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Troubleshooting Missed Shots with .22-250 on Coyotes?

April 5, 2026

Quick Answer

Missed shots with a .22-250 Remington on coyotes often result from poor bullet placement, inadequate rifle setup, or inadequate shooter preparation. Improper bullet selection and incorrect zeroing can also contribute to missed shots. A thorough review of the shooting process is necessary to identify and correct these issues.

Common Causes of Missed Shots with .22-250 on Coyotes

When a coyote hunt goes wrong due to multiple missed shots, it’s essential to analyze the situation and identify the root cause. One common issue is the use of bullets that are too light or have a diameter that’s not optimized for the target. For example, a 55-grain bullet may not have enough kinetic energy to penetrate the coyote’s body, while a 77-grain bullet with a diameter of .224 may not offer sufficient expansion.

Techniques for Improving Accuracy

To improve accuracy with a .22-250 Remington on coyotes, it’s crucial to establish a solid shooting foundation. This includes ensuring the rifle is properly set up, with a consistent trigger pull and a clear sight picture. Shooters should also practice shooting from different positions and at varying ranges to build muscle memory and develop their ability to make quick shots. Aiming for the heart-lung area is also essential, as it offers the highest chance of a quick and humane kill. To achieve this, shooters should aim for the area between the front legs, about one-third of the way up from the chest.

Bullet Selection and Zeroing

Proper bullet selection and zeroing are also critical for making effective shots with a .22-250 on coyotes. Shooters should choose bullets that are designed for hunting varmints, such as the Nosler 69-grain Varmageddon or the Hornady 75-grain V-Max. These bullets offer a balance of weight, velocity, and expansion that makes them well-suited for taking down coyotes. To ensure accurate shots, shooters should also zero their rifles at 100 yards, and then make adjustments for longer or shorter ranges as needed. This will help ensure that the bullet is placed accurately, even at extended ranges.

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