When we were restricted to #2 for coyotes I used it quite a bit with full and turkey chokes out of my Ruger Red Label, Win. XX 17/8 copper plated and was not happy. I rolled quite a few and needed a second shot, also lost some, and no where near 50 yds. I guess it depends on the coyote size, most males here seem to be 38-45 pounds , the females in the mid 30's,with thick fur and bones. I carry a fish scale with me and weigh most, never broke 50 pounds yet. I settled on 3" BB and Dead Coyote in the shotgun. Look at a "2 and a BB side by side and see . I've always thought, and maybe wrong, but that penatration was more a matter of weight than velocity, and that more velocity gives more recoil. I mostly carry my Drilling now so if they don't get real close I use the rifle.
Just my opinion from my limited experience. Here most Bobcats are under 30 pounds, and fox 12-15 pounds . I don't hunt fox. I only shot one coyote with #4 buck so really can't say.
