.22 mag

green_MTman · March 19, 2015, 07:29 AM

does anyone know .22 winchester magnum rimfire's range on coyote?

would it kill coyote @ 50 yards ?

would it be more or less effective than # 4 buck from a 12 ga ?

ammo.crafter · March 19, 2015, 07:33 AM

No problem at 50yds but difficult to compare shotgun round to a single projectile round. Apples to oranges.

Panfisher · March 19, 2015, 07:54 AM

Yes it will kill a coyote at 50 yards, but unless you make a head shot it is likely to run after you shoot it. They can be surprisingly tough and make it quite a ways with bullet in it. Shotguns can be quite effective when multiple hits are achieved.

NoSecondBest · March 19, 2015, 08:44 AM

I've been shooting quite a few different 22mag firearms over the last forty years. I currently own revolvers and rifles in this caliber. I hunt woodchucks extensively with this cartridge in addition to my centerfire firearms. Here's my take on this subject after extensive use on small and medium sized game....it depends on the bullet used. If you use the 50g bullets on woodchucks you'll get about 50% down the hole after being shot. If you use 40g HP bullets you'll get about 10% down the hole. If you use 30g HP hyper velocity, you'll do about the same as the 40g but they generally don't shoot as well out of any gun I've tried them in. If you use the 40g HP you're going to have quite a few run off unless you hit them in the head. Coyotes are tough. I shot one with my 45-70 last deer season and it ran a couple hundred yards after being body shot with a 405g JSP bullet. It hit behind the lungs as it was running when I shot. I had snow so I could track it and I was surprised at how far it ran. I'd go with the 40g and try for either the head if standing still (which they never seem to do) or the lungs.

green_MTman · March 19, 2015, 10:17 AM

maybe i need a .22 Hornet then.shot placement is tough in the dark because vermont wont allow lights.

my hesatation about a .223 or 22-250 would be that i would like 1 gun for coyote and bobcat.the 22-250 might shred a bobcat to bits.

a laser night scope on a .22 magnum would be good but i would have to look into its legality in vermont

NoSecondBest · March 19, 2015, 11:24 AM

I've shot hundreds of woodchucks, foxes, and a few coyotes with the 22-250 and it will not "shred them to bits".

Snyper · March 19, 2015, 02:29 PM

Quote:

my hesatation about a .223 or 22-250 would be that i would like 1 gun for coyote and bobcat.the 22-250 might shred a bobcat to bits.

With the proper bullet that cannot happen

I'd get a 223 for the Coyotes, unless you already have the 22-250

green_MTman · March 19, 2015, 03:45 PM

thanx,good replies and very helpfull

SARuger · March 19, 2015, 08:56 PM

.223 or .243 for distant shots. If your up close and they are running stick to a shotgun. If you have to use a rimfire then why not a .17HMR. Its easy to find 17 around here but .22WMR is impossible to get. The 17 should be good out to 75yds for a quick clean kill.

I have seen ONE box of .22WMR on the shelf in the last 6 months of the three LGS I frequent and I paid $25 for it. .17HMR is everywhere and cheap.

zachattack2 · March 20, 2015, 05:44 PM

A 22 mag is defiantly good for 50 yards even 100 yards.

A 12 gauge shotgun is better for closer range but 22 mag has a better range.

FrankenMauser · March 20, 2015, 05:59 PM

Back to the basic question:

Quote:

does anyone know .22 winchester magnum rimfire's range on coyote?

would it kill coyote @ 50 yards ?

This is HIGHLY dependent upon the load(s) in question.

For example: The .22 WMR 45 gr Dynapoint load performs vastly differently than the 34 gr HP "Supreme" load offered by the same company (Winchester-Olin).
And, the Speer 50 gr FMJ offering will be notably different than their 30 gr TNT HP.

.22 WMR ammo uses bullets ranging from 25 gr to 50 gr (a bit more with some boutique loads).
And, velocities range from 1,250 fps all the way up to 2,300 fps.

With disparities that large, performance is all over the map. At the extreme ends, it's almost like comparing two completely different cartridges. ....Or, in some cases, roughly like comparing .22 Hornet to .22 LR.

