Coyote hunting in heavy brush: What caliber to use?

Choosing the Right Caliber

For hunting coyotes in dense brush, a flat-shooting cartridge is essential to compensate for the limited visibility and quick shooting opportunities. The .243 Winchester is an excellent choice due to its flat trajectory, moderate recoil, and effective range out to 300 yards. It’s also a versatile caliber that can handle medium-sized game, making it a great all-around choice for coyote hunters.

Bullet Choice and Weight

When selecting a bullet for coyote hunting in heavy brush, look for a flat-nose or hollow-point design to ensure rapid expansion and effective performance in close-range shots. A 70-90 grain bullet weight is ideal for coyotes, as it provides a balance between penetration and expansion. The Barnes VOR-TX or Nosler E-Tip are excellent bullet choices for coyote hunting due to their high-performance characteristics.

Rifle and Scope Selection

When selecting a rifle for coyote hunting in heavy brush, look for a flat-top or scout rifle with a 1:8 or 1:10 twist rate to handle the flat-shooting cartridges effectively. A 3-9x or 4-12x scope is sufficient for coyote hunting, with a reticle that provides clear aiming points and allows for quick target acquisition.