SlickerThanSnot
New member
ireland? like shamrocks, leprechauns, blarney stones, lucky charm cereal? that ireland?
FMJ Rounds For a .243 Win
- Thread starter Sebastian
- Start date
canislatrans54
New member
quote: "1: I want to use FMJ's because I want to save the pelt."
I read where you stated that the reason you are going to use .243 is that you already have access to one. In that case, if you are wanting to save pelts, might I suggest using Hornady 58 grain V-Max ammo.
In years past, when I was still using a .243 (instead of .223), that is the ammo I used. The only time I had any bullet damage to pelts was if I hit a shoulder.
If I did my job & placed the bullet in the heart/lungs where it should be, the entrance hole wasn't any larger than any other .243 round. AND, unless the coyote was shot at "shotgun range", I rarely had an exit hole. But when I did, it wasn't any larger than the entrance.
2: I have already taken a hunter safety course and I try to be careful about those kind of things.
I have to admit that I fail to understand what taking a hunter's safety course has to do with ricocheting bullets.
I wasn't necessarily meaning that you need to know what is beyond your target (which obviously you do).
I was just stating what experiences I had had with FMJs continuing to travel thru the target, & then ricocheting off for who knows how much farther down the line before running out of energy.
A more frangible bullet will loose most, if not all of it's energy in the coyote, as well as break-up or deform much more than FMJs.
I've meant no disrespect in either of my replies to you, sir.
I've given you my opinions, based on my experiences. {19 years of calling coyotes, 41 years of overall coyote hunting; 20 years of deer hunting; 20+ years of small game & upland birds in my younger days.}
But, by NO means, do I even come close to thinking I'm some know-it-all about any topic. I'm realistic enough to admit that there are thousands-to-millions of folks out there who know a heck of a ton more about most topics than I do...including guns & bullets.
So, sir, if you are intent on using those FMJs, then go right ahead.
I've gave you my .13-1/2 cents worth of advice.
Have a great & successful hunt.
I read where you stated that the reason you are going to use .243 is that you already have access to one. In that case, if you are wanting to save pelts, might I suggest using Hornady 58 grain V-Max ammo.
In years past, when I was still using a .243 (instead of .223), that is the ammo I used. The only time I had any bullet damage to pelts was if I hit a shoulder.
If I did my job & placed the bullet in the heart/lungs where it should be, the entrance hole wasn't any larger than any other .243 round. AND, unless the coyote was shot at "shotgun range", I rarely had an exit hole. But when I did, it wasn't any larger than the entrance.
2: I have already taken a hunter safety course and I try to be careful about those kind of things.
I have to admit that I fail to understand what taking a hunter's safety course has to do with ricocheting bullets.
I wasn't necessarily meaning that you need to know what is beyond your target (which obviously you do).
I was just stating what experiences I had had with FMJs continuing to travel thru the target, & then ricocheting off for who knows how much farther down the line before running out of energy.
A more frangible bullet will loose most, if not all of it's energy in the coyote, as well as break-up or deform much more than FMJs.
I've meant no disrespect in either of my replies to you, sir.
I've given you my opinions, based on my experiences. {19 years of calling coyotes, 41 years of overall coyote hunting; 20 years of deer hunting; 20+ years of small game & upland birds in my younger days.}
But, by NO means, do I even come close to thinking I'm some know-it-all about any topic. I'm realistic enough to admit that there are thousands-to-millions of folks out there who know a heck of a ton more about most topics than I do...including guns & bullets.
So, sir, if you are intent on using those FMJs, then go right ahead.
I've gave you my .13-1/2 cents worth of advice.
Have a great & successful hunt.
Winny Fan
New member
Originally Posted By: FurhunterI'd use the 20ga on the cats long before a 243.
I've witnessed the effects of fmj ammo on critters. Believe me... You really want to use an expanding bullet because there's nothing like watching a shot coyote run 700 yards and over a hill on ya like nothin even happened.
Good advice and experience.
Some people learn from good advice and experience, and others have to pee on the electric fence at least once to understand.
I've witnessed the effects of fmj ammo on critters. Believe me... You really want to use an expanding bullet because there's nothing like watching a shot coyote run 700 yards and over a hill on ya like nothin even happened.
Good advice and experience.
Some people learn from good advice and experience, and others have to pee on the electric fence at least once to understand.
The Famous Grouse
New member
Sebastian, I think you get the overall direction here, which is that while a FMJ might seem like a good choice in theory, in reality there are some significant downsides.
Fur damage, regardless of caliber used, is often down to luck as much as any other factor. IMO, the thing about coyote hunting and predators in general is that you have to take the shot when you have the shot. You can't dilly-dally around waiting for the perfect angle, distance, etc.
What I'm saying is that to worry about a pelt, first you have to separate it from its original owner.
So if the shot that presents itself ends up with a shoulder hit for whatever reason, well, bad stuff is going to happen to a good pelt. It happens and it doesn't matter what caliber you're using, bad hits, bad luck, bad aim, bad juju, whatever. Sooner or later you're going to tear something up.
