what do you fellas think would be a good scope for shooting 500 yard plus coyotes? im a bench rest shooter but i am building a long range tactivcal/hunting rig for coyotes. we have a ton of them around here. anyway the problem is knowing how far out they are so i need a system that i can learn to range these things with. what do you think would be a good scope for this type of shooting? thanks lee
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Rifle Scopes coyote sniping scope under 7 bills?
- Thread starter skeetlee
- Start date
Re: coyote sniping scope under 7 bills?
prolly anything with 5 Mil per turn turrets would be sufficient as long as its a quality scope of course. The biggest obstacle for you is gonna be accurately quickly ranging your targets and having your range/wind dope down so you can make fast accurate shots at varying distances. Lol, this is starting to sound like a sh match! Maybe look into the new sightron siii's or a vortex pst that's where I would start. Prolly look into the vortex a lil closer
prolly anything with 5 Mil per turn turrets would be sufficient as long as its a quality scope of course. The biggest obstacle for you is gonna be accurately quickly ranging your targets and having your range/wind dope down so you can make fast accurate shots at varying distances. Lol, this is starting to sound like a sh match! Maybe look into the new sightron siii's or a vortex pst that's where I would start. Prolly look into the vortex a lil closer
Re: coyote sniping scope under 7 bills?
After years of doing what you're asking about the only problem I forsee is knowing the exact size of your target. Being off by just a couple inches on size estimation will cause an error of several yards in your trajectory ending up with a complete miss and an educated yodel dog.
A more practical and logical choice would be to buy a good quality low budget scope. The Vortex Viper 6.5-20 with a mildot for holdover and/or wind hold will run you around $400 and will do the job for you quite effectively and then you can use the rest of the money towards a good range finder. Even some <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">real</span></span> snipers are allowed to use range finders so I don't believe anyone will think any less of you for doing so.
Believe me, they usually don't give you the needed time to spot, calculate distance and make a lethal shot, especially at the distances you're talking. And more than anything there's nothing more rewarding than a first round hit.
Just something to consider.
After years of doing what you're asking about the only problem I forsee is knowing the exact size of your target. Being off by just a couple inches on size estimation will cause an error of several yards in your trajectory ending up with a complete miss and an educated yodel dog.
A more practical and logical choice would be to buy a good quality low budget scope. The Vortex Viper 6.5-20 with a mildot for holdover and/or wind hold will run you around $400 and will do the job for you quite effectively and then you can use the rest of the money towards a good range finder. Even some <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">real</span></span> snipers are allowed to use range finders so I don't believe anyone will think any less of you for doing so.
Believe me, they usually don't give you the needed time to spot, calculate distance and make a lethal shot, especially at the distances you're talking. And more than anything there's nothing more rewarding than a first round hit.
Just something to consider.
Re: coyote sniping scope under 7 bills?
I was thinking about the range finder thing pretty seriously. These dogs here just sit on there but out in the middle of the sections and usually dont even move when you shoot at them unless the bullet hit real close, then they still act like they dont know what to do. As the season goes on it gets a little trickier of course, but this type of coyote shooting/hunting is very doable if you can make the hits. I shot at one this morning with my 30BR score rifle as he was about 800 yards or so out and the bullet hit right at his feet. He jumped straight up in the air and then did nothing he didnt know what to think. I was lucky to even have come close especially with a 30BR. I saw all this after the rifle settled down from the recoil. It was kinda funny. I was on my way to work so i didnt shoot another shot. Ill get him!!
How do the Milrad system work for ranging targets? i understand how to compensate for a miss but not sure about the ranging aspect of it all? Thanks Lee
I was thinking about the range finder thing pretty seriously. These dogs here just sit on there but out in the middle of the sections and usually dont even move when you shoot at them unless the bullet hit real close, then they still act like they dont know what to do. As the season goes on it gets a little trickier of course, but this type of coyote shooting/hunting is very doable if you can make the hits. I shot at one this morning with my 30BR score rifle as he was about 800 yards or so out and the bullet hit right at his feet. He jumped straight up in the air and then did nothing he didnt know what to think. I was lucky to even have come close especially with a 30BR. I saw all this after the rifle settled down from the recoil. It was kinda funny. I was on my way to work so i didnt shoot another shot. Ill get him!!
How do the Milrad system work for ranging targets? i understand how to compensate for a miss but not sure about the ranging aspect of it all? Thanks Lee
Re: coyote sniping scope under 7 bills?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: skeetlee</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> How do the Milrad system work for ranging targets? i understand how to compensate for a miss but not sure about the ranging aspect of it all? Thanks Lee </div></div>
It's quite a simple system but as I said you must be damn sure of your target size. For example, you estimate your dog to be 20" tall and you range him at .8 mil and calculate a distance of 694 yd. when in fact he is only 19" tall which now equates to a range of 660 yd.
Now you've shot right over him and don't know why because you thought for sure he was 20". The shot hit in the snow and you have no idea how far to hold under for a follow up shot. Now what?
Precision is the name of the game here and personally I don't like wasting ammo and prefer first round hits. Shooting paper or plates of steel is a little different and I do keep my skills honed by using my reticle for ranging but <span style="font-weight: bold">not</span> in hunting situations.
I would highly suggest getting yourself a range finder.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: skeetlee</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> How do the Milrad system work for ranging targets? i understand how to compensate for a miss but not sure about the ranging aspect of it all? Thanks Lee </div></div>
It's quite a simple system but as I said you must be damn sure of your target size. For example, you estimate your dog to be 20" tall and you range him at .8 mil and calculate a distance of 694 yd. when in fact he is only 19" tall which now equates to a range of 660 yd.
