Is there a bullet that won't make a coyote explode? I do hand load, just looking for something that will work without tearing them in 2! Currently have SP 130 gr, but willing to go to something else if need be.

Depending on bones hit that should leave a half dollar to silver dollar exit hole. That what I get out of so and a 130 gr 7mm08

Once I hit the hips on a running yote at about 200 yards wiylth my 260 and 120gr and it's exit was the size of grape fruit. But that was due to all the bone.

There are better calibers if you don’t want to destroy the pelt.

I know there are, but I'm wanting to get my sons involved...I think we'll stick with a well placed shot and go from there. Thanks for the input.

Yep, that was my concern, I've seen this too, in deer. I didn't know if a guy could find a fmj or match bullet, or if either would work? We are of smaller means, and I'd rather pass a gun down than have to buy a new one, but sometimes the latter is the only option, thanks again.

You hand load so can slow them down and or go with heavy bullets for elk or moose that act more as solids on thin skinned coyotes I would think though have not tried. A little bigger holes never bothered me and I prefer the bang flop of bigger guns be the bang spin, flip, run of thing like a .223. sure some times the small guns bang flop also but the larger guns always do. And honestly it's not like the hide will even buy you a box of shells these days. Use what you have and have fun.

Thanks PF!

I bought a 270 when I was 17. Loaded 130 grain sierra boat tails on top of 55 grains of IMR 4350. Works good on everything I ever shot with it and almost 50 years later I still load it that way.

I have shot a lot of coyotes with it. Only other rifle I had for a long time was a 30-30. To much guess work trying to hit a coyote at 400 yards with that 30-30. 270 leaves about a 4 inch tear in a coyote. Not a round hole. Its actually linear. Looks bad when you walk up to the coyote. Be careful pulling the hide so you dont make it longer. Toss it in a washing machine. No soap cold water. You can use woolite in the rinse. I have sewed a sackful of 270 shot coyotes that never got graded damaged. You will sew every one but they are not ruined. Trust me on this. Skin that bloody mess and toss in a washing machine. Put in a dryer on the lowest heat setting for a bit. Did over 60 at the same time in a laundromat once. That mess is not near as bad as it first appears.

PS the laundromat coyotes were all trapped but a laundromat works if you dont have two washers or you dont want to wait till your wife isnt home.

Look into a 90 grain bullet maybe?

I've shot several witb a .270 while deer hunting with 130 gr soft points. If you stay off bone the damage is minimal. Otherwise it's just what Danny said.

It will kill them and thats the part that matters . I shoot them with whatever I have at hand at the time.

good solid answer..unless you reload.. but it is alot of gun for a yote.

If its all you got and you can sew it will work just fine. People saying otherwise saw the bloody mess and never bothered to go ahead and peel it.

Have you considered a HARD cast lead bullet? iffn you don't get too much zip on them it should act as a solid.
Dennis

Shot them in the ribs stay away from bone still some sewing but not bad

I haven't, but that's something to ponder, thanks!

Just don't shoot at any within 500 yards. You should be just fine.

Try a Barnes X -They don't blow up. Used them in my ,257 Weatherby and shot lots of coyotes with them-never ever blew any up-even with texas heart shots.