Author Topic: WHAT GUN TO TAKE FOR COYOTE AND BOBCAT (Read 947 times)

mehunter2 · « **on:** November 17, 2004, 08:48:15 AM »

Leaving soon for my first bobcat and coyote hunt in Texas. What gun would you recommend? I was thinking 223 or a 7mm with a light load. Thanks

Jerry Lester · « **Reply #1 on:** November 17, 2004, 11:51:57 AM »

Forget the 7mm. It'll pretty much ruin any hide you shoot with it, no matter what the load is.

Take your 223, and use a good "tough" SP load. it'll exit, but usually won't blow too big of an exit hole. It'll still bring down coyotes, or bobcats very nicely.

Hope you have a successful trip. Good Luck!!!

KYsquirrelsniper · « **Reply #2 on:** November 17, 2004, 12:28:47 PM »

If putting them on the ground is all that matters, then of course the 7mm will do a great job. However, if you want to have any sort of decent fur left, you'd better use the 223.

IntrepidWizard · « **Reply #3 on:** November 17, 2004, 01:41:18 PM »

Mini 14 has done the majority of the Yotes and Cat killings for me

Lawdog · « **Reply #4 on:** November 17, 2004, 01:54:41 PM »

mehunter2,

If what you have to choose from is a .223 Rem. and a 7mm the of course go with the .223. Just watch bullet selection or you could still end up with large exit holes to patch. This is why I use a .22 Hornet for coyotes and bobcats. Much more pelt friendly. Lawdog

Wlscott · « **Reply #5 on:** November 17, 2004, 04:05:11 PM »

Ditto, ditto and ditto....

Where are you going in Texas?

mehunter2 · « **Reply #6 on:** November 18, 2004, 08:50:53 AM »

I am headed to a ranch just east of San Antonio. SO it seams like the 223 is the favorite here. I don't want to ruin the pelt if all possible.

Catfish · « **Reply #7 on:** November 25, 2004, 11:33:13 AM »

If your hide hunting the best round on the market for what your after is probibly the .17 Rem. Shoots flat and the bullet stays in, so there`s no exit wound. If you want to buy 2 guns get a .204 for the coyotes and a .17AI for the Bob cats.

trappenjoe · « **Reply #8 on:** November 26, 2004, 02:05:53 PM »

Well i live south east of San Antonio , just moved here about a year ago,
and from what I see there is no reason to try and save the pelts .It hasn't even got cold enough to change the leaves, and my grass is still growing..
I'm usally calling or trapping this time of year but I'd be worried about the flees and lime disease. This is all new to me I feel like I'm hunting in the summer down here . Ok now that I've vented..... the 223 would be a good cal. for both close and long , alot of the boys use there shotguns more than anything down here.
Little Joe

mehunter2 · « **Reply #9 on:** December 02, 2004, 02:48:54 AM »

Thanks for all of the information, I appreciate them all.

Wlscott · « **Reply #10 on:** December 02, 2004, 11:18:16 AM »

I promise you, the first time you shoot a bobcat with anything bigger than a 22 centerfire, you'll be really mad at yourself.

I shot one on the opening day of the season down here with my daughters 7MM-08. I'm loading 120 grain Sierra's for her, but it still tore a big ol' hole. Beautiful cat though. After some sewing, it's going on the wall.

OrangeWing · « **Reply #11 on:** December 02, 2004, 11:35:34 AM »

If I were to buy a new gun for this it would be the .204. It has everything you need to kill quickly & without pelt damage. Just my 2 cents.