6 Best Coyote Cartridges: Drop Yotes From Anywhere

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There is no one-size-fits-all “best” cartridge or caliber for coyote hunting. For example, the best cartridge for predator management isn’t necessarily ideal for harvesting pelts, which is why I divided this article into sections dedicated to specific applications.

While the following are what I consider to be the best coyote calibers and cartridges, there are many others worth looking into that I did not have room or time to discuss.

How I Tested These Coyote Hunting Cartridges

In the ranch country, I grew up in, the punks of the prairie aren’t a welcome sight. Many of my neighbors carry rifles specially marked for coyotes. I’ve seen their preferred cartridges take out song dogs firsthand, and I’ve spoken with many dedicated coyote hunters who swear by one or more of the following rounds.

While testing these cartridges, I did all of the following:

  • Took them coyote hunting
  • Talked with coyote hunters to get their opinions
  • Researched online for other expert opinions

The Best Calibers on the Market for Hunting Coyotes in 2025

Best Overall .22-250 Rem
Best Cartridge for Minimizing Pelt Damage .17 HMR
Best Cartridge for Short-Range Hunting .22 LR
Best for Mid-Range Hunting .223 Rem
Most Precise Cartridge for Coyote Hunting 6mm Creedmoor
Best for Hunting in Thick Brush 12 Gauge 00 Buckshot

Continue reading 6 Best Coyote Cartridges: Drop Yotes From Anywhere on Ammo.com

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Dern things are completely Nocturnal here… still occasionally see them dead on the road. I remember back in 1999 or 2000 I had this straight up crazy lunatic prisoner in the back seat of my police cruiser . I had arrested them for something ( cant recall) anyway I was transporting them to the Central regional Jail and was doing about 90mph and a a coyote( first one I ever seen) came running across I-79 @ the exact moment and I waylaid it . I told the guys after I got back that I hit what looked like a coyote and they all thought I was fibbing and that I had hit something else with the cruiser. All I can tell you is on the way back from the jail I couldnt find it and I know it was killed . Swear up and down someone stopped and took the carcass. They were rare back then now they are plentiful and yes the incident happened well after dark in the summertime…
On the highway seemingly the best weapon is a speeding automobile :joy::joy:

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I hit one with my truck on I-44 one night . I heard it bounce from the front to the back and looked in the rear view mirror in time to see it hit right in the grill of the 18 wheeler tail gating me . It was a vapor of fur blood and guts all over the front of his cab .

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Thats gross :stuck_out_tongue_closed_eyes:, there was just a flexed in portion of the plastic in the front bumper which i was able to push out and a couple of flex places in the paint witb a little paint missing and I dont believe they ever got it fixed :joy:

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357 Maximum Blackhawk. Southern pelts are worthless and I only handgun hunt

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Is that a round or Blackhawk model?

Welcome!

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Welcome

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Me too with the exception of my muzzle loader .
I got tired of catching the barrel of every low hanging limb and that heavy strap on my shoulder. X-LEO and Railroader so shoulders aren’t in great shape .

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