There is no best coyote gun. There is a best caliber for the country you hunt and for what you intend to do with the fur, and after that there is a rifle that happens to chamber it.
Most of the argument people have about coyote rifles is really an argument about two things that pull against each other: reach and fur damage. A cartridge fast enough to shoot flat in wind at 400 yards is usually a cartridge that opens a coyote up when it hits one at 80. Everything below is a way of deciding where you want to sit on that line.
What actually decides it
What you do with the fur. If you sell hides, exit holes cost you money and that pushes you toward the small fast .17s and .20s, or toward a bullet that comes apart inside. If you are hunting for stock protection and the hide is going in the burn pile, the question stops mattering and you can shoot whatever hits hardest.
The wind, not the distance. Flat trajectory is easy to buy. Wind drift is what actually costs you coyotes, and it is a function of the bullet’s ballistic coefficient far more than its muzzle velocity. A light bullet leaving fast loses to a heavier bullet leaving slower a lot sooner than most people expect. The ballistics tables carry drop and energy for 115 factory loads if you want to compare rather than argue.
Twist rate, which is the one people find out about afterwards. It decides which of those loads your rifle can actually shoot. It is covered below, because it is the spec most likely to make a new rifle disappointing.
Weight, if you walk. A 9-pound varmint rifle with a heavy barrel shoots beautifully off a bipod and is miserable four stands into a morning. Barrel contour is a hunting decision, not an accuracy decision, for almost everyone.
The calibers
Twist rates below are what the rifles in the tables on this site actually come with, counted across the models listed on each caliber’s page rather than taken from a reloading manual. Where this site has no rifle data for a caliber the cell is empty rather than filled in from somewhere else.
| Caliber | Common twist | What that suits | Ballistics |
|---|---|---|---|
| .17 HMR | — | 17 gr rimfire, close range | .17 HMR ballistics |
| .17 WSM | — | 20–25 gr rimfire, further than the HMR | .17 WSM ballistics |
| .22 WMR | — | 30–40 gr rimfire | .22 WMR ballistics |
| .17 Hornet | — | 15–25 gr, very little fur damage | .17 Hornet ballistics |
| .22 Hornet | — | 35–45 gr, a short-range fur round | .22 Hornet ballistics |
| .218 Bee | — | 45 gr, largely a collector’s cartridge now | .218 Bee ballistics |
| .17 Remington | — | 20–25 gr, the fur extreme; no current rifles | .17 Remington ballistics |
| .17 Rem Fireball | — | 20 gr, one factory load, no current rifles | .17 Rem Fireball ballistics |
| .204 Ruger | 1:12 | 32–40 gr, fast and light on fur | .204 Ruger rifles · .204 Ruger ballistics |
| .222 Remington | 1:14 | 40–50 gr, accurate and mild | .222 ballistics |
| .223 Remington | 1:9 or faster; no slow twists left | 35–62 gr for varmint work | .223 rifles · .223 ballistics |
| .22-250 Remington | 1:12 most common; 1:14 and 1:9 both sold | 35–60 gr, or heavier in a 1:9 | .22-250 rifles · .22-250 ballistics |
| .220 Swift | 1:14 | 40–55 gr, the original speed cartridge | .220 Swift ballistics |
| 22 Nosler | — | 55–62 gr in an AR platform | 22 Nosler ballistics |
| 22 ARC | 1:7 | 62–88 gr, a modern high-BC .22 | 22 ARC rifles · 22 ARC ballistics |
| 22 Creedmoor | 1:8 | 75–88 gr, reach without stepping up in bore | 22 Creedmoor rifles · 22 Creedmoor ballistics |
| .224 Valkyrie | — | 60–90 gr in an AR-15 | .224 Valkyrie ballistics |
| .243 Winchester | 1:10 / 1:9.25 | 55–95 gr, the usual answer for wind | .243 rifles · .243 ballistics |
| 6mm ARC | 1:7.5 | 80–108 gr; only one varmint load | 6mm ARC rifles · 6mm ARC ballistics |
| 25 Creedmoor | — | 95–134 gr | 25 Creedmoor ballistics |
| 6.5 Creedmoor | 1:8 | 95–147 gr, more cartridge than a coyote needs | 6.5 Creedmoor ballistics |
Twist rate is the spec that bites
A barrel’s twist decides how long a bullet it can spin fast enough to keep point first. Length is what actually matters, not weight — but weight is what is printed on the box, so weight is what everyone uses, and for a given caliber and construction the two track each other closely enough to shop by.