Now you've shot right over him and don't know why because you thought for sure he was 20". The shot hit in the snow and you have no idea how far to hold under for a follow up shot. Now what?
Precision is the name of the game here and personally I don't like wasting ammo and prefer first round hits. Shooting paper or plates of steel is a little different and I do keep my skills honed by using my reticle for ranging but <span style="font-weight: bold">not</span> in hunting situations.
I would highly suggest getting yourself a range finder.
Re: coyote sniping scope under 7 bills?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: skeetlee</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I was thinking about the range finder thing pretty seriously. These dogs here just sit on there but out in the middle of the sections and usually dont even move when you shoot at them unless the bullet hit real close, then they still act like they dont know what to do. As the season goes on it gets a little trickier of course, but this type of coyote shooting/hunting is very doable if you can make the hits. I shot at one this morning with my 30BR score rifle as he was about 800 yards or so out and the bullet hit right at his feet. He jumped straight up in the air and then did nothing he didnt know what to think. I was lucky to even have come close especially with a 30BR. I saw all this after the rifle settled down from the recoil. It was kinda funny. I was on my way to work so i didnt shoot another shot. Ill get him!!
</div></div>
Not to sound like an ass, but you are quite niave (spelled wrong I'm sure) if you think that they are just gonna let you shoot at them much longer. Coyotes are smart as all get out and they catch on real quick like. If you keep taking pop shots at them, they will make it so you never see them. They will avoid you at all cost. Don't under-estimate them or they will make an ass of you really quickly. Make you shots count and good luck. Btw, if you get into call and baits. If you keep using the same of either one, they will connect you to it and won't come around. You have to always switch things up with them. Same goes for sitting in the same spot and shooting. Again, good luck because the more you figure them out, the more they figure you out and it gets pretty interesting.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: skeetlee</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I was thinking about the range finder thing pretty seriously. These dogs here just sit on there but out in the middle of the sections and usually dont even move when you shoot at them unless the bullet hit real close, then they still act like they dont know what to do. As the season goes on it gets a little trickier of course, but this type of coyote shooting/hunting is very doable if you can make the hits. I shot at one this morning with my 30BR score rifle as he was about 800 yards or so out and the bullet hit right at his feet. He jumped straight up in the air and then did nothing he didnt know what to think. I was lucky to even have come close especially with a 30BR. I saw all this after the rifle settled down from the recoil. It was kinda funny. I was on my way to work so i didnt shoot another shot. Ill get him!!
</div></div>
Not to sound like an ass, but you are quite niave (spelled wrong I'm sure) if you think that they are just gonna let you shoot at them much longer. Coyotes are smart as all get out and they catch on real quick like. If you keep taking pop shots at them, they will make it so you never see them. They will avoid you at all cost. Don't under-estimate them or they will make an ass of you really quickly. Make you shots count and good luck. Btw, if you get into call and baits. If you keep using the same of either one, they will connect you to it and won't come around. You have to always switch things up with them. Same goes for sitting in the same spot and shooting. Again, good luck because the more you figure them out, the more they figure you out and it gets pretty interesting.
Re: coyote sniping scope under 7 bills?
I just got the zeiss conquest 4.5-14x44 with the rapid z-800. got it off gb for 725 shipped so just a tad over your budget. I like it because the retical has hash marks at the top and on the sides out at the edges that are = to 2 inches at 100 yards and one of them is broke down to 1/2 inch incriments. So knowing a coyote is 10-12 inches on average from chest to top of shoulder and appx. 18-20 inches standing from ground to top of shoulder you can do the ranging fairly accurately if the dog will stand still long enough. I also like the holdovers in the rapid z reticles because not very often hunting a predator you have the time or the ability to move enough to dial your elevation should it be needed. Zeiss has excellent glass and different reticles to fit different calibers. The calculator on the ziess website helps a lot to figure out which one fits. I use a flat shooting 204 so the 800 fit very well out to 600 then falls off at the end. A 223 might use a rapid z 600 a 22-250 or a 243 could use the rapid z varmit or the z800. Well worth looking into IMO.
I just got the zeiss conquest 4.5-14x44 with the rapid z-800. got it off gb for 725 shipped so just a tad over your budget. I like it because the retical has hash marks at the top and on the sides out at the edges that are = to 2 inches at 100 yards and one of them is broke down to 1/2 inch incriments. So knowing a coyote is 10-12 inches on average from chest to top of shoulder and appx. 18-20 inches standing from ground to top of shoulder you can do the ranging fairly accurately if the dog will stand still long enough. I also like the holdovers in the rapid z reticles because not very often hunting a predator you have the time or the ability to move enough to dial your elevation should it be needed. Zeiss has excellent glass and different reticles to fit different calibers. The calculator on the ziess website helps a lot to figure out which one fits. I use a flat shooting 204 so the 800 fit very well out to 600 then falls off at the end. A 223 might use a rapid z 600 a 22-250 or a 243 could use the rapid z varmit or the z800. Well worth looking into IMO.
Re: coyote sniping scope under 7 bills?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Gilly</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> So knowing a coyote is 10-12 inches on average from chest to top of shoulder and appx. 18-20 inches standing from ground to top of shoulder you can do the ranging fairly accurately . </div></div>
Do you have any idea what a 2" variance will do to your range calculation?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Gilly</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> So knowing a coyote is 10-12 inches on average from chest to top of shoulder and appx. 18-20 inches standing from ground to top of shoulder you can do the ranging fairly accurately . </div></div>
Do you have any idea what a 2" variance will do to your range calculation?