Arizona Fusilier · March 20, 2015, 06:21 PM

I would not hesitate to shoot a coyote (or comparable critter) at 50 yards with the. 22 WMR, but if I was expecting shooting opportunities consistently closer to 100 yards, I agree with reaching for the. 223 or. 243 solution.

But this thread is informative. I have quite an investment in the Winchester. 34 gr hollowpoint; sounds like I should diversify.

smee78 · March 25, 2015, 06:54 PM

I agree with what has already been said but I think I would just get a 223 and be done with it. I think it will cover most bases here.

zachattack2 · March 25, 2015, 08:09 PM

Quote:

I agree with what has already been said but I think I would just get a 223 and be done with it. I think it will cover most bases here.

I agree. You can use a .223 close range for coyotes and super far ranges unlike the 22 mag. Unless you want to target shoot with it and want cheaper ammo I would get the 223

Mobuck · March 25, 2015, 08:39 PM

I used to carry a 22 mag while running coyotes with hounds(some of the dogs were quite gun shy and would quit the track anytime a center fire rifle lit off). The ammo in the late 70's was not nearly as effective as today's ammo so mostly all I got was cripples that the dogs ran down and bayed.
Under 125-150 yards, the 22 mag will fatally injure coyotes but possibly not kill them nearly as quick as one might expect(and definitely not as effectively as a .223).
I don't have much experience with the current high-tech shotgun ammo but results from 12 gauge 3" BB/2/4 loads of 30 years ago were dismal. The only coyotes I've killed were during turkey hunts and were under 20-25 yards-anything further was wasted ammo.

green_MTman · March 26, 2015, 02:50 AM

why does everybody skip from .22 WMR to .223 or .22-250 or .243

i think the .22 hornet makes a great fur gun,easier on pelts than .223 or 22-250 unless your talking 250 yards.in new england coyotes stay in deep cover

Mobuck · March 26, 2015, 06:04 AM

"i think the .22 hornet makes a great fur gun"
In my experience, the accuracy of the Hornets was somewhat(well mostly) "iffy". The current crop might be more consistent but back in the 1970-1980 period, finding an accurate 22 Hornet was an expensive trial and error(mostly error) process. One older guy brought me rifle after rifle(not cheap ones either) in an attempt to find a suitably accurate 22 Hornet back in the late 70's. I shot quite a bit of expensive Hornet ammo through those rifles and the old man finally gave up and bought a .223.

FrankenMauser · March 26, 2015, 06:59 AM

Quote:

why does everybody skip from .22 WMR to .223 or .22-250 or .243

Most people forget about the Hornet, since it isn't really main-stream, or popular in any way.

It's a niche cartridge that isn't "cool" or new in any way. ...But stays alive because the people that have them absolutely love the cartridge.

Good cartridge.
I'd own one if I didn't have a good .22 WMR.
Maybe, one day, after I "dispose" of my stockpile of .22 WMR ammo, I'll sell the rifle and upgrade to .22 Hornet.
But, then again... I'd have to start chasing brass; whereas I don't have to worry about it with the .22 WMR.

green_MTman · March 26, 2015, 07:41 AM

i would be nervous about a headshot in the dark unless you had a laser scope.and people seem to think .22 WMR requires a headshot.

in the east you will never see a coyote during the day or in open country.22 hornet is a good gun around here,although i have only ever seen 1 hornet shell at rifle ranges.ive also only seen 1 22-250 shell too,many many .223's though.maybe #4 buck is still my best choice

Arizona Fusilier · March 26, 2015, 06:19 PM

Everything I have read or heard says that. 22 Hornet is an outstanding cartridge. I tried in earnest to buy one 20 years ago, here in gun-friendly and well-supplied Phoenix Arizona. Could not find one at any price to save my life. And with all the hyper-attention being paid to ammo nowadays, I can say I still have not seen a box on the shelf lately.

