Coyote loads and/or chokes for 500

[droptrd]

As the title says Im looking to fine tune my predator setup. Using my mossberg 500 a v/r 24" barrel.

What are you guys using for loads and chokes?

[Eazmo]

I always take a rifle and a shotgun for up close with 3" 00buck with a full choke.

You really need to pattern your gun and try different loads and chokes. you'll be surprised at what works best.

I have heard good things about some of these new specialty coyote loads but i have cases of 00 buck and if there close enough it knocks em down real good.

[oneounceload]

If you are trying to save the pelts, use a rifle; if simple eradication is your game, use what patterns best

[Deja vu]

I typically use a rifle. Usually a 357 magnum marlin but I have used a 17HMR and a few 22LRs.

a 357 magnum rifle shooting a 110-125 grain expandable bullet really does a number on a Coyote.

[zippy13]

a 357 magnum rifle shooting a 110-125 grain expandable bullet really does a number on a Coyote.

Then why consider a shotgun? I can load .357s a lot cheaper than shot shells.

[oneounceload]

When I lived in ND back in the early 80's, the 223 and 22-250 were the top 'yote choices because pelts were worth $65/each and a few would buy a new rifle - a shotgun would ruin the pelt too much to have it hold any value

[bamaranger]

I shotgun 'yotes some, usually by accident turkey hunting. (Coyotes accident, gobblers good fortune)

But, if I'm calling coyotes in the thick stuff on purpose, I use 2-3/4 " - #4Buck. Just happes I've got a supply of the stuff and it works. I've bought some of the Dead Coyote T shot, but am reluctant to shoot it through my vintage and beloved Wingmaster and its turkey choke.

If I were to buy a dedicated varmint shotgun (unlikely) I'd look a hevishot /T shot and the correct choke tube for same. I ever see a deal and a half on a Mossberg, it might become a varmint shotgun, but again, not likely.

[columbia_shotguneer]

Try patterning Remington or Federal powershock #4 buckshot(both are unplated) with extended full and then an extended extra full choke. I have two Mossberg 500's and one shoot's a denser pattern with full than the extra-full, both are very close. The other one shoots the extra full better but not half as good as the the other shotgun using the full choke, go figure. Both are vented rib field models around 3 years apart. Also, In the two mossbergs the federals seem to pattern the best. Hope this can give you a boost.

[columbia_shotguneer]

Forgot to mention I use 3 inch #4 buckshot, I am sure you can get away with 2 3/4's but in both Rems and Feds but you probally will only get one shot you are looking at 41 pellets (3 in.) v/s 27 ( 2 3/4 in.). Never tried the Federal 2 3/4 magnum but to me its overpriced unless you have only a 2 3/4 chamber gun.

[zippy13]

Columbia_shotguneer exemplifies what's been said here for some time: It's hard to give specifics on shotgun performance because they all seem to behave a little differently. His two M-500s make a case on point. You need to spend some range time with various loads and chokes to learn what works best for your specific gun and anticipated shooting environment.

[Salmoneye]

Try Hevi-Shot "Dead Coyote" loads in size 'T'...

[spclPatrolGroup]

Pelts are getting pretty good prices once again, not $65 but still pretty good.