Re: coyote sniping scope under 7 bills?
For starters, I would choose a very flat shooting caliber, .204 would be my vote. Second, I would get a zeiss scope with the rapid z reticle to match.
For starters, I would choose a very flat shooting caliber, .204 would be my vote. Second, I would get a zeiss scope with the rapid z reticle to match.
Re: coyote sniping scope under 7 bills?
shooter
I appreciate your help. I have killed several hundred coyotes in the last 10 years so i know a thing or two about them. I call them 90% of the time and what you say is correct, they are smart. However there is a time of year that they are a little more naive. That would be during rut and in the fall. the young dogs are the easy one and yes they do sit on there ass and look at you in the middle of the sections. I like long range shooting and find the hole one shot thing very interesting. I am probably just talking myself into building another rifle but whatever it takes. I use an AR 15 for hunting while calling and never take my 3x9 scope off of 3 power so i dont have a good idea of what it would take scope wise to shoot these long dog shots.
The area i hunt is pretty flat so i use v-max type bullets 100% of the time. There are waterways everywhere and thats what these dogs use to move. You can sit and watch these dogs look at you from 600 + yards and occasionally they will dip down into the ditch, but they almost always pop back up. I am just looking for a new way to hunt them. I also stalk on occasion using the waterways myself to get closer. I think this will be an effective way to shoot these dogs we have here in central Illinois. Im not looking for hunting tips, just scope suggestions. thanks men!! lee
shooter
I appreciate your help. I have killed several hundred coyotes in the last 10 years so i know a thing or two about them. I call them 90% of the time and what you say is correct, they are smart. However there is a time of year that they are a little more naive. That would be during rut and in the fall. the young dogs are the easy one and yes they do sit on there ass and look at you in the middle of the sections. I like long range shooting and find the hole one shot thing very interesting. I am probably just talking myself into building another rifle but whatever it takes. I use an AR 15 for hunting while calling and never take my 3x9 scope off of 3 power so i dont have a good idea of what it would take scope wise to shoot these long dog shots.
The area i hunt is pretty flat so i use v-max type bullets 100% of the time. There are waterways everywhere and thats what these dogs use to move. You can sit and watch these dogs look at you from 600 + yards and occasionally they will dip down into the ditch, but they almost always pop back up. I am just looking for a new way to hunt them. I also stalk on occasion using the waterways myself to get closer. I think this will be an effective way to shoot these dogs we have here in central Illinois. Im not looking for hunting tips, just scope suggestions. thanks men!! lee
Re: coyote sniping scope under 7 bills?
I have a few of the Fullfield II Burris with the ballistic plex reticle in them. I have them on deer/varmint rigs. I think one of them would work for you, they are affordable and seem to me to do what they advertise. They come with various stickers that you can put on your gun that tells you the hold over/under. Get a Range Finder, worth every penny. I have a bushnell Range Finder and am very pleased with it.
I have a few of the Fullfield II Burris with the ballistic plex reticle in them. I have them on deer/varmint rigs. I think one of them would work for you, they are affordable and seem to me to do what they advertise. They come with various stickers that you can put on your gun that tells you the hold over/under. Get a Range Finder, worth every penny. I have a bushnell Range Finder and am very pleased with it.
Re: coyote sniping scope under 7 bills?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 2brothers641</div><div class="ubbcode-body">For starters, I would choose a very flat shooting caliber, .204 would be my vote. Second, I would get a zeiss scope with the rapid z reticle to match. </div></div>
Go 20 Tactical instead!
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 2brothers641</div><div class="ubbcode-body">For starters, I would choose a very flat shooting caliber, .204 would be my vote. Second, I would get a zeiss scope with the rapid z reticle to match. </div></div>
Go 20 Tactical instead!
Re: coyote sniping scope under 7 bills?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: skeetlee</div><div class="ubbcode-body">shooter
I appreciate your help. I have killed several hundred coyotes in the last 10 years so i know a thing or two about them. I call them 90% of the time and what you say is correct, they are smart. However there is a time of year that they are a little more naive. That would be during rut and in the fall. the young dogs are the easy one and yes they do sit on there ass and look at you in the middle of the sections. I like long range shooting and find the hole one shot thing very interesting. I am probably just talking myself into building another rifle but whatever it takes. I use an AR 15 for hunting while calling and never take my 3x9 scope off of 3 power so i dont have a good idea of what it would take scope wise to shoot these long dog shots.
The area i hunt is pretty flat so i use v-max type bullets 100% of the time. There are waterways everywhere and thats what these dogs use to move. You can sit and watch these dogs look at you from 600 + yards and occasionally they will dip down into the ditch, but they almost always pop back up. I am just looking for a new way to hunt them. I also stalk on occasion using the waterways myself to get closer. I think this will be an effective way to shoot these dogs we have here in central Illinois. Im not looking for hunting tips, just scope suggestions. thanks men!! lee </div></div>
Again.
A Bushnell Elite 3-12x44 ffp mil/mil and a laser range finder.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: skeetlee</div><div class="ubbcode-body">shooter
I appreciate your help. I have killed several hundred coyotes in the last 10 years so i know a thing or two about them. I call them 90% of the time and what you say is correct, they are smart. However there is a time of year that they are a little more naive. That would be during rut and in the fall. the young dogs are the easy one and yes they do sit on there ass and look at you in the middle of the sections. I like long range shooting and find the hole one shot thing very interesting. I am probably just talking myself into building another rifle but whatever it takes. I use an AR 15 for hunting while calling and never take my 3x9 scope off of 3 power so i dont have a good idea of what it would take scope wise to shoot these long dog shots.