Not knockin' it, just sayin'.....

deadcoyote · March 26, 2015, 06:38 PM

If you want to use a shotgun I'd try the new federal controlled flight ammo. They sent us a free sample to try at my agency and I was sure it was a gimmick. We hung a silouette and went back to 35 yards. It was 8 pellet 00 buck, as in addition to the "tru flite wad" theres some kind of gelatin that holds the buckshot together that reduces the space for pellets. Regardless, it put 8 00 pellets into a 4.5" group at 35 yards. Would probably be able to reliably kill a critter out to 50. I know 00 is pretty big, I believe they make it in #1 buck as well.

green_MTman · March 26, 2015, 06:44 PM

good ideas

Picher · March 31, 2015, 06:11 PM

I've shot several woodchucks and coyotes with the .22 mag and it doesn't kill as humanely as I would like. Woodchucks often get back to die in their dens and coyotes run off and don't leave sufficient blood trail to find them in the woods.

The .223 Rem is nearly perfect for both quarries and other medium varmints. Bullet selection is fantastic, so it can do whatever is needed for your game, whether to save pelts or stop them dead in their tracks.

My .22 WMR, frankly is languishing. Too bad, because it's a nice rifle, an accurized CZ 455 that shoots 1" groups at 100 yards with Remington plastic-tipped ammo.

JP

CLC · March 31, 2015, 10:09 PM

My major concern would be ammo availability , for the past year I havent been able to find any .22 mag let alone .22. I carry my mossberg 835 and can get decent groups out to about 50ft (it's been a little bit since I patterned it) and recently got a Rem 700 in .223. In PA we can't legally use OO buck but we can use lights.

Sure Shot Mc Gee · April 1, 2015, 06:01 AM

204 Ruger is a yote getter and should be on your short list.
Not so much which caliber you choose for the purpose. Availability to buy or make its ammo is your Top concern.

Does anyone know .22 winchester magnum rimfire's range on coyote?
75 yards is a chip shot for the 22 Mag. 100 yards is stretching its capabilities.

would it kill coyote @ 50 yards?
Absolutely!! But ~~as with any animals harvesting bullet placement is paramount to get those results.

would it be more or less effective than # 4 buck from a 12 ga?
First off. Two entirely different weapons and ammo to compare: Is one better than the other? They both have there limits.
Within 30 yards a shotgun always Rules. Past 30 yards yellow brass Rules.

March 19, 2015, 07:33 AM	#2
ammo.crafter Senior Member Join Date: June 25, 2006 Location: The Keystone State Posts: 1,970	22 mag No problem at 50yds but difficult to compare shotgun round to a single projectile round. Apples to oranges. __________________ "Peace is that brief glorious moment in history when everybody stands around reloading". --Thomas Jefferson

March 20, 2015, 05:44 PM	#10
zachattack2 Senior Member Join Date: January 28, 2015 Posts: 167	A 22 mag is defiantly good for 50 yards even 100 yards. A 12 gauge shotgun is better for closer range but 22 mag has a better range. __________________ I have a very strict gun control policy: if there's a gun around, I want to be in control of it - Clint Eastwood

March 25, 2015, 06:54 PM	#13
smee78 Senior Member Join Date: July 14, 2008 Location: South Carolina Posts: 2,918	I agree with what has already been said but I think I would just get a 223 and be done with it. I think it will cover most bases here. __________________ We know exactly where one cow with Mad-cow-disease is located, among the millions and millions of cows in America, but we haven't got a clue where thousands of illegal immigrants and terrorists are

March 25, 2015, 08:39 PM	#15
Mobuck Junior member Join Date: February 2, 2010 Posts: 6,846	I used to carry a 22 mag while running coyotes with hounds(some of the dogs were quite gun shy and would quit the track anytime a center fire rifle lit off). The ammo in the late 70's was not nearly as effective as today's ammo so mostly all I got was cripples that the dogs ran down and bayed. Under 125-150 yards, the 22 mag will fatally injure coyotes but possibly not kill them nearly as quick as one might expect(and definitely not as effectively as a .223). I don't have much experience with the current high-tech shotgun ammo but results from 12 gauge 3" BB/2/4 loads of 30 years ago were dismal. The only coyotes I've killed were during turkey hunts and were under 20-25 yards-anything further was wasted ammo. Last edited by Mobuck; March 25, 2015 at 08:46 PM.

