My 5.56/.223 AR-15 is my go-to rifle for coyote hunting. Whether I see a coyote trotting across my pasture or go hunting on a local rancher’s property, I want the best 5.56 ammo for dropping prairie tricksters loaded in that rifle.
Best 5.56 Coyote Ammo
| Category | Product |
|---|---|
| Best Overall | Hornady Superformance Varmint 53 Grain V-MAX (.223 Rem) |
| Best 5.56 for Dense Brush | Hornady Superformance 55 Grain CX |
| Best 5.56 for Long-Range Hunting | Fort Scott Munitions 55 Grain TUI |
| Best for Night Hunting | Remington Premier 50 Grain AccuTip-V (.223 Rem) |
How I Decided on the Best 5.56 Ammo for Coyote Hunting
Though I do try to test as much ammo as possible, I understand that’s still only one experience. That’s why I consult other ammunition experts, coyote hunters, and 5.56 enthusiasts. It’s all in service of gathering as much feedback as possible before comparing rounds based on price, accuracy, reliability, and stopping power.
When 5.56 May Not Be Ideal
As an avid hunter, I know the 5.56 isn’t the best hunting round. But it’s more than capable of taking care of most coyote problems, and it doesn’t hurt that it’s also affordable, comfortable to fire, and already familiar to an ardent AR enthusiast such as myself.
With that in mind, here are a couple of cases where I’d opt for a more powerful cartridge, such as the .22-250 Rem.
Hunting Larger Coyotes
I’m from Oklahoma. Our coyotes can grow quite large, and I know they get even bigger up north. When you’re dealing with monster song dogs, you’ll probably want more firepower. The .223 Rem/5.56 NATO can kill large coyotes, but taking those down in one hit will likely require excellent shot placement.
Long-Range Coyote Hunting
While the 5.56 can ethically kill coyotes out to 300-400 yards (depending on marksmanship, ammo selection, and barrel length), 250 yards is generally the maximum distance most coyote hunters should keep within while firing 5.56. If you want to push past the 400-yard mark, then a hotter coyote hunting cartridge is advisable.
My 4 Best Coyote Rounds for the 5.56/223 Remington
Hornady Superformance Varmint .223 53 Grain V-MAX - Best Overall
Specs
- Bullet Type: V-MAX
- Bullet Weight: 53 grains
- Muzzle Velocity: 3,465 fps
- Muzzle Energy: 1,413 ft-lbs
- Case: Brass
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Trusted brand | Expensive |
| Designed for varmint hunting | |
| Accurate | |
| Dependable | |
| Hard-hitting |
Why I Chose It
Hornady is a brand I trust in nearly every situation involving a firearm. I use Hornady ammo for self-defense and hunting because it’s accurate, reliable, and hard-hitting.
When I set up for coyotes, I want to know my ammo will perform just like it did while at the range. That always seems to be the case when I use Hornady ammo. I’ve found it to be very accurate at the range and in the field in various conditions, plus it’s always fired when I pull the trigger.
The 53 grain V-MAX bullet will easily stop a coyote dead in its tracks out to 300 yards, and performs excellently at closer ranges.
The biggest downside to all Hornady ammo is its price, but I’ve always thought it was worth the added expense (unless I’m just plinking at the gun range).
Hornady Superformance Varmint 53 grain V-MAX is the best overall 5.56 coyote hunting ammo because it’s reliable, hard-hitting, and accurate. What more can you ask from a coyote round?
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