I used FMJ bullets in a 6mm for coyotes, good medicine. At first I jacked up the powder charge for speed. Blew them up. Then I tamed the loads and was off to the races. Very small entry and exit, no more sewing. Not sure how they would do out 500 yds.

Red
In 30 some years of control shooting the .243 has been my go to. I didn’t have to worry about fur. Federal came out with their 55 grain ballistic tip and I found them excellent. Not nearly the fur damage I expected. Good stretch to the round.
These days I’m playing with another round, the .220 swift. I came into an unfired Ruger #1 so before outfitting and using it I have another swift on loan I’m playing with. I sure like the smoothness of the shot but with factory ammo it’s very close to the .243 in performance. I understand the true potential of the swift is realized in reloading particular loads where it will outshine my .243. If your a reloader the nostalgia and performance of the swift may make it a great experience. For me the jury is still out mostly because I reside where I do. I may just sell the Ruger. We’re I living in the open west the swift would be a no brainer.
Just my opinion.

Osky

Thank you sir

Thank you sir

Red I’ve used my .243 on coyotes for years and it’s all about shot placement. I use a 65 gr. ballistic tip at about 3400 ft/ sec and don’t get an exit. Strait on frontals are the best but past 400 yards and I haven’t had any exits either. I loaded some 58 gr. Vmax bullets and my rifle did not like them but I’ve had good luck with the Hornaday 58 gr even on windy days.

If your looking for a rig to stretch it out. Try Sierra match king 110 gr hpbt. Out of the 6 creed you buck the wind better than lighter bullets. I’ve been real pleased in the performance from 400-750 with them. Closer shots will require a needle if bone is hit.

I've shot many Coyotes with both the 6mm Rem and the .220 swift (my favorite). In the 6mm I finally settled on the Hornady 70gr spire point (not the super explosive). In the swift my go to bullet is the 55 gr Vmax. On a chest on or broadside shot I rarely get an exit at all. They are DRT. . With both guns you must avoid the leg and shoulder bones (if your interested in the fur). Osky, I load the 55gr Vmax over 44.0 grains of H414 for 3950 fps. Shoots super flat with 1/2" or less groups in my #1..

Try the new Sierra 90 grain tipped gameking.My buddy shoots a pile of coyotes with those bullets and he switched to them last winter.He stated that they don't blow up like a lot of the other bullets out there.He showed me the damage on a bunch he skinned from Alberta-like almost 40 animals in a week.they were all inside out skinned and fleshed before sewing.I am sold on what I saw for bullet performance.Never been a fan of Sierra bullets for being fur friendly but these are impressive.Seems the have thickened up the walls of the bullet to control expansion vs. explosion.Give them a try.

On a second note you can try Barnes TSX as well-they don't blow up coyotes either-expensive-yes-but sewing is very minimum.Shooting them out of my 22-250 at 4000 plus-45 grain bullet-no blow ups yet and shot about a dozen coyotes-even the texas heart shot animals didn't blow up.They are impressive at that velocity.

I'm surprised no one has mentioned any of the .20 calibers.

Thanks Swift... I’ll let the guy know who is working up my loads. I’ve heard great things about the Vmax. The rifle that came to me is a B model with 25” what appears to be a semi heavy barrel. The M77 I’m playing with is certainly a tack driver so should I keep the #1 I’ll expect the same or modify to achieve such.

Osky

One of my sons does well with his .204, but it doesn’t really stretch out as far as he’d like. He’s a military sniper tho and nothing seems to suit those guys.

Osky

Osky, the Vmax is an explosive varmint bullet but to me it works better that the 55 SP because once inside it explodes and rarely exits. Like I said though you have to stay away from bone and pick your shots. When you hear bad things about the Vmax performance is from the guys that blast away at any angle or take running shots. That's where you get the massive damage.. Edge hits are messy with any varmint style bullet. I use the same bullet in my .223 Rem. Mine is the #1V. Have a few friends with the M77 and them have great results with them. I like the my No.1V because its a No.1V, nuff said.

Swift the difference between the B and V models in the #1 are?
If I keep the #1 it’s going to be the new truck “stretch” gun, like the OP here is looking for. When they are that far out it’s a one shot chance for the most part anyway. My walking gun will remain a custom Tikka T3 .243.

Osky

There is quite a bit of b.s going on here in this thread
I would like to see some #'s posted on coyotes killed with relations to what I've seen...
And my #'s are MANY!

Caliber don't really mean squat..., bullet choice is what it comes down to.

I know some VERY serious coyote hunters that also save fur and they don't shoot anything v-max (unless sponsored by them)

Red Mt, stick to a stoughter built bullet and STAY off the shoulder.

Well I’m not sure what to say about the VMAX comment. I’m a pretty serious coyote hunter and have minimal problems with them. I start the season with a 22 Hornet which doesn’t get much credit using a 40gr VMax. It’s killed countless coyotes with dozens of witnesses. Longest kill shot on a coyote is 237 yards. With plenty at the 200 mark no damage. Then I will move to a .222 with a 50gr VMAX mid season and finish with a 22-250 or the Swift using 55gr VMaxs. It’s all speed and shot placement. I wish I could get sponsored!

Awwwww you cheat!!! Your behind hounds!!
Nah kidding there Bucks... how did you finish out the afternoon? Fur still holding?

Osky

That was.my thinking also sir ,, it's not imperative to save fur in spring summer work but fall ,winter be nice, when out checking traps. For 30 days ,, but wolf medicine, deer,antelope, same gun I believe it's the right choice. Because lots of 400 yds guns out there but truly not many 400yrd plus guns on coyotes out there. Without a whole lot of homework.
Thanks

x2