55 gr Bt's for coyotes

csid · Rookie Member Joined: May 26, 2008 Posts: 9

Hey guys,
Have a Savage 10 sporter in 223 that really likes that Nosler 55 gr BT loaded with 25 gr of Varget to 3000 fps. I wanted to use this load for coyotes this summer, but I shot a rabid coon with it the other night at 60 yards that weighed about 20 pounds or so, and it really expanded violently. Coyotes are farely tough and need a bullet to not only expload but to penetrate into the vitals. So, I was wondering if it is too fragile for coyotes ? Does anybody use this bullet for coyotes and how does it work ? My buddy's 243 used a 60 gr HP and it worked great, but I wanted a coyote rifle of my own, and besides his 243 was'nt too accurate, not like this Savage 223. If this 55 gr BT is too fragile for larger game like coyotes, then I'll have to move to a stouter bullet. Thanks for any experienced opinions. Smile

Bushmaster · Posted: Mon May 26, 2008 8:58 am Post subject: Re: 55 gr Bt's for coyotes

csid...Welcome to this fine site. Grab a beer and pull up a stump. Someone will be along very soon to have at your question. We (I'm not one of them) have quite a few coyote hunters here...

Dawgdad · Posted: Mon May 26, 2008 11:12 am Post subject: Re: 55 gr Bt's for coyotes

csid - I use the hornady V- max with great effect on coyotes. Bang flop as they say. I know other hunters who use the Noslers with similar results.

Welcome to the site!

coyotehunter_1 · Posted: Mon May 26, 2008 1:38 pm Post subject: Re: 55 gr Bt's for coyotes

csid,
Welcome to Hunting Nut

I’m not a long distance shooter, I’m a predator caller. Consequently, the majority of my coyotes are killed within 100 yards or less, usually more like 50 feet. I’ve taken several coyotes with Nosler 55’s, not out of a 223 but a 22-250. The 22-250 is spitting them out at aprox. 3,600 fps mv. That’s just a tad faster than the 3000 fps you are running in the 223. At the ranges I shoot I’ve never had one of these bullets splatter or fail, even if a major shoulder bone was hit. Rest assured they can and will produce dead coyotes.

For several years now my ol’ 700 Remy chambered in 222 has been my favorite coyote rig but I’ve also killed them with 22 mags and smaller. One of my last coyotes was taken with a .17 Mach2 (.22 long rifle rimfire case necked down to .17 cal.). Yep, your right… at times, coyotes can be tough to stop but they’re not armor plated.

Just my experienced opinion…. Wink

Vince · Posted: Mon May 26, 2008 10:48 pm Post subject: Re: 55 gr Bt's for coyotes

Welcome csid...do as Bushy said mate and relax a little.

I agree with coyotehunter_1. A mate I shoot with regularly uses his .223 loaded with Remington 55gn SP pushed by 27 gn of AR2208 (Varget) for anything and everything...although we don't have coyote here in Australia, it is lethal on dingos and wild dogs out to about 200m. I have also seen him take fallow deer out to about 150m with this load.

I can't imagine that you would have too many problems with coyotes using the 55gn bullet. Remember shot placement and you will be laughing.

Cheers, Vince

hunterjoe21 · Posted: Mon May 26, 2008 10:54 pm Post subject: Re: 55 gr Bt's for coyotes

They kill stuff...

Crackshot · Posted: Thu Jun 19, 2008 2:44 pm Post subject: Re: 55 gr Bt's for coyotes

I use the VMax in a 223 rem and my 223WSSM, 40gr in 223rem and 60gr in WSSM, No problems with failures on yotes or ground hogs. entry wound is all I find in iether.
Just remember, the closer the range, the more damage will be caused by the velocity as well as the bullet. "SPEED KILLS" accuracy helps!