Varmit Cartridge
 

So I was talking with a land owner that allows me to deer and squirrel hunt on his land. Apparently "something" got a lamb. We both think coyote but not one hundred percent sure what cartridge to take. I've always used my 270 for deer and coyotes. Sometimes also using the trusty ole 22 mag for coyotes. I have lever action rifles in 357 and 44mag. I have a 17 hmr that I use mainly for squirrels and ground hogs. I have access to a 243 and a 17 Remington through family members. But I'm hesitant to borrow. I'm thinking a fairly short set up if I can UNDER 200 yds. So any help will be appreciated. We're looking pretty much at coyotes and ground hogs because the property seems to be over run with both.

First, check your hunting rules and regulations to see what calibers and actions are allowed.

I would use a .22 cal for the groundhogs as long as it is allowed since it sounds like there are many of them (cheaper ammo). if you are looking at close shots (under 125 to 150 yards) for the coyote, I like the .357 mag option with the proper ammo for downrange performance. Can you legally shoot groundhogs with .38 Special?

what part of the country are you in? could it be a cougar,wolf,bear,bobcat lynx?????? If you don't have cougars there, you could just use what you normally use!!!!! good luck!!

I would use your .270 with Hornady's V-max bullets.

You're good to go then !!!

Your 22 Mag should do a pretty job at killing most Varmints...the 17 HMR will reach out and get a Coyote if You make a good shot placement,I usually use my Browning Bolt-action .243 Rifle with 100 grain Hornady shells...just bought a CZ-USA Varmint in a .204 Ruger,that will reach out even further to take out Predators and Varmints.My Hunting Partner uses a Ruger 22 Hornet and he recently bought a Taurus Circuit Judge Rifle that uses the 410 shells or the different barrel that shoots either a 44 or 45 bullet?

You can do a little job with a big hammer, but you CANNOT do a big job with a little hammer:cool2:

Well I traded off the 270 for 243. Just less recoil and more what I want. Got some 100gr cheap stuff but i was looking at 55gr stuff to as well as 85

Indy,

I use the 75gr V-max in my .243 and it puts them right down.

Bucks the wind well too !!!

270 on totes, 17 on the prarie dawgz.

I may try that. I bought across the board for this rifle. 55gr, 85gr, 95, and 100. 100s are cheap and I've used them for deer but the others are very intriguing. Goin to the range tomorrow

The trade for the .243 was a good choice Indy...I think You'll really like that Caliber Rifle.As Sheridan mentioned the 75 grainers will probably be good and accurate yet still enough to put down a Deer if legal in Your State...I'm figuring/guessing Your in Indiana? ;)

GTO,

The 75 gr. bullet I was recommending was the Hornady V-max for putting coyotes on the ground.

For deer I like the Hornady SST or interbond, more in the 90 to 100 grain range.

Sorry for the confusion !

No problem.....I use the Hornady Custom shells in 100 grain for Deer and on a few Coyotes too! ;)

I like 68 gr Berger med bullets for shots under 300 yards. Over that I shoot 87gr a-max. Try Varget powder, it shoots real consistent and resists hot cold pressure variations. Reloader 15 is similar.

Make it a challenge USE THE SHOTGUN.........and HeviShot
Dead Coyote....that will get your blood pumping for sure.

My .243 absolutely loves 70 gr nosler ballistic tips loaded by federal. Just sayin'

Just use the 270 with whatever bullet is accurate, i mean it's a coyote, come on? Unless your saving the pelt, it shouldn't be a hard choice.