.308 for coyotes

[Scheindogg]

As many of you have already read (maybe more than once) this will be my first season hunting and I'm super excited!!

I am very excited for deer season and that is what my intent was when I (just this week) completed my hunters-ed.
However other than getting to know my rifle by bringing it to the range a lot of times between now and deer season id love to get out there and shoot some game!

My question is- is .308 too high caliber for yotes? I wouldn't be having the meat most likely I would just like to get the experience down of hitting real life game.

If this sounds ludicrous go ahead and call me out.

I just want some opinions.
Thanks 😁

[Blacktail Sniper]

Go for it!  The more shooting you do, the more comfortable you will be with your rifle, and getting experience on real targets will be quite the learning experience!

[GBoyd]

No, that would be fine. It might damage the fur more than you would like, but you can go for head shots if that's a concern. There are also some different bullet options, down to 110 grains if you want a faster and flatter options.

So, no need to run out and buy a new rifle. Focus on learning how to find the coyotes!

[kselkhunter]

There are varmint bullets for the 308.  Nosler makes their Varmageddon line in 110 grain.  As do others.  The Hornady custom lite 125 grain might do less damage on shots on coyote.  Or if you reload can just load up light 110 grain loads yourself. 

[jrebel]

Use the same ammo you will for deer and go blast some yotes.  Who cares if you damage the hides this time of year, the birds don't mind....just makes it easier to rip them apart and eat.   

[Scheindogg]

Awesome feedback thanks guys!!
Better than what I thought I might have heard 😁.

Whenever my father in law gets his rifle we'll have to start looking around for some coyote hunting area.

Anyone know an area within an hour of Bellevue/redmond that I could get a shot at one? Or atleast within a couple hours?

[Scheindogg]

Wow crazy!
If I can find a low grain like 120ish like these guys mentioned I might try it but honestly it would be more for the experience than the pelt. I would be proud if I did that to a yote myself 

[Oh Mah]

A head shot would have been fine lol. 

[Special T]

I've used my 30 06 with ball ammo. Knick them and they die

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[JakeLand]

Western Washington coyotes aren't worth a dime even when they are prime ! My motto is shoot every coyote legally year round, you will save a lot of game animal offspring and get better at shooting

[DOUBLELUNG]

Use the same ammo you will for deer and go blast some yotes.  Who cares if you damage the hides this time of year, the birds don't mind....just makes it easier to rip them apart and eat.   

There's no money in the hides between now and deer season.  Wait until you get a prime December dog to get a hide tanned, but for now just use whatever ammo your .308 shoots best.  Coyotes are dinks, accuracy is far more important than bullet weight or style.

[JDHasty]

Be careful about shooting 308 caliber bullets at coyotes because coyotes are frequently shot at when on the run and a 30 cal rifle can throw a mean ricochet that will retain enough weight to really carry.  I have a relative who was on the receiving end and the shooter was miles away and sent four or five 168 grain rounds downrange at a coyote from an HK model 770.  Always be careful, but be extra careful w/that combo. 

[DJ_Mack]

Get good with your deer rifle and have a blast!  Knowing your rifle and being comfortable with it is the most important thing.  Especially when you have never killed something before and your heart starts racing and you hands start shaking.  Have fun!

[Gringo31]

Often the mistake is made of buying a coyote gun when one lacks experience with their go to rifle.  Use the hunting combo you plan on using.  Build your self confidence and soon you'll be looking at a little black tail and you'll say to yourself, "I can't believe how big that thing is". 

I shoot a lot of coyotes with a rifle and it's part of the reason I bow hunt. 

[clockwork]

what about FMJ? wouldn't this solve the problem with pelt damage?