The area i hunt is pretty flat so i use v-max type bullets 100% of the time. There are waterways everywhere and thats what these dogs use to move. You can sit and watch these dogs look at you from 600 + yards and occasionally they will dip down into the ditch, but they almost always pop back up. I am just looking for a new way to hunt them. I also stalk on occasion using the waterways myself to get closer. I think this will be an effective way to shoot these dogs we have here in central Illinois. Im not looking for hunting tips, just scope suggestions. thanks men!! lee </div></div>
Again.
A Bushnell Elite 3-12x44 ffp mil/mil and a laser range finder.
Re: coyote sniping scope under 7 bills?
Midway has the bushnells on clearence for awhile now. Might wanna check them out.
Midway has the bushnells on clearence for awhile now. Might wanna check them out.
Re: coyote sniping scope under 7 bills?
thanks fellas i appreciate the info. About the 20cal stuff. I used a cz 204 ruger back in 07 for my coyote rifle and i killed several dogs that year. however i experienced more run offs than i have in all the years since. Maybe i was using the wrong bullets or maybe i just wasnt doing my part, but i sure had a lot of splash hits and i soon sold that little CZ rifle. I hated to as i really liked that little bolt rifle. I cant believe so many still hunt with 20cal stuff. Maybe i just had a bad year?? Thanks Lee
thanks fellas i appreciate the info. About the 20cal stuff. I used a cz 204 ruger back in 07 for my coyote rifle and i killed several dogs that year. however i experienced more run offs than i have in all the years since. Maybe i was using the wrong bullets or maybe i just wasnt doing my part, but i sure had a lot of splash hits and i soon sold that little CZ rifle. I hated to as i really liked that little bolt rifle. I cant believe so many still hunt with 20cal stuff. Maybe i just had a bad year?? Thanks Lee
Re: coyote sniping scope under 7 bills?
I have a savage 308 with a sIII 6-24 milldot scope on top setup to do what your wanting to do. Coyotes over here in Iowa do the same thing sit out there at the half mile fence. Lots of guys shoot some noise to get them running, why not take a accurate shot to begin with.
I use 155 bergers going about 2830, get a dope chart, rangefinder, a very good tracking scope and go get'em.
I have a savage 308 with a sIII 6-24 milldot scope on top setup to do what your wanting to do. Coyotes over here in Iowa do the same thing sit out there at the half mile fence. Lots of guys shoot some noise to get them running, why not take a accurate shot to begin with.
I use 155 bergers going about 2830, get a dope chart, rangefinder, a very good tracking scope and go get'em.
Re: coyote sniping scope under 7 bills?
Weeel I am not going to suggest reticles to you, but you might want one of the "ranging" ones or go to a hand held laser and a plex reticle with target turrets.
I would suggest for the money you get a Loopy VX-III, not a mark 4
One reason for the Leupold is hurricane Katrina.....
I know it has been over 5 years now, but there are still rifles coming back from the floods.
My best friend had the fortune/mis-fortune of taking over a collection that had been Katrina'd and found that not only was Leupold the only brand that was usable, but also the only ones that had better than sh***y customer service.
Of the 3 Leupolds, one had a bad turret, Leupold's words were "send it to us, we will fix it" and they did and in a reasonable amount of time.
Of the 4 other major brands one said they would replace the scope with a returned or a rebuilt model, the other 3 did not even bother to make any type of response and wanted money just to look at them.
Be looking for the entire story in your favorite gun rag as Me Amigo sent a nicely detailed write up along with numerous photos to Leupold about his experiences and guess what? They turned it into an exhibit at last weeks Shot Show! From what I hear, it hands down got the most interest at Leupold's booth, so do not be surprised if your favorite writer picks the story up for their publication.
Weeel I am not going to suggest reticles to you, but you might want one of the "ranging" ones or go to a hand held laser and a plex reticle with target turrets.
I would suggest for the money you get a Loopy VX-III, not a mark 4
One reason for the Leupold is hurricane Katrina.....
I know it has been over 5 years now, but there are still rifles coming back from the floods.
My best friend had the fortune/mis-fortune of taking over a collection that had been Katrina'd and found that not only was Leupold the only brand that was usable, but also the only ones that had better than sh***y customer service.
Of the 3 Leupolds, one had a bad turret, Leupold's words were "send it to us, we will fix it" and they did and in a reasonable amount of time.
Of the 4 other major brands one said they would replace the scope with a returned or a rebuilt model, the other 3 did not even bother to make any type of response and wanted money just to look at them.
Be looking for the entire story in your favorite gun rag as Me Amigo sent a nicely detailed write up along with numerous photos to Leupold about his experiences and guess what? They turned it into an exhibit at last weeks Shot Show! From what I hear, it hands down got the most interest at Leupold's booth, so do not be surprised if your favorite writer picks the story up for their publication.
Re: coyote sniping scope under 7 bills?
Lots of great advice here!
Here is what works for me. I do a little coyote hunting myself. The areas I hunt very in terrain and cover. Sometimes I will be shooting 300+ yards and sometimes 30-50 yards.
So I needed/wanted a scope that could be used for all those areas plus maybe some paper punching.
And it needed to be light...I do a lot of hiking when coyote hunting. Good glass was a must and rugged.
