7mm08 for coyotes?

J Gilbert

New member
So I'm considering getting started in coyote hunting, and here in Georgia I've only got one spot that could present a true long shot (300+ yards). I've got a Remington Model 7 in 7mm08 with a 2-7x32 Nikon Monarch that I'm thinking about using to get started (it's this or my Prohunter 300 Win Mag). A lot of sets will be more or less shotgun only, but for the times in the field until I can afford something more proper, I will probably be using the 7mm08. Any comments or suggestions for ammo, I'm using the 140gr. Federal Fusions in it for deer and can switch (or not) if there will be any difference.

My main reason for doing this is to have some fun and get rid of a few predators in my area, hoping it'll help the turkey and quail numbers over time possibly.

Let me know what you think
 
A 120 TSX will most likely pencil through with less fur damage than the Fusion, if that is of concern.

That is what I run for deer in my 7-08 right now....
 
That's what I've considered transitioning to for deer as well actually. I'm not concerned with pelts, they don't look great in Georgia for the most part anyway, and in the future I'm thinking about either a 204 or 243 to set up for more distance.

At this time I've only got one spot where the 7mm08 won't give enough distance, but in this spot I could easily shoot to 400 yards if I wanted to, and I'm honestly thinking the rifle won't be used a ton where I currently hunt anyway
 
Originally Posted By: J Gilbert At this time I've only got one spot where the 7mm08 won't give enough distance,
How far are you shooting? The 7mm-08 will do 1000 yards around here fine. Maybe you live on a magnet that just sucks the bullets out of the air.
 
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Should've worded my response a little differently.. I know what the round is capable of distance wise in the right setup, but from a light barreled rifle with a 2-7x32 Nikon and factory ammo, I don't expect to shoot it out past 250 yards. The real limiting factor is the scope, but it's not going anywhere, as this is my close quarters deer rifle, and it's been very good to me in the current configuration.

Without getting a scope with some sort of turret system or special reticle, 250 is probably my realistic max since I don't want to try the "Kentucky windage" technique.
 
Understood.

Knowing your limitations is part of being a good hunter. Besides, you can always use your 300 WM if you need to air it out a bit more.

I'd just use your 7-08 as is and have fun. It will get the job done on yotes as far as you are capable of taking one. It has long been a favorite cartridge of mine.....
 
I have two 7mm-08 loads for hunting yote's. I started with the hornday Vmax 120gr, these devistate and destory and heap a dog in a hurry, but your not going to see much of a pelt in the end, in one phrase bloody mess. Then I switched to the nosler 120 gr balistic tip. Puts a dog down just as quick with less mess and if you choose to save the pelt they work just as well... With that said, I run a 140 gr combine technologies balistic tip for deer and have shot yote's with these before and often question why I load a coyote specific round. You should be fine with you set up if you just want to get out and put down some deer killers... Good luck
 
Quote:A 120 TSX will most likely pencil through with less fur damage than the Fusion, if that is of concern.



I think this would be an excellent choice if you are trying to save pelts.

The 7mm-08 even with a pencil barrel is quite capable of making long shots. It's an extremely accurate round even with factory loads. I have shot mine out to 600yds several times using hold over with a 9X scope. That being said- dialing a turret is much better at those distances.

I am getting ready to push my limits at 875yds now.
 
The coyote in my avatar I shot with my 416 Rem mag custom CZ550. It goter done.
I think that for where you hunt the 2-7 scope will work perfect because you will most likely get a lot more under 100 yard shots than over 200 yard shots. I recently put a telescoping bipod on my Savage Edge and it brought the front end weight of the rifle up enough to make the rifle settle in very well for an offhand shot or any shot where I don't have time or view to use the bipod legs.
The 7/08 is a good round.
I have also killed coyote and fox with the 9.3x64 and 308 Win. .
 
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Originally Posted By: J Gilbert.I know what the round is capable of distance wise in the right setup, but from a light barreled rifle with a 2-7x32 Nikon and factory ammo, I don't expect to shoot it out past 250 yards. The real limiting factor is the scope,special reticle, 250 is probably my realistic max since I don't want to try the "Kentucky windage" technique.

Your clarification is helpful and I do agree, going "long" with a 7X max is difficult but you have a fine general purpose hunting rifle and despite what some say about lugging heavy guns around in the field, you won't want the pounds if you're hiking any significant distance. Don
 
Originally Posted By: gumboot458The coyote in my avatar I shot with my 416 Rem mag custom CZ550. It goter done.

I'd certainly think so. On the other hand, the kill was certainly humane. Don
 
It was the only rifle I had with me. It really opened her up. Never saw an animal die faster in my life. 350gr. Speer at over 2500 fps
 
Thanks guys, I feel like I'll do fine with my 7mm08, and I do have the Encore ProHunter in 300WM with Zeiss 4.5-14x44 for when I do hunt the big field. We've got a 20ft box stand that I'll be in at that spot, so the rest is great and anyone that's shot an Encore with heavy barrel knows that all the weight is on the front
 
7mm-08 is a great round. It will do whatever you need, out to the distances you are describing. Barrel weight and length help to steady the shooter, but are not really required to shoot accurately at the distances you describe.
I think I would look at the Hornady 120 gr V-Max's for coyotes, if it were me. Especially if you're not hunting for fur.

re
 
Personally I'd use a more quieter Rifle....! LOL

I Had been using my Browning A-Bolt Hunter in .243 with 100 grain Hornady Custom bullets (use for Deer Hunting also) and was considering dropping down in the grain for flatter shooting at longer distances...instead I bought a CZ 527 "Varmint" .204 using 39 grain Sierra Blitz King bullets and simply love how fast and flat it shoots.

Decided to get another Rifle set up for Predators, went with a Savage Axis XP Camo .223 using Hornady 55 grain V-max bullets.....was also considering the new Savage .223 with the threaded barrel and buying a Supresssor for it but it would take several months of waiting for everything to go thru with all the red tape?


Larger Caliber Rifles can reach out and put a Coyote down,my goal is to get another Coyote to come in or hold up for a Double-Up shot and not scare them off...You'd be surprised at how well a smaller caliber Rifle can perform!
 
I do plan to get something in 243 or 204 eventually, but I feel like the 7mm08 will get it done for me to start out with, especially on uncalled/unpressured land.
 
You'll do just fine with the 7-08.FWIW Late last season I was trying to call in a feral cat.Two deer showed up instead.My deer season had closed by then but if your deer and coyote seasons coincide you might luck out.
 
My first coyote of the season was dropped in its tracks at 30 yards shooting a 7mm-08 with 120 grain Fusions. The exit hole was easily sown up and the bullet had POWDERED the front shoulder it clipped.

I will be getting my 7mm-08 dies for Christmas and will work up some loads with lighter copper bullets so that I can continue to use my 7mm-08 for everything.
 


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