March 26, 2015, 06:19 PM	#20
Arizona Fusilier Senior Member Join Date: September 19, 2000 Posts: 1,082	Everything I have read or heard says that. 22 Hornet is an outstanding cartridge. I tried in earnest to buy one 20 years ago, here in gun-friendly and well-supplied Phoenix Arizona. Could not find one at any price to save my life. And with all the hyper-attention being paid to ammo nowadays, I can say I still have not seen a box on the shelf lately. Not knockin' it, just sayin'..... Last edited by Arizona Fusilier; March 26, 2015 at 06:22 PM. Reason: spell

March 19, 2015, 07:29 AM	#1
green_MTman Senior Member Join Date: March 27, 2014 Location: southeastern Vermont,USA Posts: 325	.22 mag does anyone know .22 winchester magnum rimfire's range on coyote? would it kill coyote @ 50 yards ? would it be more or less effective than # 4 buck from a 12 ga ?

March 19, 2015, 07:54 AM	#3
Panfisher Senior Member Join Date: July 30, 2010 Location: Missouri Posts: 1,337	Yes it will kill a coyote at 50 yards, but unless you make a head shot it is likely to run after you shoot it. They can be surprisingly tough and make it quite a ways with bullet in it. Shotguns can be quite effective when multiple hits are achieved.

March 19, 2015, 08:44 AM	#4
NoSecondBest Senior Member Join Date: December 7, 2009 Location: Western New York Posts: 2,736	I've been shooting quite a few different 22mag firearms over the last forty years. I currently own revolvers and rifles in this caliber. I hunt woodchucks extensively with this cartridge in addition to my centerfire firearms. Here's my take on this subject after extensive use on small and medium sized game....it depends on the bullet used. If you use the 50g bullets on woodchucks you'll get about 50% down the hole after being shot. If you use 40g HP bullets you'll get about 10% down the hole. If you use 30g HP hyper velocity, you'll do about the same as the 40g but they generally don't shoot as well out of any gun I've tried them in. If you use the 40g HP you're going to have quite a few run off unless you hit them in the head. Coyotes are tough. I shot one with my 45-70 last deer season and it ran a couple hundred yards after being body shot with a 405g JSP bullet. It hit behind the lungs as it was running when I shot. I had snow so I could track it and I was surprised at how far it ran. I'd go with the 40g and try for either the head if standing still (which they never seem to do) or the lungs.

March 19, 2015, 10:17 AM	#5
green_MTman Senior Member Join Date: March 27, 2014 Location: southeastern Vermont,USA Posts: 325	maybe i need a .22 Hornet then.shot placement is tough in the dark because vermont wont allow lights. my hesatation about a .223 or 22-250 would be that i would like 1 gun for coyote and bobcat.the 22-250 might shred a bobcat to bits. a laser night scope on a .22 magnum would be good but i would have to look into its legality in vermont

March 19, 2015, 11:24 AM	#6
NoSecondBest Senior Member Join Date: December 7, 2009 Location: Western New York Posts: 2,736	I've shot hundreds of woodchucks, foxes, and a few coyotes with the 22-250 and it will not "shred them to bits".

March 19, 2015, 03:45 PM	#8
green_MTman Senior Member Join Date: March 27, 2014 Location: southeastern Vermont,USA Posts: 325	thanx,good replies and very helpfull

March 19, 2015, 08:56 PM	#9
SARuger Senior Member Join Date: October 11, 2014 Location: Blue Ridge Mountains of VA Posts: 954	.223 or .243 for distant shots. If your up close and they are running stick to a shotgun. If you have to use a rimfire then why not a .17HMR. Its easy to find 17 around here but .22WMR is impossible to get. The 17 should be good out to 75yds for a quick clean kill. I have seen ONE box of .22WMR on the shelf in the last 6 months of the three LGS I frequent and I paid $25 for it. .17HMR is everywhere and cheap.

March 20, 2015, 06:21 PM	#12
Arizona Fusilier Senior Member Join Date: September 19, 2000 Posts: 1,082	I would not hesitate to shoot a coyote (or comparable critter) at 50 yards with the. 22 WMR, but if I was expecting shooting opportunities consistently closer to 100 yards, I agree with reaching for the. 223 or. 243 solution. But this thread is informative. I have quite an investment in the Winchester. 34 gr hollowpoint; sounds like I should diversify.

