When it comes to predator hunting, you need a caliber that drops your target quickly and cleanly. Coyotes, bobcats, and foxes are small and fast, which means you need the right balance of speed, energy, and accuracy to make ethical shots. The best predator hunters rely on cartridges that minimize tracking, maximize effectiveness, and work well in a variety of hunting scenarios. Whether you’re calling coyotes into 75 yards or stretching shots past 300, these calibers have proven themselves season after season.

.223 Remington

Remington

The .223 Remington is one of the most trusted predator hunting calibers thanks to its flat trajectory and manageable recoil. It’s a favorite among coyote hunters because you can stay on target for fast follow-up shots without getting punished by heavy kick.

With the right bullet selection, it delivers excellent terminal performance out to 300 yards and beyond. Ammo availability is another big advantage—you’ll find .223 on almost every store shelf, making it easy to stay stocked for long hunting seasons.

.22-250 Remington

Remington

If you want blistering speed and devastating accuracy, the .22-250 Remington is hard to beat. Predator hunters love this caliber because it sends lightweight bullets screaming downrange at incredible velocities, making flat shots out to 400 yards possible.

The trade-off is increased barrel wear, but most agree it’s worth it for the performance. When paired with high-quality varmint loads, the .22-250 drops coyotes and foxes fast, giving hunters the confidence to take longer shots in open country.

.204 Ruger

WholesaleHunter/GunBroker

The .204 Ruger is tailor-made for predator hunters who value speed and minimal pelt damage. Its ultra-high velocity makes hitting smaller targets easier, while its low recoil helps you stay locked on through the shot.

Because the bullet expands reliably without over-penetrating, you won’t deal with excessive hide damage—a major advantage if you’re keeping pelts. If you hunt in areas with long, open stretches where quick follow-ups matter, the .204 Ruger earns its reputation as a favorite among seasoned hunters.

.243 Winchester

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The .243 Winchester offers a perfect balance of power and precision, making it one of the most versatile predator-hunting calibers available. With the right bullet, you can drop coyotes, bobcats, or even larger predators with confidence.

Its flat-shooting trajectory gives you consistent accuracy past 300 yards, while still being light enough to handle comfortably in the field. For hunters who also pursue deer, the .243 doubles as a great crossover option, reducing the need for multiple rifles in your lineup.

6mm Creedmoor

MidwayUSA

The 6mm Creedmoor has been growing in popularity among predator hunters for its long-range performance and mild recoil. It’s excellent for making precise shots when calling coyotes across open fields or taking down wary foxes from distance.

Compared to heavier calibers, it gives you fast follow-ups while keeping your accuracy intact. With high ballistic coefficients and energy retention, this caliber works perfectly for hunters who want consistent hits beyond 400 yards without sacrificing shot stability.

.220 Swift

MidwayUSA

The .220 Swift is a classic predator-hunting caliber known for its extreme velocity and ability to deliver devastating energy on impact. For open-country hunting where shots can stretch long, it excels at dropping coyotes before they even know what happened.

While it can be hard on barrels and isn’t as common on shelves as other rounds, experienced hunters continue to rely on it because of its unmatched speed and precision. When you need accuracy at distance and want an instant stop, the .220 Swift delivers.

6.5 Grendel

MidwayUSA

If you want a low-recoil round with serious range and energy, the 6.5 Grendel deserves attention. It was designed to perform exceptionally well in AR-platform rifles while maintaining excellent downrange accuracy and terminal performance.

This caliber shines when hunting coyotes, bobcats, and even wolves at extended ranges. With higher energy retention than smaller varmint cartridges, it delivers reliable, ethical kills without tearing up hides. For hunters who prefer semi-autos, the 6.5 Grendel bridges the gap between speed and stopping power.

.17 Hornet

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For small-game predator hunters, the .17 Hornet offers minimal recoil, surprising speed, and outstanding accuracy at moderate distances. It’s a top pick for foxes and bobcats where you want precision without damaging hides.

While it doesn’t pack the same energy as heavier rounds, the .17 Hornet’s quiet report and high velocity make it perfect for closer setups and calling situations. When you pair it with high-quality varmint loads, it drops small predators cleanly and efficiently.

.300 Blackout

MidwayUSA

The .300 Blackout is favored by hunters who want versatility in both suppressed and unsuppressed setups. While it’s not as flat-shooting as other predator rounds, its compatibility with AR-platform rifles makes it highly adaptable for different situations.

Loaded with supersonic ammo, it has plenty of energy for ethical predator kills within 200 yards. When suppressed, it’s one of the quietest options available—ideal when you want to control sound and reduce spooking other game in the area.

6mm ARC

MidwayUSA

The 6mm ARC was designed for long-range precision while still working in a lightweight AR-platform rifle. It offers excellent velocity, impressive ballistic efficiency, and plenty of energy for dropping coyotes and other predators cleanly.

Hunters who need a flat-shooting cartridge capable of reaching out past 400 yards often choose this caliber for its combination of speed and stability. If you want a modern, versatile predator round that delivers consistent results, the 6mm ARC is a strong contender.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.

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