[lopezni]

anyone know a good .22 cal bullet for varminting that won't over-penetrate or ruin a pelt?

[desidog]

-rimfire or centerfire?

-average distances intended?

[627PCFan]

Any cheapy soft point Speers work well. I like 60 grain 22. Partitions, assuming your talking centerfire-

[MCgunner]

CCI maximag. :D

[lopezni]

Well I happen to have some Speer Varminter 50gr Sp. Intended distances about 200-300yrds max with a .222rem.

[Art Eatman]

Some guys like to load 40-grain bullets hot, so they'll blow up inside and not exit.

Others will use a heavier bullet that's less likely to expand as much, and take head shots.

You might have better luck at one of the dedicated varmint-hunting websites, maybe...

[MCgunner]

You're worried about the pelt? Why? It's pretty much worthless now days. I don't know any buyer around here that even BUYS 'em. No market. Maybe there's a market in colder climbs where the pelts are better, but I can't imagine it'd be worth the gas to get 'em to a buyer, frankly.

[Pumpkinheaver]

Barnes Varmint grenade, but they are expensive!!! I just shoot 50 or 55 gr V Maxs.

[lopezni]

Thanks, I'll try the varmint grenade, I may try poking a hole through em with 140gr match king 6.5x55. You can get about $15 for a coyote pelt around here, 5 bucks I think if you let the DEC come get them. I mainly want them for myself and family.

[sscoyote]

Lopezni, take a look at the latest fur auction stats. They were giving a bit more for coyotes, than the last several years. I tan a lot of mine and then sell them at tourist shops--oftentimes netting $30+. Bet there's not many up your way that are doing that--might be a niche. I've seen some of those upper east coast coyotes that are great looking dogs.

Used to use the various 40's out of fast stepper 22's that worked great.

[lopezni]

I've seen some of those upper east coast coyotes that are great looking dogs.

Yeah a guy I know said he saw a blond coyote, missed it at about 200yrds. I suggested he get a rangefinder because when you are in an environment that is entirely white, it can mess up your depth perception.

[desidog]

I tan a lot of mine and then sell them at tourist shops--oftentimes netting $30+.

I apologize this is off topic; but i'm intrigued: sscoyote, can you give us a break down of this? I brain-tanned a deer once; and i'll never do it again. Way too much time, effort, and nastiness to be worth the result. How do you go about the process, and how do you value your time in the equation? I understand getting the cost of the bullet back, but netting thirty bucks after paying yourself for time spent implies cheap ammo, big pelt prices, and very nice work.

[lopezni]

cheap ammo

yeah, Remington brass, CCI 450 primers, and your fav .22 cal bullet.