What is your minimum caliber for coyote?

[Tuckahoe]

I have been doing a bunch of looking around on the net some folks say .22 rimfire is too small for a coyote and others say it's ok with a clean shot while others say a .223 is the minimum.

I have never shot a coyote with a .22 rimfire but did drop a chicken killing Chow Chow from 75 yards with a CCI Stinger flying out of an old Remington TargetMaster. He rolled right up and was dead when he hit the ground. This was a rushed shot that hit him broadside through the shoulders. One shot one kill. He was a big heavy dog with a heavy coat the Stinger did the job. I wouldn't hesitate to take the same shot again on a yote.

[Mustang]

There is no min or max caliber, just personal preference. If you are making one-shot kills then it doesn't matter what the caliber is whether it's a 460 weatherby mag or pellet gun.

Everyone is proud of their caliber/rifle/brand/etc but to say their caliber/rifle/brand/etc is "the minimum" is going a bit far.

Let us know what you decide on.

[alien319]

Welcome Back Mustang! I agree with that too. I only see a minimum on big game animals, and that is just do to the size and toughness of some of these animals.

[SongDoghunter]

Notice the little hole in the forehead!

22 Long rifle from the Ruger 10/22 out of the upstairs window at about 35 yards!

http://i551.photobucket.com/albums/ii474/curtispittman/DSC00325.jpg

[DKA]

It's all about shot placement. I use a 22 250 with 50 Gr Ballistic Tips, but only so can shoot farther. Have killed Coyotes with 22 Mag, never tried with 22lr.

[SongDoghunter]

My choice when I am hunting/calling is my Encore .204 with a 32 gr. Nosler Ballistic Tip

[Mustang]

If you're just starting out and you're budget is a little thin then by all means use you favorite deer rifle. You're comfortable with it, you know it's "in's and out's" and you more than likely already have a pet load for it.

As you progress and timing is right for you to purchase a dedicated calling rifle then look for something a little lighter with a little less recoil (and a little more fur friendly if you're into keeping the fur). Notice I used the term "calling rifle" vice "varmint rifle". The way I look at it a calling rifle is small, light and maneuverable while a predator rifle is just the opposite. I have both: my calling rifle is roughly 6 lbs, < 39" long, 3.5-10x40 scope (greater field of view at 100 yards) and is chambered in 204 which produces very little recoil/muzzlejump (think follow on shots)....now, my predator rifle is over 12 lbs, attached bipods, larger 6.5-20x56 scope, > 46" long, is chambered in 22-250 and is made to be shot off a bench or bipods (ie, not conducive to calling, especially in areas that are not wide open).

My two cents...

[Tuckahoe]

Thanks for the help guys that is pretty much what I though.