How many yotes do you lose using a .223?

I

Independent

New member
Currently set up with .223's

Was thinking of using a larger caliber for yotes but wanted to get input from you guys with more experience hunting dogs.

Does using a .223 put a coyote hunter at a disadvantage?
Thoughts
 
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If you call them within 100yd I don't think that you are at a disadvantage with the correct ammo.

Yes I have had a few runners using the 223 and vmax and that is why I am experimenting with the Hornady 55gn spire point. If it produces results like it is supposed to I might even go back to the 223 myself.
 
If one hit them where their suppose to and off the bone with the correct bullet, I bet no dogs be lost.. But everyone makes a bad shot once in a while.. I don't think one would be at a disadvantage out to 300 yards+ if one can shoot.. Dan
 
I have used the 223 with 40gr vmax with a max load of H322 for 17 years now. Have yet to loose any, have had a total of 8 run about 40 yards and die. Other than that they are DRT. I personally don't shoot them over 200 yards.
 
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Check out Hornady custom 55gn spire point. A very similar round will be available in the frontier label soon.

Other companies such as black hills, ultramax and Winchester make a comparable round.

The spire point/soft point bullet is devastating
 
All I shot coyotes with until last year was a .223, 95% of the time. Killed coyotes with 40,45,50,52 and 55 grain bullets of all kinds. I haven't had a crazy amount of runners but naturally you're gonna have some. And some required a few shots before they gave up the ghost but I've never felt undergunned using a .223 on coyotes. The only disadvantage of any centerfire .22, even the 22-250 which is what I currently shoot most of the time, is shooting them running straight away. Most of the time they'll need shot again.

Using 55gr. Softpoints might help that some. They exit on broadside shots more times than not so I haven't used them very much because I prefer fur friendly bullets. I'd say they probably cause the most damage out of any bullet I've used,but as with any of them a lot of that has to do with shot placement. Killed a bunch with 55gr. Sierra Blitzking and Hornady 52gr. BTHP. There's nothing wrong with the 50 or 55gr. V-Max either as far as that goes but they're not near as good for punching through bone.
 
The only thing I've ever lost a coyote to was bad shot placement. Even with a .223, if you put a V-Max in the right place, they don't go anywhere.

As far as factory loads go, Hornady Varmint Express would be a good place to start. I believe the're available loaded with 40 and 55 grain V-Max bullets. A couple of my non-reloading friends have had good results with them.
 
I haven't shot that many coyotes, but I haven't lost any to my 223 and Vmaxes. Have put two in a couple just to hold them, but not sure it was necessary.

I also haven't shot any running away, and all shots were around 100 yds.
 
I've been using the Speer 52gr hp (large hole) for about 25 years in a 20" AR-15. It's done well on fox and coyote. They are not always stone dead and shot placement isn't always perfect, especially on running coyotes, some needed more than one shot, but I only remember losing 1 that got down a hole. I could see it was hit right in front of the hind legs.
I have seen many get back up from many guys shooting different bullets who look away or don't know any better and assume they are dead. Keep an eye on them for a good 20 seconds just to make sure they are down for good. I've seen the same thing happen with the 204 32gr Accutips which I've been using for several years now. As far as I can remember I haven't witnessed any get back up that were shot with the 22-250.
I got off track, but just a little extra info to share.
 
the problem with asking this question is most people just flat out don't shoot that many coyotes. Its the same thing when asking questions about bullets. some people say how great vmaxs are. yes maybe the 5 coyotes they shot died with that bullet.

this year out of 40 ish coyotes I lost 3 with the 223 that I can remember. 1 in 3 or 4 needed finishing shots. thats better than when I used other bullets. the 50 grain blitzking is what I have been using. the nosler b tips also kill good, but I have trouble getting them to shoot at the speeds I want in the AR. IMO the 223 is a crappy coyote killer. flame away you will hear people say no its not. I don't really care. its been proven to me otherwise. I will continue to use it anyways. BUT I am thinking about switching to the 6x6.8 simply for greater killing smack down.
 
Some good info. guys thanks. I have really wanted a 6.8 but I think I will invest my money in ammo and time in the field with one of my .223's for now. The desire to get the 6.8 is not just for coyote hunting but also something that I could use for Antelope and possibly hog and deer hunting.

I appreciate the input on this.
 
The only coyote I lost was with one of those bullets they show shooting a cherry tomato and it explodes. Can't remember the brand, but they were filled with something other than lead. It blew a big patch of hide off the coyote and he got up and ran away. I will never use them again.
 
Originally Posted By: dan158If one hit them where their suppose to and off the bone with the correct bullet, I bet no dogs be lost.. But everyone makes a bad shot once in a while.. I don't think one would be at a disadvantage out to 300 yards+ if one can shoot.. Dan

Quote:The only thing I've ever lost a coyote to was bad shot placement. Even with a .223, if you put a V-Max in the right place, they don't go anywhere.

^^^^^This.

Quote:the nosler b tips also kill good, but I have trouble getting them to shoot at the speeds I want in the AR.

The 55 gr. NBT is excellent bullet; shoots very well in the four Ar's & one bolt gun I've tried it in. This group from 20" Bushmaster Predator chronographed @ 3200 fps 15' from muzzle. Have not checked velocity from the shortest barrel (16" A4) A bit above Max load in several books, start low and work up!

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but it puts coyotes down nicely.

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ETA:
Not too bad on hogs either.
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Regards,
hm
 
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The .223 is a very capable round for killing coyotes! I have killed coyotes with .223, .22-250, .243,and.308. I've seen runners with all of them except the .243. That's not to say the .243 is "THE" gun at all! It is shot placement with any gun and a good bullet. I too, am experimenting now with a lead nose bullet in the .22-250. The reason is some splashes I've had with that caliber. Having said all of that, I will never be without a .223...very good caliber to have around, very good caliber to kill coyotes with, and, ammo availability is great if not a reloader...or even if you are. Just my .02.
 
Thanks Bait. I have a 243 and a 308 but was curious about the 223 and it sounds like most guys feel it is a capable round for dogs. I am new to calling coyotes and while taken a couple they were by pure dumb luck and not while calling. Trying to get more focused on the craft.
 
If you hand load or know someone who does, have them load you up either some 77gr Sierra OTM bullets or the Speer 70gr Semi-Spitzer.

Either bullet is extremely effective and I've used them for years on deer and hogs here in FL. The heavies will not be as effected by a bone strike like the V-Max or Ballistic Tip type bullets.
 
A 223 will work just fine if shots are at a reasonable range and placement is where it needs to be. If you already have a 223, use monies you’d spend on a different caliber for gas so you can hunt more. Like all of us, once you get into predator hunting you will find plenty of places to spend any extra cash, including spending it on new rifles. Spend your time and money learning coyote behavior and getting them in close. I believe too many people spend way to much money on gear wanting to be a predator hunter and far too little time actually hunting them and become frustrated with their lack of success.
 
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