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how far can I shoot a coyote with a 223

12K views 11 replies 10 participants last post by  IDShooter 
#1 ·
How far can I shoot a coyote with my 223 with 40 gr hollow points?
 
#3 ·
I would say 200-250 yards before wind drift got in your way. I have heard it's better to use a soft point bullet at long ranges because hollow points lack the energy for easy expansion at long distances. However, the military practices at distances of 500 meters with good results (no idea what weight bullet though). Let us know what your longest range is when you get one!
 
#5 ·
If you only shot at the ones 1000yard away, sooner or later one would have the dumb luck to be standing were the bullet came down and die...but killing one at 1000yards doesn't make the 223/40gr. a 1000yard load.

Think the fair range would be whatever range you can put 9 out of 10 in a 4" circle from a field position (can use whatever you normally drag with you to the field...bi-pod or whatever you really do take out to hunt with). IF that turns out to be 200yards, then that's your max.

Ballistically, the little 40gr. sheds vel. like a politician sheds responsibility...pretty good ballistics out to 200-250yards, but past that I'd go with a diffent load.
 
#6 ·
This may sound far out to some of you so bear w/me. I live in the sticks. My neighbor has a large field off to the side and in back. We have coyote problems so he baits them. He has a bench set at the window on his sun porch. When one comes to the bait he quietly opens up, sets up to the bench and draws down. The bait is set at 235 yds. measured. His first season he used a .223. He got 9 or 10 as I recall. Too many required tracking. One he lost altogether. Befor the season was over he started developing loads for a 6mm Rem. The .223 bullets just were not reliable regardless of make or weight. "Sending a boy on a mans job." Pepe Ray
 
#7 ·
I would go with a heavier bullet. 40gr bullets are for vaporizing prairie dogs and the like. A 55gr Ballistic Tip might be a better choice for what you're doing. It will certainly retain more velocity and energy downrange than about any 40gr bullet. The Ballistic Tip may even be too frangible for yotes depending on size.
 
#8 ·
Wind really affects those Little bullets, as long as there is little to know wind, up to 1000 yards with the right load and good optics and a good squeeze, but like I always tell people you have to know your limitations;) Shoot only what you practiced for, nothing more, Aim small hit small. RAMbo.
 
#9 ·
coyote slayer said:
How far can I shoot a coyote with my 223 with 40 gr hollow points?

I'll tell you that I have killed coyotes at 400 yards, give or take a step or two when I was younger in Northern Missouri.
However the real fun is getting em close to ya, so your buddy can use the 12 gauge 3.5 inch mags on the critters.

Normally speaking an average shooter should be able to nail em dead as door nails out to 200 yards standing broadside. Now beyond that distance more shooting practice may be needed your way. Hitting that 8 to 10 inch bulls eye at 300 yards with regularity, distinguishes the Marksmen from the average shooter. Most yote hunters don't really shoot that far, usually setting up their killing shot by using their expertise at calling them in closer.

Hitting that bulls eye target at 350 and 400 yards takes a seasoned shooter with ALL the skills! Doping wind etc and knowing about elevations is just part of the equation in being successful. It takes a heck of a lot of shooting and skill to do it regularly, trust me on that one OK.
 
#10 ·
I agree with you 100% I like to get them up and close, very exciteing, they come in hard and fast when they are hungry, I have had them near touching distance a few times, boy that gets the hair on the back of your neck standing;) I hate when they sneak up behind you LOL. Right now it is Night bait for coyotes here, coyotes have no closed season here in NH, Night hunting for coyotes are a lot of fun, i use a truck tail light and a battery from my motor cycle hang that light over the bait and be very still and wait, Coyotes don't mind the red light, they will come right in;) Aim small hit small. RAMbo.

 
#11 ·
if you like close coyotes try this sometime. dig s shallow trench in the snow and lay down in it on your back with a 12 gauge (buckshot). toot your call and don't move until you hear the pitter-patter of little paws on the snow. then sit up, hope he isn't right behind you and shoot. great fun if you have a strong heart.
note: don't do this if the wind or water nearby prevents hearing or you may have a coyote in your lap.

monty
 
#12 ·
How far you shoot is up to you. If you dope the wind right, you can hit them with a .223 a longs ways off. But, as other posters have said, that light bullet runs out of zip quickly at longer ranges. Personally, I wouldn't shoot past about 200 to 250 yds with the .223.
 
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