March 26, 2015, 02:50 AM	#16
green_MTman Senior Member Join Date: March 27, 2014 Location: southeastern Vermont,USA Posts: 325	why does everybody skip from .22 WMR to .223 or .22-250 or .243 i think the .22 hornet makes a great fur gun,easier on pelts than .223 or 22-250 unless your talking 250 yards.in new england coyotes stay in deep cover

March 26, 2015, 06:04 AM	#17
Mobuck Junior member Join Date: February 2, 2010 Posts: 6,846	"i think the .22 hornet makes a great fur gun" In my experience, the accuracy of the Hornets was somewhat(well mostly) "iffy". The current crop might be more consistent but back in the 1970-1980 period, finding an accurate 22 Hornet was an expensive trial and error(mostly error) process. One older guy brought me rifle after rifle(not cheap ones either) in an attempt to find a suitably accurate 22 Hornet back in the late 70's. I shot quite a bit of expensive Hornet ammo through those rifles and the old man finally gave up and bought a .223.

March 26, 2015, 07:41 AM	#19
green_MTman Senior Member Join Date: March 27, 2014 Location: southeastern Vermont,USA Posts: 325	i would be nervous about a headshot in the dark unless you had a laser scope.and people seem to think .22 WMR requires a headshot. in the east you will never see a coyote during the day or in open country.22 hornet is a good gun around here,although i have only ever seen 1 hornet shell at rifle ranges.ive also only seen 1 22-250 shell too,many many .223's though.maybe #4 buck is still my best choice

March 26, 2015, 06:38 PM	#21
deadcoyote Senior Member Join Date: April 13, 2009 Location: northern CA Posts: 674	If you want to use a shotgun I'd try the new federal controlled flight ammo. They sent us a free sample to try at my agency and I was sure it was a gimmick. We hung a silouette and went back to 35 yards. It was 8 pellet 00 buck, as in addition to the "tru flite wad" theres some kind of gelatin that holds the buckshot together that reduces the space for pellets. Regardless, it put 8 00 pellets into a 4.5" group at 35 yards. Would probably be able to reliably kill a critter out to 50. I know 00 is pretty big, I believe they make it in #1 buck as well.

March 26, 2015, 06:44 PM	#22
green_MTman Senior Member Join Date: March 27, 2014 Location: southeastern Vermont,USA Posts: 325	good ideas

March 31, 2015, 06:11 PM	#23
Picher Senior Member Join Date: December 14, 2004 Location: Maine Posts: 3,694	I've shot several woodchucks and coyotes with the .22 mag and it doesn't kill as humanely as I would like. Woodchucks often get back to die in their dens and coyotes run off and don't leave sufficient blood trail to find them in the woods. The .223 Rem is nearly perfect for both quarries and other medium varmints. Bullet selection is fantastic, so it can do whatever is needed for your game, whether to save pelts or stop them dead in their tracks. My .22 WMR, frankly is languishing. Too bad, because it's a nice rifle, an accurized CZ 455 that shoots 1" groups at 100 yards with Remington plastic-tipped ammo. JP

March 31, 2015, 10:09 PM	#24
CLC Senior Member Join Date: January 8, 2011 Posts: 603	My major concern would be ammo availability , for the past year I havent been able to find any .22 mag let alone .22. I carry my mossberg 835 and can get decent groups out to about 50ft (it's been a little bit since I patterned it) and recently got a Rem 700 in .223. In PA we can't legally use OO buck but we can use lights. __________________ In god we trust, all others must pay cash.

April 1, 2015, 06:01 AM	#25
Sure Shot Mc Gee Senior Member Join Date: January 2, 2012 Location: Minnesota Posts: 3,876	204 Ruger is a yote getter and should be on your short list. Not so much which caliber you choose for the purpose. Availability to buy or make its ammo is your Top concern. Does anyone know .22 winchester magnum rimfire's range on coyote? 75 yards is a chip shot for the 22 Mag. 100 yards is stretching its capabilities. would it kill coyote @ 50 yards? Absolutely!! But ~~as with any animals harvesting bullet placement is paramount to get those results. would it be more or less effective than # 4 buck from a 12 ga? First off. Two entirely different weapons and ammo to compare: Is one better than the other? They both have there limits. Within 30 yards a shotgun always Rules. Past 30 yards yellow brass Rules.