I tried many scopes...Leupold,Nikon,Weaver,etc., and ended up with a Bushnell Elite 6500 2.5-16X. I like this scope so much I ended up putting one on each of my hunting rifles.
I currently own three...one on my Tikka T3 Lite .223, one on me 16" JP AR, and one on my Browning 17HMR.
To me what the best feature is the wide range of magnification they offer.
If I am in close in areas I can dial down to 2.5 power and have a very wide FOV.
If I have a coyote that is hung up way out there or if I have time I can go to 16X and be sure of my shot placement.
Glass is good....not one of my NF's but for a $500 scope they are the best I have tried so far.
Rugged....I have dropped my rifles a time or two and they have held there zero.
So...there is my recommendation.
Take care,Stan
Lots of great advice here!
Here is what works for me. I do a little coyote hunting myself. The areas I hunt very in terrain and cover. Sometimes I will be shooting 300+ yards and sometimes 30-50 yards.
So I needed/wanted a scope that could be used for all those areas plus maybe some paper punching.
And it needed to be light...I do a lot of hiking when coyote hunting. Good glass was a must and rugged.
I tried many scopes...Leupold,Nikon,Weaver,etc., and ended up with a Bushnell Elite 6500 2.5-16X. I like this scope so much I ended up putting one on each of my hunting rifles.
I currently own three...one on my Tikka T3 Lite .223, one on me 16" JP AR, and one on my Browning 17HMR.
To me what the best feature is the wide range of magnification they offer.
If I am in close in areas I can dial down to 2.5 power and have a very wide FOV.
If I have a coyote that is hung up way out there or if I have time I can go to 16X and be sure of my shot placement.
Glass is good....not one of my NF's but for a $500 scope they are the best I have tried so far.
Rugged....I have dropped my rifles a time or two and they have held there zero.
So...there is my recommendation.
Take care,Stan
Re: coyote sniping scope under 7 bills?
I think Natchez still has a limited supply of Weaver Nitrex 2's. Someone on here said Weaver extended their rebate until March sometime. I don't know if that is true, but if you are interested, it might be worth looking in to. I bought 2 of these and am very pleased with the quality for the price. Personally, I have a 2-10 with an EBX reticle that is going on my coyote gun. That is a lot of scope for the $159 + shipping I paid for it.
Casey
I think Natchez still has a limited supply of Weaver Nitrex 2's. Someone on here said Weaver extended their rebate until March sometime. I don't know if that is true, but if you are interested, it might be worth looking in to. I bought 2 of these and am very pleased with the quality for the price. Personally, I have a 2-10 with an EBX reticle that is going on my coyote gun. That is a lot of scope for the $159 + shipping I paid for it.
Casey
Re: coyote sniping scope under 7 bills?
That is where being an experienced hunter comes into play in judging is it a big coyote or little coyote? If its mangy it will be probably 9-10 inches. If it is a big male closer to 12 inches. The more dimensions you reference on size the more accurate you can be. I will bet you I can get within 30-40 yards anything inside of 600 and with a 204 trajectory and a scope with 25 yard holover incraments its not that bad. Plus with that caliber there is no reason to event sling lead at a coyote sized animal outside of 500 yards and thats even pushing it. Once again just my opinion.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jerry R</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Gilly</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> So knowing a coyote is 10-12 inches on average from chest to top of shoulder and appx. 18-20 inches standing from ground to top of shoulder you can do the ranging fairly accurately . </div></div>
Do you have any idea what a 2" variance will do to your range calculation?
</div></div>
That is where being an experienced hunter comes into play in judging is it a big coyote or little coyote? If its mangy it will be probably 9-10 inches. If it is a big male closer to 12 inches. The more dimensions you reference on size the more accurate you can be. I will bet you I can get within 30-40 yards anything inside of 600 and with a 204 trajectory and a scope with 25 yard holover incraments its not that bad. Plus with that caliber there is no reason to event sling lead at a coyote sized animal outside of 500 yards and thats even pushing it. Once again just my opinion.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jerry R</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Gilly</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> So knowing a coyote is 10-12 inches on average from chest to top of shoulder and appx. 18-20 inches standing from ground to top of shoulder you can do the ranging fairly accurately . </div></div>
Do you have any idea what a 2" variance will do to your range calculation?
Re: coyote sniping scope under 7 bills?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 2brothers641</div><div class="ubbcode-body">For starters, I would choose a very flat shooting caliber, .204 would be my vote. Second, I would get a zeiss scope with the rapid z reticle to match. </div></div>
I think id stay quite a ways away from a .204 for 500+ yard coyotes.
.308, 6.5, or bigger would be much much better.
Coyotes are tough customers, and im not sold on the .204 for even close range coyotes.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 2brothers641</div><div class="ubbcode-body">For starters, I would choose a very flat shooting caliber, .204 would be my vote. Second, I would get a zeiss scope with the rapid z reticle to match. </div></div>
I think id stay quite a ways away from a .204 for 500+ yard coyotes.
.308, 6.5, or bigger would be much much better.
Coyotes are tough customers, and im not sold on the .204 for even close range coyotes.
