What’s the Best Load for Coyotes?

by
posted on December 20, 2015
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
hornady_coyote_f.jpg

The Question
I want to shoot coyotes but I don’t want to destroy the hide, so what’s the best load to use?

The Expert Deferral
I’ve shot a few coyotes, but I’m no means an expert. I reached out to Fred Eichler, the host of Predator Nation, and one of this country’s most experienced predator hunters, to see what he uses. 

Fred didn’t hesitate for a second with his recommendation: “.223 Hornady Superformance—I love that. That 53 gr. V-MAX is just ridiculous. That’s a destructive bullet, but what’s cool is that that bullet was designed for a predator round. It’s a pretty awesome round for minimal hide damage, but the polymer tip increases the ballistic coefficient and is just destructive when it hits—2-6” [of penetration] and it’s done, so you get no real blow-out and I’m not having to sew-up hides.”

The Details
This load is advertised at 3465 fps from a 24” barrel is still moving at 2180 at 400 yards. If you don’t use a .223, Hornady loads its Superformance V-MAX in .222, .22-250, and .243 Winchester.

Latest

Ledemaster Collection
Ledemaster Collection

New for 2026: Real Avid AR-15/AR-10 Master Collections

Real Avid has taken its AR-15 and AR-10 tooling and maintenance products and bundled them into anew Master Collections series, providing AR-platform fans with one-stop solutions to meet their specific AR needs.

Turkey Decoys All Season Long

Opening day of turkey season was rainy and cold. However, thanks to scouting and trail cameras, Scott Haugen had a plan. Matter of fact, from the first day to the last, Scott has a way to set the decoys to bring the birds in. Curious? Read on for some great strategies.

New for 2026: Hornady .223 WSSM and .243 WSSM Superformance Varmint

Hornady has announced the availability of .223 WSSM 55-grain V-Max and .243 WSSM 75-grain V-Max loads in the Superformance Varmint line.

#SundayGunday: Benelli M4 EXT

On this week's #SundayGunday, we’re checking out a true stalwart of the firearms world, the Benelli M4. Long held in high regard by concerned citizens looking for a pedigreed self-defense shotgun, quite a few have been plugged to reduce capacity, and used in the turkey woods over the years, as a true multi-purpose scattergun. Why? Well, as it turns out, there is very little that separates a good defensive shotgun from a good turkey gun. Learn more about it in this exclusive video.

Roundup: Turkey Guns & Gear

Check out our roundup of the best new turkey guns and gear in 2026.

Recipe: Crispy Sticky Venison

This recipe is a great way to turn a simple venison roast into something that tastes as if it came from your favorite takeout place. The meat becomes tender on the inside and crisp on the outside, and the sticky sauce brings together sweet, salty and spicy flavors. Serve it over a bed of rice and watch it disappear.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.