The 10 Best Coyote Cartridges

Choosing the best coyote cartridge isn’t just about velocity or energy, it’s about what actually works in the field.

Hunters across North America have tried nearly every small- to mid-caliber round imaginable, and a few stand out for their consistency, versatility, and performance on these cunning predators.

Here’s a look at the 10 most popular coyote cartridges, ranked by real-world use and effectiveness, including comparable options, regional recommendations, and optics pairings for each range.

Best For: Versatility across all regions (East to West)

Seasonal Use: Year-round; especially winter for thick-coated coyotes

The .223 Remington and 5.56 NATO dominate predator hunting for good reason. Affordable, accurate, and easy to find, they deliver excellent performance from both bolt-action and AR-platform rifles. Load up with 50–62 grain ballistic tip or V-MAX rounds for explosive impact and minimal exit wounds.

Comparable Cartridges: .222 Remington, .22 Nosler

Optics Tip: A 3–9x40 or LPVO 1–8x provides excellent flexibility out to 300 yards.

Best For: Western plains, open farmland, and long-range engagements

Seasonal Use: Late fall and winter, when coyotes stay visible longer

If flat trajectory and speed are your priorities, the .22-250 Remington remains unmatched. Pushing 50-grain bullets beyond 3,800 fps, it hits coyotes hard even past 500 yards. This classic varmint round is especially effective across the Great Plains and Western states where distance defines the hunt.

Comparable Cartridges: .220 Swift, .204 Ruger

Optics Tip: A 4–16x scope with side parallax correction ensures precision at long range.

Best For: Midwest and Southern states with mixed cover

Seasonal Use: Prime wintertime choice for fur-heavy coyotes

The .243 Winchester offers the best of both worlds: flat shooting like a varmint cartridge, but with enough punch for deer-sized game. With 55–87 grain bullets, it anchors coyotes fast and minimizes tracking.

Comparable Cartridges: 6mm Creedmoor, 6mm ARC, .240 Weatherby Magnum

Optics Tip: A 4–12x or 3–15x scope provides clarity from 100 to 500 yards.

Best For: Open country and minimal pelt damage

Seasonal Use: Spring and early winter when fur prices are high

The .204 Ruger is lightning-fast (4,000+ fps) with minimal recoil. It’s a favorite among fur-conscious hunters and those who prefer lighter rifles for fast target transitions. It’s best in calm conditions, as light bullets can drift in heavy wind.

Comparable Cartridges: .17 Remington, .20 Practical

Optics Tip: A 3–12x scope with fine reticle is ideal for small target precision.

Best For: AR-platform hunters in semi-open terrain

Seasonal Use: Year-round; performs best during winter night hunts with thermals

For hunters who love their AR-15s but want more reach and knockdown power than .223, the 6.5 Grendel delivers. With 123-grain ELD-M or SST bullets, it carries energy far beyond 400 yards and performs superbly in wind.

Comparable Cartridges: 6mm ARC, .224 Valkyrie

Optics Tip: Pair with a 1–10x LPVO or 2.5–10x variable for all-around versatility.

Best For: Wide-open Western landscapes and long shots

Seasonal Use: Late fall and winter, when vegetation is low

The .220 Swift remains one of the flattest-shooting cartridges ever made. Known for extreme speed and accuracy, it’s capable of sub-MOA precision at 500 yards and beyond. The only downside? It’s a barrel burner so treat it gently.

Comparable Cartridges: .22-250 Remington, .204 Ruger

Optics Tip: A 4–16x or 5–25x precision optic works best for extended distances.

Best For: Mountain and high-desert regions

Seasonal Use: Late-season hunting when coyotes hang up at distance

The 6mm Creedmoor combines long-range precision with excellent ballistics. Hunters who want a crossover cartridge for coyotes and medium game will appreciate its consistency in the wind and energy retention at 700+ yards.

Comparable Cartridges: 6mm ARC, .243 Winchester

Optics Tip: A 5–25x FFP optic with mil reticle is ideal for dialing in at extreme ranges.

Best For: Thick cover, night hunting, and suppressed setups

Seasonal Use: Winter nights and close-quarters hunts

When stealth is key, the .300 BLK shines. Running subsonic with a suppressor, it’s nearly silent on the shot, perfect for population control near structures or livestock. Switch to supersonic 110–125 grain loads for 200-yard performance.

Comparable Cartridges: 7.62x39mm, .350 Legend (for short-range use)

Optics Tip: Use a 1–6x LPVO or thermal optic for low-light setups.

Best For: Small properties, traps, and pest control within 150 yards

Seasonal Use: Summer and off-season population control

While underpowered for most coyote hunting, a well-placed .17 HMR shot can dispatch smaller coyotes or farmyard predators efficiently. It’s a niche choice but valuable for landowners or trappers.

Comparable Cartridges: .17 WSM, .22 Magnum

Optics Tip: A 2–7x or 3–9x scope fits perfectly on a lightweight rimfire setup.

Best For: Hills, ridgelines, and varied terrain

Seasonal Use: Late-season when coyotes stay wary and long-range shots are needed

The .257 Roberts may be old-school, but it delivers outstanding accuracy with light recoil. Reloaders love its flexibility for both varmints and deer. For those who prefer a classic that still performs, this cartridge deserves attention.

Comparable Cartridges: .25-06 Remington, .250 Savage

Optics Tip: A 3–15x scope is perfect for versatile terrain.

Every region, season, and setup calls for something slightly different, but these ten cartridges represent the most trusted, time-tested performers in the predator-hunting world.

The .223/5.56 leads for availability and affordability, while the .22-250 and 6mm Creedmoor dominate the long-range category.

No matter which you choose, pair it with the right glass, steady rest, and fieldcraft and you’ll stay one step ahead of the song dogs every season.

Happy Hunting!