.30-06 for varmints?

[Cleankill47]

Hey, guys, I've got a question for you.

I know that usually, .30-06 is way too much for predators such as coyotes and fox, but, taking into account the fact that there are accelerator rounds and sabots to handload with, plus the availability of fmj ammunition, and the fact that I plan on hunting larger game such as elk and bear, do you think that it's too much gun?

If it is, I'll just get another rifle in .223 or something. I really want this .30-06, but I want some good thoughts on the caliber and if I will be able to salvage furs out of it, or if I will just be doing the turkeys and ducks a civil service...

[Midas]

Unless you just have to have the pelts to sell, the 30-06 would work just fine with lightweight 110 grain bullets.

[270wsm]

I would listen up when Midas speaks....This guy knows his stuff!

[Bravo]

I have no experience shooting coyote with an '06, but in my opinion, it is way too much gun. I know for a fact that the 150gr slugs would destroy coyote...I've seen what they do to 200lb game, I can't imagine what would happen to a 30-40lb dog.

The only thing that might work are the 55 grain accelerators, but those are cruising at over 4000fps, and still have a muzzle energy of over 2000ft-lbs.

The 30-06 is a great cartridge for taking any big game in North America. If you really want to shoot fox and coyote and don't want the pelts, you could try with the accelerator, but I have a feeling that the exit wound is going to be horrific (I'd predict that a fox might actually end up in 2 pieces).

If you can afford another rifle, seriously consider a .223 to go with your 30-06.

[Noel]

I really like the 30 06... But then again I don't hunt... It will make a bigger hole coming out but I doubt if you'll notice any going in.… I thing it depends on the type of ammo, Weather balled, hollow point, etc and the distance you will be shooting… which is usually determined by your terrain… and bullet placement; weather it is considered over kill or not… Just my two cents…

[Cleankill47]

Wow! I didn't expect replies so fast!

Thanks guys.

Midas, would you know off the top of your head who loads the 110 grain bullets? Or would I have to handload them?

I will probably wind up getting a used H&R single shot in either .223 or .243 so I can use it for the little deer around here, as well.

Thanks a lot!

[Midas]

Originally Posted by Cleankill47

Wow! I didn't expect replies so fast!

Thanks guys.

Midas, would you know off the top of your head who loads the 110 grain bullets? Or would I have to handload them?

I will probably wind up getting a used H&R single shot in either .223 or .243 so I can use it for the little deer around here, as well.

Thanks a lot!

Don't think anybody loads 110 grainers, so it'll be a handloading only situation. Hornady makes some very fine 110 grain bullets that were designed for the 30 Carbine, but they will work just fine in the 30-06

[270wsm]

Remington makes 125 grain pointed soft points.And according to the ballistics chart for them,I would say o.k. for the coyotes.

[Midas]

Originally Posted by 270wsm

Remington makes 125 grain pointed soft points.And according to the ballistics chart for them,I would say o.k. for the coyotes.

Excellent suggestion! that we be a lot better than the 110 Grain bullets

[Cleankill47]

Midas, thanks for the thought, but I don't think I could manage doing handloads, I'm not allowed powder and ammunition parts in the barracks...

125 grains sounds like a nice little compromise. I think I'll look into it...



Thanks again, guys.

[killer]

I used my 30-06 and 150 grain FMC for a few years for giggles. You'll have to link to the picture but it's my best night 2 for 2. The FMC works fine and the hides will be ok if you don't hit too much bone. The coyote was hit a little low in chest and the fox was a neck hit. Not blown up at all, in fact can't see hit on fox.

The link is a tad slow but worth the wait.

http://buckmountainchateau.com/image...fox_coyote.tif

The rifle in the pic is a Rem 700 ADL 30-06 in a Choate sniper stock. The gun has been moved back to big game duty at this time in a regular H&S stock more user friendly for bear/deer hunting.

