Three shots enough ? BP Shotgun + rifle or modern?

Dryfly

New member
New to this forum and predator hunting. How many shots do you need or want when calling? I know "the illusion that firepower will make of for inaccuracy lurks deep in the American male psyche." I have a plethora of shotguns and black powders. Two long BP rifles 54 cal pedersoli frontiers are good to 100 - 125 yards. I am taking two hunting trips to South Dakota and after a limit of ducks in the morning have all day to hunt coyotes. Are a double barrel black powder shotgun 10 gauge with type of flight control wad that patterns good to 60+ yards and a very accurate BP long rifles (three shots total without reloading) enough? Or are a full four shots from a modern shotgun and fast reloading needed? I have been into black powder the last few years and a new rifle is not in the gun budget for a while. Not to steel anyone’s thunder, but do not need to send guns, powder and shot to anyone for research. Last option is a 58 Cal BP double rifle, very heavy even with a sling and might be a little overkill, not great beyond 75 yards or throw in a 22 cal pistol. Do I really need more than three shots?? Aim Slow load fast. Thanks.
 
Well, 5 shots is fun so you can attempt to get them running away, but probably not likely to hit them.

2 or 3 shots is generally just fine. It is the first one that counts. Especially if your buddy has a gun.
 
For shooting coyotes with a shotgun I want three shots or more. Coyotes are very tough and no matter what load you use if the pattern is not centered on the coyote it may take two or three shots to bring the coyote down.

Running shots on coyotes with a shotgun can be just as hard to hit as a flying bird can be.

If a coyote is still moving after it is brought down with a shotgun shoot the coyote again!
 
Originally Posted By: derbyacresbob

Running shots on coyotes with a shotgun can be just as hard to hit as a flying bird can be.



You tell people this ^^^ and they look at you like you're crazy.

But there was this one time at boy scout camp where I saw a bobwhite quail compete against a coyote in a heads up 1/4 mile race. A ringneck pheasant dropped the flag and the coyote beat the quail to the checkered flag by a good 30 yards.

Yeah, they ARE pretty hard to hit sometimes. And a bunch harder to kill. That ain't no lie. (not that the other part was either)
 
Thanks your experience & advice is what I was looking for. Will get the high quality buffered copper plated 4 buck shells and use them . The BP 10 gauge is a work in progress, tougher adjustment than any previous shotgun change, but given the incredible SD duck hunting, it makes the morning last longer (no more three minute limits). Truly appreciate the advice & will follow it; “imitation is the most sincere form of flattery”... Happy Trails
 
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