Just thought I would put in writing a question I have often pondered. Why do people feel the need to hunt coyotes with calibers far in excess of what is needed to kill coyotes?
I understand that many do not save fur, in that case it makes zero difference if you use the biggest thing you've got.
I understand also that some want to try to shoot them at great distances and need the ballistics of a larger caliber for reduced drop and wind drift.
But, for the rest, why use a 6.8 or a 6x6.8 or a 243, or bigger stuff than that? Terminal energy with a 223 is sufficient out to several hundred, even with 55's. I also do not see the need to use heavy bullets in the 223, when the lighter bullets do a good job of killing. Drop difference between all the calibers is pretty minimal until many hundreds of yards. But, even if the drop is less, all that matters is that you know what it is.
Sure, I know that a poorly placed shot with a 223 with 55's at 400 is not going to anchor a coyote, but in that case why don't we all shoot deer with 338's?
OK, flame away.
I understand that many do not save fur, in that case it makes zero difference if you use the biggest thing you've got.
I understand also that some want to try to shoot them at great distances and need the ballistics of a larger caliber for reduced drop and wind drift.
But, for the rest, why use a 6.8 or a 6x6.8 or a 243, or bigger stuff than that? Terminal energy with a 223 is sufficient out to several hundred, even with 55's. I also do not see the need to use heavy bullets in the 223, when the lighter bullets do a good job of killing. Drop difference between all the calibers is pretty minimal until many hundreds of yards. But, even if the drop is less, all that matters is that you know what it is.
Sure, I know that a poorly placed shot with a 223 with 55's at 400 is not going to anchor a coyote, but in that case why don't we all shoot deer with 338's?
OK, flame away.