Re: Best caliber for coyote hunting???
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: c_bass16</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I hate these "best caliber for (insert game animal here)" type of threads.
Depending on your typical range, weather or not you plan to keep the furs, if you want an ultra light weight rifle, if you want a semi-auto...yada yada yada.
They'll all kill, effective range and destruction will play a big factor, but there will still be tons of options. </div></div>
You must hate these threads so much that you don't even read them!
The OP stated he wants another barrel for his Encore.
So , to reply to the OP, I'd also recommend a .22-250 or .243. Both are fine, fine coyote killers with readily available factory ammo. And either will lay waste to coyote to as far as you can reasonably expect to hit one...
That said, a barrel chambered in .204 might be another option. Recoil is nill and a with good shot placement, it will make for very dead coyotes. Nice, flat trajectory out to 350yds, which is plenty for called coyotes. As with any light caliber, it's wise to keep your shots off heavy bone (shoulder) on a coyote. Take 'em chest on in the brisket, or in the lungs like a good bow shot and you'll have no problemo with a .204...
The .204 also makes for a GREAT varmint rig for woodchucks, p-dogs & such. Fun to see the 'splatter' through the scope...
As for calls, there are some very talented callmakers who build custom hand calls on the various predator hunting forums.
Or pick up a production call that you can blow easily. If you splurge for an e-caller, I've enjoyed very good success with my Foxpro as a stand alone unit, or used in conjunction with hand calls...
As you progress as a predator caller, you'll begin to realize that the actual sound you make is not nearly important as setting up properly & undetected. That comes with experience and the learning curve pretty much never stops curving...
good luck & have fun!