147 Grain Tula FMJ or 180 Grain Winchester Soft point 54r for hunting coyotes?

[Mosin-Marauder]

I have already shot the Tula and it shoots a good group, but I haven't shot the winchester yet. I was wondering what you guys would pick for a Mosin for shooting coyotes. Sorry for asking, but I'm a bit curious. Thanks for any help.

 

[Blindstitch]

I don't have a mosin but with any rifle I take hunting I use the shells I know that work.

If for some fluke I have to shoot something else I take it to the range and see where it groups. For further use pocket the target or write down how it shot especially if it doesn't shoot the same as what you usually use.

 

[Mosin-Marauder]

Thank you for your advice. I'll use the FMJs.

 

[JD0x0]

FMJ's will likely preserve the pelt better but shot placement is a bit more critical with non expanding ammo. The FMJ will more than likely exit, in fact i'd say that there's a 99.99% chance that the FMJ's will exit so be aware of that. FMJ's don't 'dump' a lot of energy into the target so if this is purely for 'pest control' expanding ammo would likely be the better choice. If you're hunting for pelts the FMJ is likely the better option because your exit wounds will be about .30 cal, where as, soft point ammo could easily leave a soft ball sized exit hole.

 

[DPris]

I would not use an FMJ on coyotes.
Straight through penetration, even in a heavier bullet than normally used for varminting, may or may not drop the animal humanely.

It's a less-efficient projectile for the purpose than an expanding soft or hollow point.

Unless you're trying to save the pelt, as JD said, FMJ is not an optimum choice.
And in your case, where you're still learning the rifle, you'll need all the help an expanding bullet can give you regarding shot placement that may be a bit iffy.
Denis

 

[6.5swedeforelk]

Thank you for your advice. I'll use the FMJs.__________________

I wouldn't recommend fmj loads for any game.

Several years ago I shot a large timber wolf through the shoulders with a 6.5 fmj.
He dropped on the spot, but recovered and got into heavy cover.
It took 4 hours to unravel the scant trail of a drop of blood here & there.

The bullet just missed either joint and the moving of skin, fat and muscle effectively closed up the pencil-thin wound.

 

[Jim243]

^^^^^ +1

Check your game laws for your state. While I know it's yotes your after, many States it's illegal to use FMJ for hunting.

Jim

 

[stubbicatt]

The Czech Silvertip will ball up a coyote right quick if you hit bone, and pretty much turn them inside out.

 

[Dr. Pepper]

Give PRVI Partizan a try. The 150 gr. soft points shoot very good in my mosin-nagants. Plus you end up with good boxer primed brass. I have over 10 reloads on some of mine.

 

[pathdoc]

I'll second Jim243. Check your local laws. I know where I am, FMJ are absolutely illegal for any sort of hunting and even being found out in the field with them can get you in deep trouble. (Hell, I even have severe calibre restrictions - annoying, but at least something approaching sensible.)