There's no such thing as a perfect solution to pelt damage. Plus, there are a LOT of other things to learn about and worry about before even get a shot.
I'd say load up with some bullets that shoot well in your rifle and get out there. Let the chips fall where they may when it comes to pelt damage.
Grouse
Fur damage, regardless of caliber used, is often down to luck as much as any other factor. IMO, the thing about coyote hunting and predators in general is that you have to take the shot when you have the shot. You can't dilly-dally around waiting for the perfect angle, distance, etc.
What I'm saying is that to worry about a pelt, first you have to separate it from its original owner.
So if the shot that presents itself ends up with a shoulder hit for whatever reason, well, bad stuff is going to happen to a good pelt. It happens and it doesn't matter what caliber you're using, bad hits, bad luck, bad aim, bad juju, whatever. Sooner or later you're going to tear something up.
There's no such thing as a perfect solution to pelt damage. Plus, there are a LOT of other things to learn about and worry about before even get a shot.
I'd say load up with some bullets that shoot well in your rifle and get out there. Let the chips fall where they may when it comes to pelt damage.
Grouse
Chupathingy
New member
Smallish female killed at 12 yards with a 12 gauge loaded with tungsten T shot. Virtually no pelt damage.
Pretty good sized male killed at 15 yards with a 12 gauge loaded with tungsten T shot. Virtually no pelt damage.
Work on your calling and field skills first, they will serve you much greater than the newest firearm you're carrying and the boolits contained within. Call them in closer and end it with the shotgun and your pelt damage will be greatly reduced. There are good 20 gauge loads as well, I would recommend sending "Yotecatslayer34" a PM about it. Butch uses a 20 gauge almost exclusively and does very well with it and every year he kills some of the best looking cats I've ever seen.
Leave the FMJ's for the range.
Chupa
Originally Posted By: Chupathingy
Smallish female killed at 12 yards with a 12 gauge loaded with tungsten T shot. Virtually no pelt damage.
Pretty good sized male killed at 15 yards with a 12 gauge loaded with tungsten T shot. Virtually no pelt damage.
Work on your calling and field skills first, they will serve you much greater than the newest firearm you're carrying and the boolits contained within. Call them in closer and end it with the shotgun and your pelt damage will be greatly reduced. There are good 20 gauge loads as well, I would recommend sending "Yotecatslayer34" a PM about it. Butch uses a 20 gauge almost exclusively and does very well with it and every year he kills some of the best looking cats I've ever seen.
Leave the FMJ's for the range.
Chupa
I like the pics with your scatter gun...
Can I ask the meaning of the playing cards?
Smallish female killed at 12 yards with a 12 gauge loaded with tungsten T shot. Virtually no pelt damage.
Pretty good sized male killed at 15 yards with a 12 gauge loaded with tungsten T shot. Virtually no pelt damage.
Work on your calling and field skills first, they will serve you much greater than the newest firearm you're carrying and the boolits contained within. Call them in closer and end it with the shotgun and your pelt damage will be greatly reduced. There are good 20 gauge loads as well, I would recommend sending "Yotecatslayer34" a PM about it. Butch uses a 20 gauge almost exclusively and does very well with it and every year he kills some of the best looking cats I've ever seen.
Leave the FMJ's for the range.
Chupa
I like the pics with your scatter gun...
Can I ask the meaning of the playing cards?
Chupathingy
New member
Online predator contest. Each week has a playing card associated with it. Playing cards are chosen at random.
Chupa
Chupa
Furhunter
New member
Originally Posted By: Winny FanOriginally Posted By: FurhunterI'd use the 20ga on the cats long before a 243.
I've witnessed the effects of fmj ammo on critters. Believe me... You really want to use an expanding bullet because there's nothing like watching a shot coyote run 700 yards and over a hill on ya like nothin even happened.
Good advice and experience.
Some people learn from good advice and experience, and others have to pee on the electric fence at least once to understand.
Fortunately it wasn't me that was peeing on the fence! That coyote was shot twice at 50 yards and still run off into the sunset on us! There was a little tiny tuft of fur and a spot of blood where it turned and took off. You could tell by the way it was running that something wasn't quite right but it still went over the hill and out of sight on us.
I've witnessed the effects of fmj ammo on critters. Believe me... You really want to use an expanding bullet because there's nothing like watching a shot coyote run 700 yards and over a hill on ya like nothin even happened.
Good advice and experience.
Some people learn from good advice and experience, and others have to pee on the electric fence at least once to understand.
Fortunately it wasn't me that was peeing on the fence! That coyote was shot twice at 50 yards and still run off into the sunset on us! There was a little tiny tuft of fur and a spot of blood where it turned and took off. You could tell by the way it was running that something wasn't quite right but it still went over the hill and out of sight on us.
Winny Fan
New member
Originally Posted By: FurhunterOriginally Posted By: Winny FanOriginally Posted By: FurhunterI'd use the 20ga on the cats long before a 243.
I've witnessed the effects of fmj ammo on critters. Believe me... You really want to use an expanding bullet because there's nothing like watching a shot coyote run 700 yards and over a hill on ya like nothin even happened.
