Choke selection for #4 buckshot....

A

ach224

Inactive
I have found out that when shooting 00 buck, that a full choke deforms the pellets and creates a quicker spread. Since then, I have changed to an IC choke which is the best "all purpose" choke for my needs (skeet, upland, 00 buck and slugs). However, I need to be able to shoot coyotes out to 70 yards. From what I have read, #4 is one a the best options for handling coyotes (I don't have the money to spend on the Dead Coyote load). Does the same deformation effect take place with #4 buckshot through a full choke or should I stick with the IC choke?
 
Just my untested opinion but....
At 70 yards the pellet cannot have much ummph left behind it. I would guess that for me to expect a lethal wound (elapsed time to death not considered) at 70 yards with "shot", I would want no less than 00. I wouldn't expect #4 buck to do much to a healthy 40-60 pound dog beyond 40 yards. But this is untested as previously stated...
Brent
 
Brent is right, 70 yards is a little long. If you have to use scattergun go to a slug. I have used #4 buck on coyotes with good success out of a modified choke, but only once past about 40 yards. The one time was paced off at about 60 paces and had to shoot three times, numerous hits to the head, neck and chest just not enough energy to do the job right. The pellets to the head made a mess out of the soft tissue but didn't penetrate the skull, the neck and body hits finally just caused enough blood loss to talk the pooch into giving up. That dog ran about 150 yards after hits with three shots and layed down for about 2 or 3 minutes before going belly up. Any further than about 40 yards and I use a rifle or pistol, I don't like to watch anything lay there and be able to do nothing about it, even coyotes deserve a quick end.
 
Pattern it. Your shotgun that is. Set up a target at 70 yds. and shoot at it. Try different chokes to see which one gives the best pattern.

I've seen people kill turkeys at 60-70 yds, I don't see why you couldn't kill a coyote at that distance with the right load.
 
I agree 100% on the patterning your gun. But even if it patterns good, it just doesn't have the energy needed at long distance to "quickly" kill something the size of a coyote. The golden BB doesn't count.
 
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