This year will be my first year actually to hunt for Coyotes, so I have been working diligently perfecting my handloads just for this purpose. I have been working with Hornady, Nosler and Sierra brand bullets for my .243 as well as Reliant and IMR powders. I finally worked up a load that is really reliable and flat shooter out to nearly 400 yards. With affection, I call this my "Yote bullet". Its a .243 caliber 55 gr Hornady VMax with IMR4320 powder.
Yesterday, I took a trip out to my buddy's range which goes out to over 1000 yards but targets only out to 800 yards. We started out testing out our new loads for the .243 when out of the blue, this little Coyote just started to trot across our field of fire. We were both stunned. We just finished shooting and were preparing our .300 for some long range shooting when this little guy appeared. We didnt have a range finder handy fast enough so I just jumped on my .243 and calculated this guy was around 300 yards. (Mind you, we both have hunting licenses) I took three shots but missed high over his head before he disappeared over a small ridge. Yelled for my buddy to head over the ridge and get'em. He grabbed a couple rounds and I followed with the range finder. Well, he took a couple shots and missed as well, both high. This little guy ran over to our 400 yard range and started looking for moles. So, I ran back to my .243 and guessed at the range. First shot was just over his back and hit the dirt behind him, which spooked him but he didnt run. Second shot with my "Yote bullet" and he just disappeared?? After a few minutes of searching, we found him just over 300 yards away in some tall wheat grass. Poor little guy never knew what hit him. Anyways, there was no saving this pelt, nor would we want too. The Hornady entered clean just behind the shoulder and nearly ripped this guy in two upon exit. The performance of this bullet is suburb if you ask me!
Sorry no pics, it seems the phone camera didnt save the one image my friend tried to snap.
