the largest caliber for predator hunting
#1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Bucks County, PA
Posts: 219
the largest caliber for predator hunting
I have always just used a .243, but was wondering if there was a larger caliber that would take a yote, but not have alot of pelt damage to it. I want something for deer and coyotes
#2
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location:
Posts: 654
RE: the largest caliber for predator hunting
any of the larger rounds will kill a coyote. with a 25-06 you have to watch what you feed it or it will make a mess. just use the same bullets as you do for deer. you won't have many bang/flops however they will not go far and you won't have that bad of an exit wound. maybe the size of a quarter
#5
RE: the largest caliber for predator hunting
Any FMJ bullet from .243 on up will do fine with decent bullet placement. Clean hole in and out. The only major thing to keep in mind is that a solid or FMJ bullet will ricochet very easily rather than blowing apart like a varmint bullet, so shots around livestock or where ricochets are a an issue are problematic with these bullets.
A .308 would be an excellent choice, as bullet selection in .308cal is very good, including FMJ and solid bullets.
Mike
A .308 would be an excellent choice, as bullet selection in .308cal is very good, including FMJ and solid bullets.
Mike
#8
Typical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Wardensville West Virginia USA
Posts: 640
RE: the largest caliber for predator hunting
As far as most varmit rifles go, .308 is usually the biggest they offer. Not to say that it is the largest you should use but that is usually the largest caliber offered in varmit rifles.
#10
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Hampstead, Maryland
Posts: 179
RE: the largest caliber for predator hunting
If you want a cartridge with more knockdown power then your .243Win and still be able to take coyote with not too much pelt damage, get one of the 7mm cartridges. You can get fmj bullets for 7mm, which will not create a large exit wound. You can also have confidence in being able to take elk or moose with 7mm. If you do not want a magnum cartridge, go with the 7mmMauser (7x57mm), which is an excellent round, both in accuracy potential and kill power. In a 7mmMag, I like the 7mmWSM. I have compared that short mag to the 7mmRemMag and ballistically, they are very close. the short mag appears to be able to do whatever the long mag can do. With either magnum you will get the knock down power of a 30-06 in the 160gr bullet weight range AND have a rifle that will shoot flatter then a 30-06.