Coyotes don’t hang around when the shooting starts. You need a caliber that hits hard, flies fast, and puts them down without a chase. While lots of rounds can work, some do the job cleaner and more consistently—especially at the kinds of distances coyotes like to keep. Whether you’re calling in tight or shooting across a hayfield, these ten calibers are known for flat trajectories, reliable knockdown power, and quick follow-up shots. If you want more fur on the ground and fewer runners, start with these.
.223 Remington
You’ll find .223 in more predator rifles than just about anything else. It’s easy to shoot, flat-shooting, and doesn’t tear up hides if you choose the right bullet. Most varmint loads offer rapid expansion with minimal pass-through, dropping coyotes quick without excessive damage.
.22-250 Remington
This round screams downrange and slaps hard when it gets there. The .22-250 is a favorite for long shots thanks to its speed and flat trajectory. It’s especially good when coyotes hang up out past 200 yards and you need precision paired with impact.
.204 Ruger
The .204 Ruger is a speed demon with impressive accuracy. It doesn’t carry a ton of energy, but it hits small targets like coyotes hard enough to anchor them with minimal recoil. It’s a smart pick if you want to save hides and shoot fast.
.243 Winchester
When you want a little extra punch, the .243 delivers. It’s more than enough to drop a coyote in its tracks, even at longer distances or in wind. It’s not the softest on pelts, but if your main goal is clean, fast kills—it gets the job done.
.17 Hornet
The .17 Hornet is light, fast, and surprisingly capable. It’s quieter than most centerfires and does a solid job inside 200 yards with well-placed shots. It won’t knock a coyote into next week, but it will drop them if you do your part.
6mm ARC
This newer round is gaining traction with predator hunters for good reason. It shoots flatter than most AR-friendly cartridges and carries energy well past 300 yards. If you want to use a semi-auto and still reach out with authority, the 6mm ARC is worth a look.
.220 Swift
The .220 Swift is old-school fast and still one of the flattest-shooting rounds out there. It’s known for laser-like accuracy and explosive terminal performance. Ammo can be pricey, but if you want coyotes to drop right where they stand, it’s tough to beat.
.17 HMR
The .17 HMR isn’t a powerhouse, but it can be effective for close-range work. It’s quiet and cheap to shoot, and if you’re hunting in tight cover or around buildings, it’s a good option. Just keep your shots well-placed and under 125 yards.
5.56 NATO
If you’re running an AR, odds are you’re shooting 5.56. With the right bullet—especially something designed for varmints—it’s more than capable of dropping coyotes quickly. It’s versatile, widely available, and offers fast follow-up shots for doubles.
6.5 Grendel
The 6.5 Grendel brings more energy than 5.56 while staying AR-friendly. It hits hard and works well past 300 yards, making it a solid choice for open country. It’s not as fast as some other varmint rounds, but it has the weight to anchor coyotes reliably.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