Re: coyote sniping scope under 7 bills?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Gilly</div><div class="ubbcode-body">That is where being an experienced hunter comes into play in judging is it a big coyote or little coyote? If its mangy it will be probably 9-10 inches. If it is a big male closer to 12 inches. The more dimensions you reference on size the more accurate you can be. I will bet you I can get within 30-40 yards anything inside of 600 and with a 204 trajectory and a scope with 25 yard holover incraments its not that bad. Plus with that caliber there is no reason to event sling lead at a coyote sized animal outside of 500 yards and thats even pushing it. Once again just my opinion.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jerry R</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Gilly</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> So knowing a coyote is 10-12 inches on average from chest to top of shoulder and appx. 18-20 inches standing from ground to top of shoulder you can do the ranging fairly accurately . </div></div>
Do you have any idea what a 2" variance will do to your range calculation?
</div></div> </div></div>
+1
Its not 100% fool proof (but what is?). But with practice and time, one can get quite proficient at it.
We used to put up 300-500 coyotes a month. Yup, I measured quite a few. Lots of things come into play, time of year, early fur isnt as heavy (and fur makes coyotes look MUCH bigger than they are), sex, adult/juvenile, etc etc.
But with practice, one can be pretty damn accurate ranging off size.
One trick I learned was to mil the head (it helps to have a high powered scope with reticle broken down to .2 mils somewhere, it really isnt an option though on long long LONG shots). At least in my area, length of a broadside head from the front of the ears to the tip of the nose is FAR more consistent a measurement than chest depth or shoulder height.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Gilly</div><div class="ubbcode-body">That is where being an experienced hunter comes into play in judging is it a big coyote or little coyote? If its mangy it will be probably 9-10 inches. If it is a big male closer to 12 inches. The more dimensions you reference on size the more accurate you can be. I will bet you I can get within 30-40 yards anything inside of 600 and with a 204 trajectory and a scope with 25 yard holover incraments its not that bad. Plus with that caliber there is no reason to event sling lead at a coyote sized animal outside of 500 yards and thats even pushing it. Once again just my opinion.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jerry R</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Gilly</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> So knowing a coyote is 10-12 inches on average from chest to top of shoulder and appx. 18-20 inches standing from ground to top of shoulder you can do the ranging fairly accurately . </div></div>
Do you have any idea what a 2" variance will do to your range calculation?
+1
Its not 100% fool proof (but what is?). But with practice and time, one can get quite proficient at it.
We used to put up 300-500 coyotes a month. Yup, I measured quite a few. Lots of things come into play, time of year, early fur isnt as heavy (and fur makes coyotes look MUCH bigger than they are), sex, adult/juvenile, etc etc.
But with practice, one can be pretty damn accurate ranging off size.
One trick I learned was to mil the head (it helps to have a high powered scope with reticle broken down to .2 mils somewhere, it really isnt an option though on long long LONG shots). At least in my area, length of a broadside head from the front of the ears to the tip of the nose is FAR more consistent a measurement than chest depth or shoulder height.
Re: coyote sniping scope under 7 bills?
I am also big into it. Set up a system for these 2 reticles on my AR 223 AI shooting the 65 SGK, and have killed several 500+ yd. coyotes with it. Also calcd a rangefinding system with both. Weaver V16 and Bushnell 3200 with discontinued Ballistic reticle. Dots are 3 MOA and lines are 3 IPHY. Successfully reticle-ranged 2 coyotes (back to brisket as that is the most consistently presented profile to use for rangefinding IMO) at ~500 couple years ago. But don't think coyotes offer you these kind of steady profiles for ranging very often. A laser is a must have item for LR shooting--
557 last season--
435 i think last season--
V16 3 MOA (4 MOA wind) TK Lee dot--
Bushnell BR--
Reticle dope as it appears in the BC ocular cover--
Rangefinding dope as it appears in the BC Blizzard style obj. cover--
I am also big into it. Set up a system for these 2 reticles on my AR 223 AI shooting the 65 SGK, and have killed several 500+ yd. coyotes with it. Also calcd a rangefinding system with both. Weaver V16 and Bushnell 3200 with discontinued Ballistic reticle. Dots are 3 MOA and lines are 3 IPHY. Successfully reticle-ranged 2 coyotes (back to brisket as that is the most consistently presented profile to use for rangefinding IMO) at ~500 couple years ago. But don't think coyotes offer you these kind of steady profiles for ranging very often. A laser is a must have item for LR shooting--
557 last season--
435 i think last season--
V16 3 MOA (4 MOA wind) TK Lee dot--
Bushnell BR--
Reticle dope as it appears in the BC ocular cover--
Rangefinding dope as it appears in the BC Blizzard style obj. cover--
Re: coyote sniping scope under 7 bills?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: shooter19802003</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Holly crap. .300 to 500 a month!....damn! </div></div>
I should reiterate, we used to buy fur, so not all we're taken by us. (Although we've taken our fair share)
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: shooter19802003</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Holly crap. .300 to 500 a month!....damn! </div></div>
I should reiterate, we used to buy fur, so not all we're taken by us. (Although we've taken our fair share)
Re: coyote sniping scope under 7 bills?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: kill_goose</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 2brothers641</div><div class="ubbcode-body">For starters, I would choose a very flat shooting caliber, .204 would be my vote. Second, I would get a zeiss scope with the rapid z reticle to match. </div></div>
I think id stay quite a ways away from a .204 for 500+ yard coyotes.
.308, 6.5, or bigger would be much much better.
Coyotes are tough customers, and im not sold on the .204 for even close range coyotes. </div></div>
This is funny. My .204 has killed many coyotes. So has my 17 hmr and 22 mag. If you need an overkill cartridge to kill a medium sized dog, maybe you should practice more. Shot placement is key, .308 on coyote is compensating.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: kill_goose</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 2brothers641</div><div class="ubbcode-body">For starters, I would choose a very flat shooting caliber, .204 would be my vote. Second, I would get a zeiss scope with the rapid z reticle to match. </div></div>
I think id stay quite a ways away from a .204 for 500+ yard coyotes.
