30-06 for Coyotes
12-05-2003, 05:10 PM
#12
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location:
Posts: 1,491
RE: 30-06 for Coyotes
Hi nyflyer,
In the .30-06 the 125 grain bullets are "varmint bullet like" in their effect. They open up rapidly and will kill a coyote quickly. But they will exit...and they will tear up the pelt considerably. If you are just trying to thin the coyote population and pelts are NOT a consideration that is the way to go!
On the other hand if you would like to save the pelts. You might want to try some of the surplus M2 Ball ammo that is available for the .30-06. (I believe most of what is currently available is South Korean....and it is NOT corrosive! So it is completely safe to shoot worry free.) The advantage to the FMJ ball ammo is twofold. One, it sells for about $5.00 per box of 20. And two, as long as it doesn't hit big bone at the exit point....it will "usually" leave a relatively small exit wound.
You should be forewarned though, FMJ's do not normally kill as quickly as soft points. You can be sure that if you put the bullet through the lungs the animal will die, but by hemorrhage, as much as by shock. The same physics that prevent the bullet from shredding the animal and pelt....are at work when applied to lethality. So, unless you hit the brain or spine (not really recommended), you may have a little extra tracking to do! Don't misunderstand me....the FMJ's do kill...just not explosively.
Good luck with whatever you decide!
P.S. If you decide to try the FMJ Ball ammo....check your state's laws. Some states prohibit FMJ's of any type for any type of hunting!
In the .30-06 the 125 grain bullets are "varmint bullet like" in their effect. They open up rapidly and will kill a coyote quickly. But they will exit...and they will tear up the pelt considerably. If you are just trying to thin the coyote population and pelts are NOT a consideration that is the way to go!
On the other hand if you would like to save the pelts. You might want to try some of the surplus M2 Ball ammo that is available for the .30-06. (I believe most of what is currently available is South Korean....and it is NOT corrosive! So it is completely safe to shoot worry free.) The advantage to the FMJ ball ammo is twofold. One, it sells for about $5.00 per box of 20. And two, as long as it doesn't hit big bone at the exit point....it will "usually" leave a relatively small exit wound.
You should be forewarned though, FMJ's do not normally kill as quickly as soft points. You can be sure that if you put the bullet through the lungs the animal will die, but by hemorrhage, as much as by shock. The same physics that prevent the bullet from shredding the animal and pelt....are at work when applied to lethality. So, unless you hit the brain or spine (not really recommended), you may have a little extra tracking to do! Don't misunderstand me....the FMJ's do kill...just not explosively.
Good luck with whatever you decide!
P.S. If you decide to try the FMJ Ball ammo....check your state's laws. Some states prohibit FMJ's of any type for any type of hunting!
12-06-2003, 01:18 PM
#13
Fork Horn
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location:
Posts: 264
RE: 30-06 for Coyotes
Well, a 30-06 will definately cut a coyote for a flip but if you want to save the pelt, might want to try what the others have suggessted with FMJ or ball ammo.
Have you ever tried to call em in close and shoot them with a shotgun? Alot of fun and the shot doesn't explode the pelt. Use like #2 buckshot and that will do the trick.
Have you ever tried to call em in close and shoot them with a shotgun? Alot of fun and the shot doesn't explode the pelt. Use like #2 buckshot and that will do the trick.
