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

Henry Provider And Protector
Henry Provider And Protector

First Look: Henry Provider and Protector Rifles

Whoever is behind the Henry Repeating Arms wheel these days needs to be given their own set of keys. The boys in Rice Lake have just announced two new product families of lever-action rifles: Protect and Provide.

New for 2026: Upgraded Benelli M2 Field

Used across waterfowl marshes, turkey woods and upland cover, Benelli's M2 pairs dependability with responsive handling—built to perform in demanding environments while remaining light enough for all-day, on-the-move hunting.

First Look: Remington "Don't Tread on Me" Ammo Buckets

In keeping with the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States, Remington has announced the release of its ‘Don’t Tread on Me’ ammo buckets.

Traditions Firearms Outfitter G3 Line Now Includes 400 Legend

Traditions Performance Firearms has added another straight-wall hunting cartridge to its Outfitter G3 lineup in 400 Legend.

New for 2026: Millennium Treestands Deadlok Carbon Shooting Stick Tripod

Millennium Treestands has launched the DeadLock Carbon Shooting Stick Tripod. Engineered for stability and versatility, this tripod provides a platform for hunters, shooters and outdoor photographers.

New For 2026: Trijicon AccuPoint 1-8x24 Riflescope

Trijicon has come back to the rugged AccuPoint for 2026, this time with an 8X zoom range, wide field-of-view and all the robust qualities tho make this one ideally suited for Africa's Dangerous Game species.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.