.308, 6.5, or bigger would be much much better.
Coyotes are tough customers, and im not sold on the .204 for even close range coyotes. </div></div>
This is funny. My .204 has killed many coyotes. So has my 17 hmr and 22 mag. If you need an overkill cartridge to kill a medium sized dog, maybe you should practice more. Shot placement is key, .308 on coyote is compensating.
Re: coyote sniping scope under 7 bills?
Everyone has their opinion and favorite caliber they are partial to. I personally see the 204 superior to the 223 with say a 55 grain vmax probably the most popular round used in the 223 with the exception being some handloaders using 68 or 69 grain hollowpoints. The 204 is flatter, faster, and nearly identicle on energy when you compare a 40 grain berger at 3800 to a 55 grain vmax at 3300. This is all done on JBM with the advantage on speed and trajectory getting wider the further you go from the muzzle due to the higher b.c. of the 20 caliber. I agree 350+ yards on coyotes is getting out there beyond that a 243 with 75 or 87 grain vmax would be my choice. I have however taken coyotes at and slightly beyond 350 yards with the 204 and when shot placement is good they dont run any farther than they do at 200 yards.
Everyone has their opinion and favorite caliber they are partial to. I personally see the 204 superior to the 223 with say a 55 grain vmax probably the most popular round used in the 223 with the exception being some handloaders using 68 or 69 grain hollowpoints. The 204 is flatter, faster, and nearly identicle on energy when you compare a 40 grain berger at 3800 to a 55 grain vmax at 3300. This is all done on JBM with the advantage on speed and trajectory getting wider the further you go from the muzzle due to the higher b.c. of the 20 caliber. I agree 350+ yards on coyotes is getting out there beyond that a 243 with 75 or 87 grain vmax would be my choice. I have however taken coyotes at and slightly beyond 350 yards with the 204 and when shot placement is good they dont run any farther than they do at 200 yards.
Re: coyote sniping scope under 7 bills?
+1
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 2brothers641</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: kill_goose</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 2brothers641</div><div class="ubbcode-body">For starters, I would choose a very flat shooting caliber, .204 would be my vote. Second, I would get a zeiss scope with the rapid z reticle to match. </div></div>
I think id stay quite a ways away from a .204 for 500+ yard coyotes.
.308, 6.5, or bigger would be much much better.
Coyotes are tough customers, and im not sold on the .204 for even close range coyotes. </div></div>
This is funny. My .204 has killed many coyotes. So has my 17 hmr and 22 mag. If you need an overkill cartridge to kill a medium sized dog, maybe you should practice more. Shot placement is key, .308 on coyote is compensating. </div></div>
+1
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 2brothers641</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: kill_goose</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 2brothers641</div><div class="ubbcode-body">For starters, I would choose a very flat shooting caliber, .204 would be my vote. Second, I would get a zeiss scope with the rapid z reticle to match. </div></div>
I think id stay quite a ways away from a .204 for 500+ yard coyotes.
.308, 6.5, or bigger would be much much better.
Coyotes are tough customers, and im not sold on the .204 for even close range coyotes. </div></div>
This is funny. My .204 has killed many coyotes. So has my 17 hmr and 22 mag. If you need an overkill cartridge to kill a medium sized dog, maybe you should practice more. Shot placement is key, .308 on coyote is compensating. </div></div>
Re: coyote sniping scope under 7 bills?
Yes thank you guys for all the great info. Winters are long and there just isn't much to do. I am not a young as i once was and calling coyotes in 0-15 degree weather isnt as appealing to me as it once was. I can take a drive around the local farms just about any morning and see half a dozen coyotes sitting in the middle of the sections or wandering about. They are everywhere these days. more so than even 15 years ago. I like the idea of playing sniper and of course i cant shoot people so coyotes are the next best thing. I am not a sniper nor will i ever be but the hole idea is very interesting to me. There is something very appealing to me about shooting coyotes at long ranges and since i am not getting any younger i think this will soon take up the majority of my coyote hunting time. I just need to acquire the proper equipment and put in the practice to make all this come together. Im sure i will miss more than i hit but we as men seem to forget those shots anyway. I think when it all does come together it will make for a dam fine story! LOL!! I just think it would be very rewarding to shoot a coyote at 800 yards and do it on purpose and not have it all luck! Most will disagree with this type of hunting and some wont even call this hunting and i respect that! To each his own. This is just something i want to pursue. I love rifles and i love shooting coyotes so it seems like a great idea to me! This wont all come together this year as it will take time to put the components together. But next winter i will have something to do to kill those long winters blues! Thanks for the info! Lee
Yes thank you guys for all the great info. Winters are long and there just isn't much to do. I am not a young as i once was and calling coyotes in 0-15 degree weather isnt as appealing to me as it once was. I can take a drive around the local farms just about any morning and see half a dozen coyotes sitting in the middle of the sections or wandering about. They are everywhere these days. more so than even 15 years ago. I like the idea of playing sniper and of course i cant shoot people so coyotes are the next best thing. I am not a sniper nor will i ever be but the hole idea is very interesting to me. There is something very appealing to me about shooting coyotes at long ranges and since i am not getting any younger i think this will soon take up the majority of my coyote hunting time. I just need to acquire the proper equipment and put in the practice to make all this come together. Im sure i will miss more than i hit but we as men seem to forget those shots anyway. I think when it all does come together it will make for a dam fine story! LOL!! I just think it would be very rewarding to shoot a coyote at 800 yards and do it on purpose and not have it all luck! Most will disagree with this type of hunting and some wont even call this hunting and i respect that! To each his own. This is just something i want to pursue. I love rifles and i love shooting coyotes so it seems like a great idea to me! This wont all come together this year as it will take time to put the components together. But next winter i will have something to do to kill those long winters blues! Thanks for the info! Lee
Re: coyote sniping scope under 7 bills?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 2brothers641</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: kill_goose</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 2brothers641</div><div class="ubbcode-body">For starters, I would choose a very flat shooting caliber, .204 would be my vote. Second, I would get a zeiss scope with the rapid z reticle to match. </div></div>
I think id stay quite a ways away from a .204 for 500+ yard coyotes.
