I was hunting with a .222 the other week. The load was a 50gr V-max at about 3100 fps. Most of the coyotes shot were on the run and often needed a second shot to kill.
Any recommendations as to what is a more humane and better "hit them anywhere" one shot kill bullet?

quote:

Originally posted by Rambo:
"hit them anywhere" one shot kill bullet?

Not in a shoulder weapon below anti tank! roger

With good shot placement, the .222 Rem is a solid 175-200 yard coyote rifle. But poor placement with ANY caliber can result in a wounded and even a lost coyote as they are extremely tenacious of life.

If you are going to be taking running shots, perhaps you should move up to a caliber offering better penetration, such as a .243 WCF with a controlled-expansion projectile.

But keep in mind that a larger caliber may not give you instant kills either if the bullet is misplaced. Nonetheless, a heavier/stouter projectile will give you better odds of reaching the vitals from an oblique angle.

Have you given any thought to using a factory loading? Not only is it the most accurate on paper but the results in my .222 using the Remington "Power-Loct" hollow point have been astounding. When I use for whitetails I shoot in the head or center of the neck close to the skull. Coyotes-anywhere from the rear of the ribcage forward has incredible results. Your results may vary. I was so impressed with the performance of this load I bought 2000 rounds from the same lot number. I have around 400 left. I wish I'd have bought more as there is no more of that particular lot# left.
Andy

quote:

Originally posted by drewhenrytnt:
Have you given any thought to using a factory loading? Not only is it the most accurate on paper but the results in my .222 using the Remington "Power-Loct" hollow point have been astounding. When I use for whitetails I shoot in the head or center of the neck close to the skull. Coyotes-anywhere from the rear of the ribcage forward has incredible results. Your results may vary. I was so impressed with the performance of this load I bought 2000 rounds from the same lot number. I have around 400 left. I wish I'd have bought more as there is no more of that particular lot# left.
Andy

Andy,

Well, ya got 1600 empty cases that need filling...

Don

...and a number of vendors such as Midwayusa.com offer that bullet in bulk.

So, drewhenrytnt, it sounds like some serious reloading may be in your near future!

A 222 is a great little round and a coyote killing demon as long as you hit them well.
There is no caliber that is going to do what you want with poor bullet placement but starting at a 243 with a 75 grain bullet up to about a 25-06 with 75 to 85 grain v-max or Nosler BT they will usually be there when you get there.
I contest hunted for years and when I started I used a 22-250 and quickly gave it up in favor of heavier calibers as shots are come what will and body count is all that matters.
There will be pieces blown off, and the hides are trashed but they are usually not going to go very far and run off to suffer.

The Vmax seems to be much more frangible than the Nosler Btip, at least in my experience on coyotes, plus I have better results with a 55gr bullet out of my 222mag.

Try a 55gr Nosler Btip or the 55gr Sierra Gameking. If you really want performance, try a Barnes TSX.

I used a .222 Rem. for years and my go to bullet on coyotes was a 50gr. Sierra Blitz, the lead tipped one, at around 3100fps. Was a very good killer out to 200 yards.

I always found the Hornady 55 gr SX at 3150 fps out of 24' barrel to be a very good coyote killer out to 300+ yards. Bullet placement had to be correct as it is with any cartridge. There is no shoulder fired " "hit them anywhere" one shot kill bullet" regardless of cartridge or bullet. If you hit a running coyote expect to shoot a followup shot and be prepared for it.

Larry Gibson

Skinner and Larry pretty well summed it up. I've killed antelope with the 50gr. Sierra Blitz but you can't just shoot for the zip code.

Stepchild

I just had my Rem 722 in 222 Mag out yesterday shooting at the range. The best bullets for accuracy were the 50 grain Nosler Ballistic Tip, the Speer 50 grain TNT, the Speer 52 grain HPBT, the Sierra 50 grain Sp (1320), and the Sierra 52 grain HPBT. All shot three shot groups at 100 yards that measured less than 1/2 inch. I think these bullets would do well in the straight 222 also.

Don

DMB finally got MY favorite-Speer's 52gr Hollowpoint. That thing does simply great in whatever rifle I use, at whatever animal I shoot at the time.
My .222 M700V stands out with them, and there is enough penetration, and expansion, to collect coyote hide. When I was trapping, I carried a Savage M340 that loved 'em, too.
I agree on the Remington Hollowpoint, too. It's a little stronger constucted than the Speer, but works just fine on coyote and bobcat. I get mine @ Midway.
If I were to use a softpoint in the Duece, I'd use a Hivel softpoint, instead of a "Blitz" or "SX". The 55gr "SX" does pretty "all right," tho'.
Have fun,
Gene

Rambo,

Like DMB; IMO the .222 Remimgtom deserves a 50 gr. TNT with a dose of (whatever) powder that results in a high velocity & an accurate load.

You can't "Shoot around the Edges" or Whack 'em anywhere but as one rilfe publication author recently stated; if the "Pointy End of the Bullet is in the Front Half" they're History.