The reason this matters here rather than in a reloading article: the twist your rifle came with may rule out half the ammunition listed for its own cartridge.
The clearest case is the .22-250, and it is changing. Of the forty .22-250 rifles you can order today, eighteen are 1:12, thirteen are the traditional 1:14, and eight are 1:9 — fast enough for the heavy bullets the cartridge was never built around. Every one of those eight is a Bergara.
So the old rule that a .22-250 is a light-bullet cartridge is quietly becoming untrue. Put a 1:14 .22-250 next to the .22-250 load data and a good part of that table is not available to you. Put a 1:9 next to it and all of it is. That is a purchasing decision rather than a fact about the cartridge, and it is worth making on purpose — the .22-250 rifles are sorted by twist for that reason.
The .223 is the opposite case, and it is the one most often got wrong. Yes, it is sold in everything from 1:14 to 1:7. But the varmint loads run 35 to 62 grain, and every twist in that range stabilizes every one of them. Look down the .223 load data: there is nothing on it heavy enough to trouble a 1:12.
The fast twists exist for the 69 to 77 grain match and duty bullets, which are not varmint bullets. So for shooting coyotes the .223’s twist argument is mostly imported from a different sport, and the specification that actually costs you is barrel length — the published velocities on that page come from 24 and 26 inch test barrels.
The .204 Ruger and the .222 are simpler, because they are effectively sold in one twist each — 1:12 and 1:14 — and the factory ammunition is built to suit. The .204 has a different problem: there are only five rifles left in the catalog to choose between.
Rifles, by caliber
Rifle listings are moving onto their own pages, one per caliber, so that each one can carry current models rather than a snapshot of what was on sale when this page was first written. They are being rebuilt in order of how much they are searched for.
- .22-250 Remington — forty rifles, sorted by twist
- .204 Ruger — five rifles, down from twenty-one
- 22 Creedmoor — fourteen rifles, every one a bolt action
- .223 Remington — 75 bolt rifles and 159 ARs, treated separately
- 6mm ARC — fourteen rifles, and the only cartridge here with actual ARs
- 22 ARC — six rifles, all bolt, in a cartridge built for the AR-15
- .243 Winchester — ninety-six rifles, six of them built for varmint work
The rest are still to come. The ballistics tables linked in the caliber table above are current and are the better starting point in the meantime.
From the field
Questions and answers from hunters over the years. Comments are closed; contact me if you spot something out of date.
Peter S. ·
I was surprised that the .17 HMR was not among your choices. Perhaps in the Savage 93 thumb hole platform.
Steve ·
I agree. The .17 HMR hollow point with a 38gr bullet is a very good cartridge for dogs within 150 yards.
JHink ·
I think the name of the game is efficiently killing varmints. 17hmr isn’t much more impressive,if any in my opinion, than a 22mag., look it up. not enough gun and not enough range. 17 may work for you up til now but would definitely upgrade to a real rifle.
cary ·
agreed tried 17hmr I hit 3 coyotes but just wounded them had to go back to old 22-250 dead in their tracks
David ·
The .172 in Winchester WSM is better a choice.
Steve D. ·
I love my .17HMR but no way is it enough gun for coyotes. Don’t believe me, fine! Instead ask Dave Petzal who I believe is one of the most knowledgable gun writers ever!
owen ·
That is not necessarily true. Would it be my first choice? Definitely not, my coyote gun is a custom AR in 6.5 Grendel (built not just receiver slapped together) which I handload for. A .17 HMR is definitely not an ideal coyote gun, but i, and many others have killed them with the .17. However, it is not a gun i would use specifically for coyote, my main reason being i live on the plains of wyoming and we have wind issues. However, depending on wind, i would be confident taking shots on a coyote out to probably 75 yards. after that energy decreases greatly.
Mark ·
If you include the .260 or 6mm Creed and the 6.5 Creed, then why didn’t you mention the 6.5 grendel. It’s a .264 just like the others and a bit less expensive to shoot with still awesome knock down power as the others .
Chad C. ·
No manufacturer presently makes a predator model in 6.5 grendel yet. Once they do, we’ll add it to the list. The only reason 6mm creed and others made it is because a predator model is available.
