I know the pellets vs slugs discussion has probably been beaten to death (slugs for long range, pellets for closer). Wondering if pellets will take out a coyote with a head shot relatively close range. Appreciate any suggestions.
Pellets or slugs close range coyote?
- Thread starter Backstop2025
- Start date
Whats close? My choice is monster redesigns in 22 for up close(within 70 yards at my power level 52 fpe) . There's videos on here of a 12 fpe 177 springer taking one with a head shot properly placed.
It's your call on ethics and I'm not here to judge one way or another, nor do I care to.
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In my opinion slugs are always better in every aspect, other than maybe cost. For a coyote the ammo selection wont matter nearly as much as the power of the platform. Also the type of coyote might make a difference as well. We have the small version here in California, but other states they are more like a medium wolf size. I would use something I knew was going to penetrate well, and forget about any expansion or deformation.
I would say 60-80fpe 25Cal would allow an ethical boiler room shot at about 50-60yds. Coyotes dont stand still for very long so I think your bigger problem with be your ability to connect with the target zone at any given distance.
If you are using a 22Cal, I would want a slug for sure and around the same 60-80fpe.
I would say 60-80fpe 25Cal would allow an ethical boiler room shot at about 50-60yds. Coyotes dont stand still for very long so I think your bigger problem with be your ability to connect with the target zone at any given distance.
If you are using a 22Cal, I would want a slug for sure and around the same 60-80fpe.
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Dang that is really close, like dangerous to your family level of close. What rifle/cal are you planning to use?
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Thanks. I’m working with a 30 cal and a very close range situation (5–15 yards about)I have pellets currently. They are very comfortable on my property and think they own the place and hold still long enough for ahead shot.
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They are coming right up to the house regularly have stalked and killed a bunch of neighborhood pets. It’s out of control. I’ve got a Western Sidewinder 30 cal.
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shot placement is the key, at the ranges you're talking about 30 cal will put them down head or heart shot
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The ability to penetrate the skull will be about the same for both slugs and pellets. For a body shot, any expanding projectile will make a bigger hole but penetrate less. Most slugs are designed to expand. A coyote may run some with a 30 caliber hole in the lungs but I would still use a pellet. I don't really see an advantage to a slug, especially at close range. If you were going for a >50 or 70 yard shot I would see an advantage to the slug but I also would question whether even a 30 caliber air rifle is the right choice. For a close brain shot use whatever you can place well. If you hit the brain it will be lights out.
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I've taken one with a .25 pellet at around 40fpe at somewhat close range. Head shot. Went in, didn't go out.
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With the majority of slug designs aside from one of the old h&n that had little to no hp, i think the construction of most airgun slugs is a detriment to the desired mission. That's why I choose mrd pellets for poking holes thru things.
At his ranges I bet a felt cleaning pellet would turn that coyote head into mush
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There was a guy on here that used head shots using both pellets and slugs. Then he stripped the skulls down to the bone and showed the results. The pellets actually make a larger hole entry and exit.
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A pellet will be like a brick smashing through bone, while a slug will slip in an them expand.
But honestly at 5-15 yards it won't matter....hell use a Louisville Slugger at that range.
But honestly at 5-15 yards it won't matter....hell use a Louisville Slugger at that range.
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