Best caliber for Iowa coyotes?

M

Moyer

New member
I have several ideas.

.17, .22mag, .22-250, .223, maybe the new .204?

I would love to use a 22mag but I'm not sure what the effective range would be, maybe 100 yrds max? It would be nice because I could also use it on squirrels, rabbits, raccoons, and fox too. I'd really like to have a Ruger 10/22 mag.

Rifles are not legal for deer in Iowa, so as far as I know, all they're used for around here are coyotes and fox.

I think the .22-250 would be my choice for longer ranges. I think around here I could see shots out to 300yrds pretty often.

I'm still not sure about the .17

What do you all think?
 
What part of Iowa are you from?? I live in Cedar rapids. After alot of research about the best gun for my hunting here in Iowa I decided on a Savage BVSS 223. I found that everyone will have there favorite caliber, but since I don't think I will ever need to take a shot over 250-300 yards, I think the 223 is in my opinion the right gun to buy. I have friends who shoot 22-250's but I didn't reel I need that much range. A couple of guys around are also using the seveteens and seem to really like them, they say a 150 yard shot is well inside the guns range. Have fun deciding on the ride gun, then you can decide on the right manufacturer.
 
Just my opinion:

I've shot most of the calibers you mention, on game. All are fine within their range and power. I would not personally shoot a coyote with a .17 HMR or .22mag unless it was very close and I had a good head shot. (Here comes the flaming can of worms!)

For up to 300 yards, I personally use a .223. The .22-250 is a great flat shooting caliber, but might be a bit tough on fox fur, although you could down load it a bit for less punch. Even a .223 can be tough on the thin fox hide.

Fact is, there is no one perfect caliber for rabbits through large coyotes, from 10-300 yards. The good part is, we "have to" acquire multiple firearms to hunt all these critters.

While hunting coyotes or fox, I'll head out with the AR15 and with a .22 pistol on my hip. The AR for coyotes and fox, the Walther P22 for bunnies and squirrels on the way out from a stand.

Maybe a Savage .223/12 gauge o/u would suit your purposes? Good luck in your search.
 
Just about all of my shots are under 400 yds. I like the .204 , it drops a lot after 300 or more yards, less chance of going too far. The V-Max will explode if it hits something, less chance of a bullet continueing on after the first contact, especially in a high populated area. The .20 is nice one way, it shoots so flat I don't have to judge the distance, except to see if it is in range. I am looking into using a different bullet to see if it holds up better once in the skin. The .223 and 22-250 work very good with the right bullet.T.20
 
For me, rimfires would be out. Not enough horsepower and they cannot be reloaded. The .223 or .22-250, rifles are easy to find and easy to get ammo for even if you don't reload. I shoot a .223 and reload. Just remember that what ever you get you can always up grade or down size depending on how "you" hunt.
 
Dont underestimate the .17 Rem.Had one since the 70s Ive killed coyotes ,fox, coon,woodchuck,pidgeons,crows,and some stuff I aint gona mention.Some at a hell of a distance(witnessed)..223 is still the cheapest to shoot
 
Just to be clear, I won't have to use it to shoot rabbits and other small game, but it would be nice. I'm really liking the idea of carying a .22 pistol along with a high-power. Why didn't I think of that?

Also, I don't reload.

As far as pelt damage, I'm not looking to blow anything to pieces, but I'd much rather put the animal down for good than try to track a running coyote.

I don't have any experience shooting cenerfires so I would think a flat trajectory would be in my best interest, but I may be wrong.
 
I am all about the 22 250. It will get the job done as far as your knowledge on ballistics will allow. A .22 mag is a hell of a gun to have for small stuff at small stuff range, but past 150 yds you just don't have coyote power anymore. It can be done, but you shouldn't count on doing it. 223 shells are everywhere which is nice but the 22 250 is a better gun. The 17 doesn't have anything the 22 mag doesn't, I wouldn't even consider it for your "coyote gun." The 22 250 I shoot is a ruger number one with a stainless bull barrel. Its a beauty and prints on targets. I killed two deer and a pile of dogs with it this year. It'll treat ye right no matter what state you live in.
 
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