Walt ·
Howa has made a 6.5 grendel bolt action for a few years, and ruger makes the american predator in 6.5 grendel. Of course a lot of companies make AR’s in 6.5 grendel, 6mm grendel, and 224 grendel.
Danny ·
I own a Ruger M77 Mark II Varminter in a .204 .22-250 & .223 and each with a 24″ bull barrel. These are not mentioned and have to the best of all. They are heavy guns for stability, low recoil and absolutely beautifully built and reliable. Retails around $850
Rebeka ·
Hi, I’m gun dumb…but have a coyote problem. Does the rifle have to be a predator or varmint version to kill coyotes? I’m just wanting something cheap and easy to use. A guy at the gun store told me to get the HMR 17 but it sounds like that’s wrong? Any suggestions for me and do I need a scope? What do I aim for when trying to hit the coyotes?
Chad C. ·
It doesn’t have to be a varmint or predator rifle by name. I had to limit my list or else there would be literally hundreds of options. I would probably recommend a .204 Ruger, doesn’t kick a drop. You’ll need a scope, and you want to aim for the front shoulder area if they are broadside, and chest area if facing you.
Phil ·
If you have a coyote problem, all you really need is something that YOU are comfortable with and have available. After reading the previous article I realized the out of all of my varmint guns my .22 revolver has downed the most coyote because it’s always there.
CHUCKAIM ·
Economically speaking a 223 would be ur best option because ammo is cheap and easy to find plus it still gets up to 2500fps it’s a good round for slingen lead at yotes out to about 400 yards plus the 223 gun is cheap. Then I’d recommend Burris or vortex brand for ur optic , they have cheaper scopes and best part is they have a no questions asked replacement lifetime warranty
Ray B. ·
Why are Americans so obsessed with killing. Here we have an beautiful animal that help keep mice and Rat population under control. Dont even eat them so thats not a good excuse. Admit you like killing. Shameful. But you have right so it’s acceptable. All lived matter
Buck M. ·
Your unawareness of coyote damage is amazing, before remarking please look into what you are commenting on. Simply put you are an idiot, so henceforth please read some dnr reports for one.
Tony L. ·
lol i think human being is more destructive than anything on this planet.
Mark W. ·
coyotes over breed and kill off the deer population, and will come into residentual areas and attack and kill domestic pets, they are a general pain in the ass, if you knew anything about the outdoors and wildlife you never would have made such a stupid comment treehugger!
Bill M. ·
Over population due to lack of predation leads to starvation, a slow way to die! hunting is not about the kill to most hunters! Everything you eat is killed by something. Hunters choose to understand the food chain and be personally responsible for their roles in it. If that’s from harvest of meat for food or population control of predators.
Tom ·
The coyote population around me pert near qualifies them as rats. Small game numbers, like rabbits,hares,grouse, and even turkey numbers are down these last few years. Some nites I have a pack screaming within 15 yards of the house. Some times you hunt for purposes other than table fare. I want to preserve some of my favorite menu items.
Jeremy ·
Yup you are absolutely right we love killing or it’s called population control? Ever heard of it?? They roam around in suburban neighborhoods killing people’s pets n if I small enough child is left in attended they would snatch one up in a heartbeat
Lyle ·
Ray must be a real tree hugger. Never seen the damage a pack of cayote can do or wild hogs among other species. Ignorance talking Ray. Pure ignorance.
Jeff A. ·
On average a coyote has 72 pups per year. They have attacked me and my dog out walking in a subdivision. They took two jack Russel dogs at 3 pm in the back yard with a 3 year old boy was playing, if not for the dogs, who know what would of happened to the child. Colorado.
Chad C. ·
A coyote only has pups once a year, feral hogs might be what you’re thinking, they have litters all year round. A coyote litter will vary from 5 to 12 pups on average. They breed and reproduce in the spring.
Tony R. ·
why are u even on this site? go back to the rock you crawled out from under.
Robert H. ·
Tree hugger go live in the city.
