What size shot

TSS shot is the best shot for hunting but it is very expensive.


If you are asking what is a good factory made lead shot size for coyotes the lead number 4 buckshot loads would be hard to beat.

The lead BB coyote loads will work good on coyotes that average around 30 lbs and less.
 
I use #4 for predators. Copper plated, 3 in shells. My shotguns like Remington. I have also used Hevi Shot T-shot shells but they are expensive.
 
Originally Posted By: SnowmanMoI use #4 for predators. Copper plated, 3 in shells. My shotguns like Remington. I have also used Hevi Shot T-shot shells but they are expensive.

You are saying #4 BUCKSHOT, right? Not to be confused with birdshot.
 
I have always used #4 buck in the past, but at the end of last season and this one I've been using Hornady's Coyote BB load. So far, I'm favorably impressed. I dumped two coyotes last weekend, one at 31 yards and one at 39 yards. Of course, these are relatively lightweight desert coyotes in the mid-20 pound range, not those northern monsters that are like small wolves to us.
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Originally Posted By: Tim NeitzkeOriginally Posted By: justWhen using a shotgun what shot is best?

For shooting what ?

I'm sorry. For coyote calling.
 
Originally Posted By: Utahcaller#2, or #3’s........

Lead #2 and #3 shot do not make good coyote loads. If you had nothing but head shots on standing coyotes and real tight patterns lead #2 and #3 shot could work.

For me I want shot types and sizes that will penetrate very deep and break bones. Lead #2 and #3 shot are to small and light to penetrate deep enough if the shot angle is not perfect.

One lead BB shot pellet weighs almost twice as much as one #2 lead pellet weighs.

A 1-1/2 oz load of lead BB shot has about 36 more pellets per shell than a 1-7/8 oz load of number 4 buckshot.

The below numbers are from KPY Shotshell Ballistics.

Lead #3 shot at 1300 fps gets 3.70" of gel penetration at 13.2 yards.
Lead #2 shot at 1300 fps gets 3.70" of gel penetration at 19.6 yards.
Lead BB shot at 1300 fps gets 3.70" of gel penetration at 46.1 yards.
Lead #4 buck at 1300 fps gets 3.70" of gel penetration at 109.2 yards.
HW13 BB shot at 1300 fps gets 3.70" of gel penetration at 62.4 yards.
TSS #3 shot at 1300 fps gets 3.70" of gel penetration at 96.8 yards.

Look above at the jump in penetration distance between lead #2 shot and lead BB shot!

1-1/2oz of lead BB shot has about 77 pellets.
1-7/8 oz of lead #4 buckshot has about 41 pellets.
1-1/2oz of HW13 BB shot has about 70 pellets.
1-1/2oz of TSS #3 shot has about 100 pellets.

Just because the shot you maybe using has plenty of penetration for coyotes at 50 to 70 yards away doesn't mean it is a good coyote load at those long distances.

The tungsten alloy shot types that are denser than lead are also much harder than lead so they break bones way more often than the lead BB and lead #4 buckshot does.
 
With most suitable lead or tungsten loads the limiting factor is the pattern holding together well enough at distance to get enough of the right size pellets concentrated within an area the size of the vitals.
 
Originally Posted By: justOriginally Posted By: Tim NeitzkeOriginally Posted By: justWhen using a shotgun what shot is best?

For shooting what ?

I'm sorry. For coyote calling.


Plated BB and 4 buck for the price. If price is not an issue, TSS #4 shot is wicked stuff.
 
Patterning is important when you settle on a suitable shot size. In a state that doesn't allow buckshot I've used Dead Coyote but switched to the Winchester BB loads as they gave a denser pattern at 35yds than DC or the Hornaday from my Mossberg. All three were close with my Red Label. Thats with Full choke tubes. The Win also grouped well with turkey chokes out of the Red Label Took a big male this morning with 1 1/8 oz NP BB out of the 16 ga drilling, but that was at about a 15 yd head shot.Until about ten years ago we were limited to #2 shot here and it did not perform well at all. Save the #2 for fox and coons.
 


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