[Shaun]

Originally Posted by Bravo

I have no experience shooting coyote with an '06, but in my opinion, it is way too much gun. I know for a fact that the 150gr slugs would destroy coyote...I've seen what they do to 200lb game, I can't imagine what would happen to a 30-40lb dog.
The only thing that might work are the 55 grain accelerators, but those are cruising at over 4000fps, and still have a muzzle energy of over 2000ft-lbs.
The 30-06 is a great cartridge for taking any big game in North America. If you really want to shoot fox and coyote and don't want the pelts, you could try with the accelerator, but I have a feeling that the exit wound is going to be horrific (I'd predict that a fox might actually end up in 2 pieces).
If you can afford another rifle, seriously consider a .223 to go with your 30-06.

accelerators are inaccurate after approximately 200 yards -- I personally would go for a matched bullet to your barrel.

[petemi]

I shoot pests and predators with my big game rifles all the time, everything from red squirrels, skunks, porcupines, woodchuck, fox and coyote. I use side hammer muzzleloaders, inlines, and centerfires. It keeps me in tune with the rifles, gets me outside, and makes me a better hunting shot. If you don't want the hides, use the load you would normally hunt with. That way, you don't have to mess with the sights, and you'll better learn its capabilities

[Bravo]

Originally Posted by Cleankill47

Midas, thanks for the thought, but I don't think I could manage doing handloads, I'm not allowed powder and ammunition parts in the barracks...
125 grains sounds like a nice little compromise. I think I'll look into it...
Thanks again, guys.

I'd definitely give it a shot before buying another rifle. You don't have to worry about the coyote suffering, it's just a matter of the condition of the pelt.

Here's a few links for buying 125gr '06 ammo if you can't find any locally:

56322 - .30-06 125-Gr PSP, 2660 fps, 20 Rds. - Manufactured by: Remington

Remington Centerfire Rifle .300 Sav. 150 Gr. Psp Core-Lokt 20 Rds., Rifle Ammunition, Remington at Sportsman's Guide

Ammo Sales: Winchester 30-06 Springfield Super X 125 Gr. Pointed Soft Point (Per 20) Rifle Ammunition Mfg no: X30062

Federal Power-Shok .243 Win. 80 Gr. Shcsp 20 Rds., Rifle Ammunition, Federal at Sportsman's Guide

[lefty o]

deer bullets, and heavier wont expand much in a coyote. if you want the pelts , they are a much better choice than the varmint bullets.

[irish murphy]

Go for it mate,im using my 300wm with handloaded 180gn rem corelkts to shoot anything from rabbits up to pigs.No problems as long as you are just destroying them,not wanting to keep much meat or pelts.

[7mmremmag1995]

if ya ain't interested in pelts, than be my guest, but keeping pelts and a 30-06 go together like roadside bombs and open-casket funerals

[samuel]

As LeftyO said,heavy hunting bullets usually dont make big holes in coyotes/fox. sam.

[Rangersniper175]

Cleankill 47
This past deer season I took 2 coyotes using Winchester 168gr. Ballistic Silvertips in the 06. The one I hit thru the front shoulders wasn't too much left, it was like the critter was trying to run off in 2 different directions at the same time when it hit. The 2nd one I took thru the ribs behind the front shoulder dropped him dead where he stood with little to no damage to the hide. You know the drill shot placement, shot placement.
308 HOLES MAKES SILENT SOULS. RANGERS LEAD THE WAY!!!!

[Ron AKA]

Originally Posted by Cleankill47

Hey, guys, I've got a question for you.

I know that usually, .30-06 is way too much for predators such as coyotes and fox, but, taking into account the fact that there are accelerator rounds and sabots to handload with, plus the availability of fmj ammunition, and the fact that I plan on hunting larger game such as elk and bear, do you think that it's too much gun?

If it is, I'll just get another rifle in .223 or something. I really want this .30-06, but I want some good thoughts on the caliber and if I will be able to salvage furs out of it, or if I will just be doing the turkeys and ducks a civil service...

If you already own the gun, then it will do fine. If not, then I suggest you consider a 270 Win. It will be more suitable for smaller game, and is still quite popular and you can find ammo almost anywhere (down to 100 grains). On big game there is no problem finding loads suitable for moose and bear.

Ron