.243 for coyotes and bobcat

[Bushcraft]

Hello everyone, I wanted to see how many of you use a .243 to hunt coyotes and bobcats, I just sold my 22-250 and wanted to use my .243 since I already use it very little. I'm wondering if it would be too much gun for them even if I use the varmint loads. I'm trying to kill two birds with one stone and not have to go out and get a smaller caliber rifle. Any info will help, thanks.

In my experience, excess velocity and/or soft bullets are hide (and meat) wreckers.

Do you reload or know someone that can cook up a low power recipe for you with hard-nosed bullets that are heavy for caliber?  What is the rate of twist and length of your barrel?

[hunter399]

Hello everyone, I wanted to see how many of you use a .243 to hunt coyotes and bobcats, I just sold my 22-250 and wanted to use my .243 since I already use it very little. I'm wondering if it would be too much gun for them even if I use the varmint loads. I'm trying to kill two birds with one stone and not have to go out and get a smaller caliber rifle. Any info will help, thanks.

In my experience, excess velocity and/or soft bullets are hide (and meat) wreckers.

Do you reload or know someone that can cook up a low power recipe for you with hard-nosed bullets that are heavy for caliber?  What is the rate of twist and length of your barrel?

I was just thinking the same thing.RELOAD
Just a fmj in 243 full velocity would work wonders for fur.

[AWS]

FMJ's not a good idea.  They tend to pass right trough causing them to run a long way before going down.  limited fur damage verses not finding them, I'd go with a little sewing.  You might want to check if it is even legal to hunt with FMJ's.  Now solid/mono-metal bullet like Barnes TSX or Hornady GMX will work.   I've had pretty good luck with V-max 58gr at around 3600fps and 55gr NBT Lead Frees at the same speed.  62gr Barnes VG's have left huge exits.