Good advice and experience.
Some people learn from good advice and experience, and others have to pee on the electric fence at least once to understand.
Fortunately it wasn't me that was peeing on the fence! That coyote was shot twice at 50 yards and still run off into the sunset on us! There was a little tiny tuft of fur and a spot of blood where it turned and took off. You could tell by the way it was running that something wasn't quite right but it still went over the hill and out of sight on us.
When I wrote that I was figuring that it was something you had seen and not necessarily learned personally from having done it. With some people it wouldn't surprise me if they had to learn the hard way. Not so with you.
I've witnessed the effects of fmj ammo on critters. Believe me... You really want to use an expanding bullet because there's nothing like watching a shot coyote run 700 yards and over a hill on ya like nothin even happened.
Good advice and experience.
Some people learn from good advice and experience, and others have to pee on the electric fence at least once to understand.
Fortunately it wasn't me that was peeing on the fence! That coyote was shot twice at 50 yards and still run off into the sunset on us! There was a little tiny tuft of fur and a spot of blood where it turned and took off. You could tell by the way it was running that something wasn't quite right but it still went over the hill and out of sight on us.
When I wrote that I was figuring that it was something you had seen and not necessarily learned personally from having done it. With some people it wouldn't surprise me if they had to learn the hard way. Not so with you.
Virginian2
New member
Back in the 70's I tried FMJs in a 6MM on groundhogs, for a very short period of time. Total failure!
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Originally Posted By: SebastianOriginally Posted By: roky0702The general consesus is that FMJ's only belong on the range when target shooting. Since some states don't allow FMJ's for hunting because there isn't reliable expansion in the animal, most hunters find it irresponsible to use them for hunting. Get a cheap soft point bullet like you would use for deer. They will expand enough to kill the coyote effectively, but not enough to tear a big hole in it.
I am new to hunting, but wouldn't the shock of even a FMJ bullet the size of a .243 easily take out foxes, bobcats, and coyotes?
btw, I looked in the Kansas regulations booklet and I didn't see anything prohibiting FMJ's SEBASTIAN- I would think they would work fine on fox. i can tell you coyotes are tough , i have shot over 250. i have shot one with a 243Fmj. it did not work at all. luckily i had a hollow point to quickly back it up.
I am new to hunting, but wouldn't the shock of even a FMJ bullet the size of a .243 easily take out foxes, bobcats, and coyotes?
btw, I looked in the Kansas regulations booklet and I didn't see anything prohibiting FMJ's SEBASTIAN- I would think they would work fine on fox. i can tell you coyotes are tough , i have shot over 250. i have shot one with a 243Fmj. it did not work at all. luckily i had a hollow point to quickly back it up.
Chupathingy
New member
Originally Posted By: RONINFLAGSEBASTIAN- I would think they would work fine on fox. i have shot one with a 243Fmj. it did not work at all.
Wait.....what?
Chupa
Wait.....what?
Chupa
Originally Posted By: 6724apparently you don't get it.
fmj's are not for animals. they will not work any better on fox or bobcat. you will lose some due to the bullets, and most you will have to track.
Aint / isn't that the truth.
Some people you can tell them a million times and they still don't get the picture.
FMJ's are not for animals of any kind. In my humble opinion.
Heck they are not even good for target practice. All they are good for is wearing out the barrel.
Bet that people that shoot MFJ's are the same people that litter in the woods with old TV's and appliances and then proceed to shoot them all up with FMJ's.
They are as accurate as throwing rocks.For the 20 or so I have shot at the range.
Hollow points are not FMJ's
fmj's are not for animals. they will not work any better on fox or bobcat. you will lose some due to the bullets, and most you will have to track.
Aint / isn't that the truth.
Some people you can tell them a million times and they still don't get the picture.
FMJ's are not for animals of any kind. In my humble opinion.
Heck they are not even good for target practice. All they are good for is wearing out the barrel.
Bet that people that shoot MFJ's are the same people that litter in the woods with old TV's and appliances and then proceed to shoot them all up with FMJ's.
They are as accurate as throwing rocks.For the 20 or so I have shot at the range.
Hollow points are not FMJ's
Originally Posted By: ChupathingyOriginally Posted By: RONINFLAGSEBASTIAN- I would think they would work fine on fox. i have shot one with a 243Fmj. it did not work at all.
Wait.....what?
Chupa
[/quote]SEBASTIAN- I would think they would work fine on fox. I CAN TELL YOU COYOTES ARE TOUGH, I HAVE SHOT OVER 250. i have shot one with a 243Fmj. it did not work at all. luckily i had a hollow point to quickly back it up.[/quote]
Is actually what he said.
Wait.....what?
Chupa
[/quote]SEBASTIAN- I would think they would work fine on fox. I CAN TELL YOU COYOTES ARE TOUGH, I HAVE SHOT OVER 250. i have shot one with a 243Fmj. it did not work at all. luckily i had a hollow point to quickly back it up.[/quote]
Is actually what he said.
