Best Ammo for Coyote Hunting by Caliber
April 7, 2026 · AmmoBin.com
Coyote ammo is about flat trajectory and rapid expansion. Whether you're protecting livestock or saving pelts, here are the best calibers and bullet choices.
Pelt vs no-pelt
If you want to save pelts, choose lighter, frangible varmint bullets (e.g. V-Max-style) that dump energy inside the animal with minimal exit damage. If pelts don't matter, standard soft points work fine.
Top calibers
- .223 Rem / 5.56 — the do-everything predator round, cheap and flat
- .22-250 — blazing fast and very flat for longer shots
- .243 Win — more reach and wind resistance, dual-purpose deer/coyote
- .17 HMR — close-range, pelt-friendly rimfire option
Match bullet weight to your goal. Compare live prices for .223 and .22-250.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best caliber for coyote hunting?
.223/5.56 is the most popular all-around coyote round; .22-250 shoots flatter for distance, and .243 adds reach. Choose frangible varmint bullets to protect pelts.
What ammo saves coyote pelts?
Light, frangible varmint bullets (like polymer-tipped V-Max types) that expand violently inside the animal with minimal exit damage.
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