.308, 6.5, or bigger would be much much better.
Coyotes are tough customers, and im not sold on the .204 for even close range coyotes. </div></div>
This is funny. My .204 has killed many coyotes. So has my 17 hmr and 22 mag. If you need an overkill cartridge to kill a medium sized dog, maybe you should practice more. Shot placement is key, .308 on coyote is compensating. </div></div>
Well, thats your opinion. Ive seen enough coyotes hit with the .204 to know that its not allowed in my pickup if coyotes are on the menu for the day. Definitely not for long dogs which is what this thread was geared towards.
Seen to many well hit, "close" range coyotes zip out of there like they weren't even touched. A few were recovered thanks to a .22-250. Good hits, but not even slowing em down. Now I must admit, this was with the early "light" bullets that were widely offered when it first hit the market. I have not witnessed it in action with "heavier" .20 cal bullets. But my opinion of it as a dedicated coyote gun are already pretty dismal.
And if you got someone expecting a body count, or your killing for fur, a run-off is tough to market for fur and doesn't impress the ranchers none.
Ive had this argument with a LOT of .204 die hards. I also know quite a few .204 boys that learned the hard way that coyotes are a lot tougher than many think they are.
My opinion on the .204 for coyotes is kinda the same as my opinion on .223 for "open area" deer. Will it kill em? Heck yes. Is it the best tool for the job? Heck no.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 2brothers641</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: kill_goose</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 2brothers641</div><div class="ubbcode-body">For starters, I would choose a very flat shooting caliber, .204 would be my vote. Second, I would get a zeiss scope with the rapid z reticle to match. </div></div>
I think id stay quite a ways away from a .204 for 500+ yard coyotes.
.308, 6.5, or bigger would be much much better.
Coyotes are tough customers, and im not sold on the .204 for even close range coyotes. </div></div>
This is funny. My .204 has killed many coyotes. So has my 17 hmr and 22 mag. If you need an overkill cartridge to kill a medium sized dog, maybe you should practice more. Shot placement is key, .308 on coyote is compensating. </div></div>
Well, thats your opinion. Ive seen enough coyotes hit with the .204 to know that its not allowed in my pickup if coyotes are on the menu for the day. Definitely not for long dogs which is what this thread was geared towards.
Seen to many well hit, "close" range coyotes zip out of there like they weren't even touched. A few were recovered thanks to a .22-250. Good hits, but not even slowing em down. Now I must admit, this was with the early "light" bullets that were widely offered when it first hit the market. I have not witnessed it in action with "heavier" .20 cal bullets. But my opinion of it as a dedicated coyote gun are already pretty dismal.
And if you got someone expecting a body count, or your killing for fur, a run-off is tough to market for fur and doesn't impress the ranchers none.
Ive had this argument with a LOT of .204 die hards. I also know quite a few .204 boys that learned the hard way that coyotes are a lot tougher than many think they are.
My opinion on the .204 for coyotes is kinda the same as my opinion on .223 for "open area" deer. Will it kill em? Heck yes. Is it the best tool for the job? Heck no.
Re: coyote sniping scope under 7 bills?
I like the good old 243. The bullets have enough oomph at distant targets.
I like the good old 243. The bullets have enough oomph at distant targets.
Re: coyote sniping scope under 7 bills?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: kill_goose</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: shooter19802003</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Holly crap. .300 to 500 a month!....damn! </div></div>
I should reiterate, we used to buy fur, so not all we're taken by us. (Although we've taken our fair share)</div></div>
Ok. Hell, I would be divorced if that were the case. Because my wife would never see me...lol.
As far as caliber goes...who cares. It is whatever works for you. I kill prolly 75 or so yotes a year with my 375h&h. That is how I get practical trigger time for hunting. To each their own.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: kill_goose</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: shooter19802003</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Holly crap. .300 to 500 a month!....damn! </div></div>
I should reiterate, we used to buy fur, so not all we're taken by us. (Although we've taken our fair share)</div></div>
Ok. Hell, I would be divorced if that were the case. Because my wife would never see me...lol.
As far as caliber goes...who cares. It is whatever works for you. I kill prolly 75 or so yotes a year with my 375h&h. That is how I get practical trigger time for hunting. To each their own.
Re: coyote sniping scope under 7 bills?
Btw. I use a weaver classic extreme in 2.5x10 as my yote scope (not on my h&h). I love weavers. A lot of scope for the money imo. You might want to check them out. The new tactical line looks pretty decent.
Btw. I use a weaver classic extreme in 2.5x10 as my yote scope (not on my h&h). I love weavers. A lot of scope for the money imo. You might want to check them out. The new tactical line looks pretty decent.
