and more pelt damage.

Biggest problem with 00 buck is at longer range there are more holes between pellets, and will result in fewer hits. IMO, 4 buck is the better choice.

Shot Gun Coyotes
 

This year I have gone strictly shotgun... Think Im crazy... yep... I have drastically cut my trigger time.. but the sense of accomplishment I get, makes it worth it...

I shot this guy the other evening right before dark at 68 yards, checked with a Laser Range finder, with 2 3/4" Estate 4 buck, 27 pellets... and a Kicks Howler Choke Tube... It is what patterns best for me... at 40 yards, I can put all 27 in a 30" circle...

Now 68 yards I normally dont like, anything over 40 I have never tested... but he was about to cut my wind, and it was now or never... like Bob Seger says, "Know when to hold them, and when to try the hail marry...."

Howler, you have to show me how to run the contest for next year... I have really missed the friends I have met on here... #40 how have you been doing..

Take care guys and be safe,

Mike

12 gauge...3 and 1/2 in...Copper Plated BBs