Coyote Hunters- Help selecting bullet for .223 Rem (24" AR15) for 1st 'yote hunt

I am finally going on my 1st Coyote hunt w/ someone that knows what they are doing. I decided to bring my 24" AR vs. my Bolt Rifle in .223AI due to potential fast second shots on the run. It shoots all the listed bullets good, and the one Hornady 52gr. BTHP great, but wasn't sure if that was a good 'yote bullet as I think it is a match bullet, not really meant for varmit hunting. I would anticipate my shots be out to 300yds (I shoot this rifle at 300yds regularly so I am good there). So here we go, what would be best:

- Horn. 55gr. Vmax at about 3270fps.
- Nos. 50gr. BTip at about 3300fps.
- Horn. 52gr. BTHP at about 3300 fps.
- Or my deer load- Sierra Game King 65gr. at 3150ish fps out of my 24" AR

On the SGK 65gr. the Jacket is thicker and works great on deer (14 dead ones to attest to that).

So, what is everyones opinon?

...Nosler's always gets my vote..lol.. 8)

So, at say worst case- 350 yds starting off at just under 3300fps, would the 50gr. Nos bal tip anchor a mature male 55lb if hit right?

I'd go with the 65g Sierra at 223 velocities with the 50 Nosler being a very close second.

Or 69 gr Sierra HPBT or 75 gr Sierra HPBT....

I do not get great kills with the 223 unless it is under 250 yds and our coyotes are in the 35-40 pound range. My vote would be for the 55gr v-max or try some 60gr sierra varminter h.p. bullets.

So, everyone is leaning toward the heavier tips it sounds like? My only concern was that they are thin skinned and wondered if the 65 SGK would open up enough at the lower velocities at a distant shot given that they have a heavier jacket.

..Do the test...lol..Take all 3 - Nos, V-Max, 65gr Sie's.. ;D

If I was taking just one, I'd take the SGK from that lot you mention out of a 223 Rem. 'Course, if it was me, I'd take my 223 WSSM. It doesn't care what you load it with, the targets just plain explode. :P

I could bring my .223AI. My cold weather load w/ 50 Nos Bal tip is 3610fps and very accurate. Or My 260AI w/ 129SSTs at 3169 FPS. I just really wanted to get rapid follow up shots if you think I need it. I shoot everything else- deer, etc. that I shoot w. /1 shot. I just guessed that they are running and you may need fast 2nd shots.

I think your AR is a perfectly reasonable choice. I don't actually like to hunt coyotes, though I've done it.

I don't know anything about how or where you hunt, so maybe your shots will be with them running away or something (which they will if you miss! :P ). And the truth of it is, I may have lied to you. I'd probably bring my 243. If you need two shots on a coyote with that, you've missed badly. :)

Your AR will work well. I agree with most of what else you're reading here; bring the SGKs. I was just funnin' ya. :)

...Take the .223AL & paste him in the head with that Nos. 50..After that it won't matter... ;)

It'll do it. OK, so I guess my idea of Coyote hunting was off. I thought that the majority of the shots were on the run as they really don't stop much. I have watched videos, seen them while deer hunting, etc. They are fast, dart alot and seem to stay on the move. Does that change when you call them?

They do move alot but a fox is worse!!!! A simple bark with your voice will normally stop them for a shot.

Calling coyotes is a learning experience. Constantly! I don't care how long you've been doing it, you'll always learn something from them. Some will come flying in while others will sneak around and play cat and mouse.

Just be ready, limit your movements and watch the down wind side!!!!

By the way 1 Shot, I like your wiggly butt thingy on your posts. Its very distracting though, I try to read your answers and gain wisdom and that little wiggly butt girl distracts me every time!

60gr V-max is a great coyote bullet in a .223

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Originally Posted by savageboy

By the way 1 Shot, I like your wiggly butt thingy on your posts. Its very distracting though, I try to read your answers and gain wisdom and that little wiggly butt girl distracts me every time!

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..LOL..I hear ya... ;D...I've shot more yotes deer hunting than anything else...If they see you they'll kick it in overdrive, so be slow on moving your head...1 thing about that AR..you can always double tapem... ;)

Wha' ... huh, ummm... is that underwear?

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Originally Posted by savageboy

Wha' ... huh, ummm... is that underwear?

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LOL! ;D