Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Predators and Varmints Shotgun loads for coyotes and fox??

I've shot quite a few varmints with a shotgun and prefer #4 buck for most coyote size and smaller.

The plated shots [nickel best] achieve far better penetration without dragging fur into the wound.

Fiochi makes a 00 nickel plated buckshot that buddies use for aerial wolf shooting with superior penetration results.

As Keith says shotgun fit and familiarity is very important and because of various shooting positions and users, I like to have a red dot type of sight installed.

The Patternmaster choke greatly extends the range of buckshot and large steel shot

For years I used a shotgun extensively for calling. I have shot enough to fill many truck beds with dead coyotes. Best load I have ever found is the Remington loaded #2 hevi shot at 1400 fps. I have no problems to 60 yards with this load. Dead Coyote is $6 a round now, no thanks.

#4 buck will not ever give dense patterns. IF you hit one it kills good but it is hard to hit with over 35 yards.

A buddy of mine who passed away a couple of years ago spent nearly $10,000 trying to find the perfect setup. He bought several shotguns and every choke tube he could find. He settled on a SBE with the patternmaster choke tube and shot #2 and BB hevi shot.

IMHO, #2 hevi shot kills better than T or as well as #4 buck in lead pellets. It will penetrate nearly all the way through at 35 yards anywhere you hit.

Steel is the worse on coyotes. It gets caught in the fur. NEVER use steel.

Another buddy uses #2 hevi shot in his 10 ga but loads his own. I can't stand the weight of the 10 so I haven't bothered. I like my Benelli and how it kills coyotes. I have killed to 75 yards with it but try to keep it under 60.