Dan C. ·
I have a dilemma. I have a custom built 6.5 x 55 MM Sweede on a thumbhole laminated stock with a Mauser 98 BRNO receiver that I can sustain 1 moa or less with a 140 gr varmint boolit. Equipped with a scope it weighs about 11 pounds. Then I also have a .223 Remington caliber CZ 527 FS bolt rifle with a small Leupold scope. It weighs a lot less than the 6.5 Sweede. It also does not reach out as far with power as the sweede but it is very easy to handle, carry, shoot and it is quite accurate out to 175 yds. My backup handgun will be a Ruger Blackhawk in 327 FED Mag with an eight shot cylinder and a 5.5″ bbl. I am leaning towards the .223 but maybe I am wrong.
Terry P. ·
The Ruger 327 ammo is very expensive and in limited supply with only 1 manufacturer (American Eagle). Try a 357 or 38 plus P. Good performance and much cheaper to shoot.
Sam R. ·
I use a .257 Roberts Ackley Improved with a 75 grain hollow point. The 87 grain HP is good as well.
Justin ·
Though the .17 HMR was not included in the comparison (understandably so being a rimfire) but the .17 hornet should absolutely have been included. This is not a 75 yard pest gun. It easily reaches out beyond 250+ yards with a nasty impact. My preference is the Ruger m77 but even the Savage walker would have been a good contender.
Chad C. ·
I may add it, it just takes a lot of research and time. I’m only including the rifles with a “varmint,” “predator,” or “coyote” designation. I haven’t looked around to see what varmint models are out there.
Takoda ·
I’ve taken just as much Coyotes with a 22 wmr with head shot just as easy that’s my killer it does the job.No need to buy a outrageously expensive rifle to each its own
Slayer ·
I’m very surprised that the Remington 700 BDL 17 center fire was not on the list it fires at 4000 fps. I love this rifle. Check one out if you can find one.
Dave P. ·
I have a Remington 700 VLS in the .22-250 Rem caliber. I reload 55gr. VMAX in front of 40 grains of H380. It will vaporize a coyote at 300 yards. I use a Vortex 6.5x-20x scope’. Here in Ohio, coyotes will kill anything-chickens, fawn, pets you name it. We shoot them on sight.
John ·
224 valkyrie should absolutely be on that list!
Kyle ·
No mention on the 22 Hornet?
Scott K. ·
In my opinon my ideal coyote rifle would be .25-06 bolt action with a 26″ barrel matched with the right scope and bipod, you could sit and snipe the bastards all you want, is that caliber to old? I would of thought with the range,speed, and knock down power it would be ideal, and with the right bullet you could still have a beautiful pelt depending on time of year. Any comment on the .25-06 would be very helpful.
George H. ·
Scott, I am also very surprised that the 25-06 is not included in the list. I’ve had 3 different guns in that caliber or the last 55 years, a Rem 700 bld, a Win. 70 and the one I have now been using over about the last 30 years a Browning 78 with a 26 inch medium barrel. All 3 of these guns were shooting sub .7 inch groups at 250 yards, with the Browning shooting sub .5 inch groups. All 3 guns preferred full power loads of 54.5 gr. of IMR 4831 behind a 100 grain Sierra SPBT at 3440 (mean average-Browning 78) FPS through a Oehler chronograph. The browning is topped with a Hawke 6-24 sidewinder scope. Over the years I’ve used quite a few of the regular calibers listed but have always come back to the 25-06 because of it’s flat shooting long range accuracy and remaining energy. I’ve shot coyotes fairly regularly out to 600 yards and a few beyond that. Loaded with the 100 gr. sierra SPBT it’s excellent for varmints and the same load behind a 100 gr. Nosler partion, is excellent for deer sized etc. animals pretty well out to about 500 yards. But Scott I also think I have to agree that the 25-06 is probably not listed because it’s not a modern (read NEW) cartridge. It’s unfortunate that the assumption is that some new caliber is better. But then that’s what sells guns, isn’t it. Just as an aside; I’ve got guns that range from the lowly 22 up to the Win. 458 mag., with many in between. If I could have only one gun; it would be the 25-06. or else the 7MM Rem mag., as the velocities for both are the same; but the 7MM is not legal to use where I live.
Bill I. ·
i agree scott ive owned many calibers 25-06 is my favorite
Timothy F. ·
I love my 25-06, good all around gun. Thought about trying my .17 HMR for dogs but not sold on the idea yet.
Degan ·
I love using my Benelli R1 30-06 it gets the job done.
De S. ·
I’ll take my 224 valkyrie anyday. My old shoulders can’t take the pounding that my 25-06 gave. This stays right with the 6.5 Grendel, with a lot less recoil