Coydogs have returned :(

[wankerjake]

#4 buck in 12 ga is my favorite, but mainly because I have a bunch of it. Patterns denser than 00, and it's like shooting 34 .22s all at the same time (in 2 3/4). It'll definitely put anything up to the size of a human being down.

I agree, I love #4 buck and I think you'll have a better pattern with it over 00 buck. A lot of predator hunters prefer #4 buck over 00 buck, and I'm one of them. Go with the 3" over the 2 3/4" unless they pattern better (my 870 patterns both well but the 3" have way more pellets). I shot a coyote with 00 buck 12 pellet load at like 60 yards...knocked it down but it got up and took off. It patterned pretty well to at 60 yards, and I'm sure that coyote is dead now. Either way I'd stay within 40 yards if possible, buckshot loses energy fast... but I agree with Art, my ethics on predators are similar to his. If you can't put 'em down, at least put 'em out. If 60 yards is all the closer I could get, lead would be flying.

Another option I'd strongly consider is the 45 colt carbine. That'll do the trick all day long and you may extend your range, it will kill them as far as you can shoot it accurately. Now go kill them suckers!

assuming the distances are less than 35 yards....

Yeah 5 shots of 3" #4 buck would be my first choice.

 

[Sunray]

Coydogs never went away.

 

[Settostun]

I actually have a coydog as one of our pets. She's not as big as the one you've got problems with, but she is deffinatly vicious at times. Not with us of course I wouldn't put up with it, but two rott weilers came onto our property when she was about nine or ten and were chasing some of our cats, and she had them running for the hills with their nub tails stuck between their legs in a matter of a few seconds (both dogs taller and much broader than her). And there was never any of the bowing up dogs will do right before they fight she charged head long into both of them.

The point of that story is I don't know how your wild one will react but as I'm sure you already know but I'm going to repeat be careful cause they can cover that 30 yards much quicker than you can reload a single shot unless you've got mountains of practice reloading it.

 

[Nevmavrick]

Coydogs

I've been known to get up at 2am to be out at 5am under a sagebrush with a "squacker" in my mouth. We have quite a few ranchers in the area that have a bit of trouble around 'calving' time. Matter of fact, we have contests to cut down on the problems. Personally, I don't want to irradicate any species, especially one for which I have so much respect. The just need to be controlled.We don't chase any that aren't a problem. If they eat enough beef, they are too accustomed to being around people, and have larger litters.
Anyway, there is a good chance to see, and measure the effects of different firearms. Personally, I carry a "twice-barrel shoot-gun", a 12ga O/U 3" loaded with #4Buck. They are not as expensive as you may think. Mine is imported from Portugal by H&R, but Remington imports from Russia, and Mossberg imports from Turkey, for a reasonable price. My partner carries an M340 Savage .222, loaded with Speer 52gr HPs. We've been carrying these guns for a LONG time! I've just started carrying a Rossi Puma rebarrelled to .256Mag, either it or the shotty are left in the truck at each stand.
As you can see, I think the .45 ought to work just fine, just be sure you can shoot it quick and well. If you're sure the "dog" will be within 40yds, the shotty loaded with handloads with a BUNCH of #4 buck in a 3 1/2" case will do a devil of a job, face-on OR sideways.
Good luck,
Gene

 

[Art Eatman]

Granted that "flatter" is a relative term, but for the .45 I'd use whatever light bullets were handy. The 200-grainers would likely be less of a concern for trajectory than the 250-grain.

 

[jeepmor]

I vote shotgun

 

[Redlg155]

I would go with the 12 ga pump loaded with the initial round being a slug, followed by buckshot in case the animal becomes aggresive and decides to attack. Although most animals would automatically flee, you want to be prepared in case a flight response becomes a fight response.

 

[Sebastian the Ibis]

Springer Spaniel sized animal at 25 yds, I'd go with a shotgun if it were a little further out I'd go with an AR/AK/semi auto rifle shooting an intermediate cartridge. Since the later option was not on the list, I'd go with the shotgun.

I'll second the Federal shells. I don't have any experience w no4 shot, but the OO patterns very nicely out of an 870. I'd guess you would have a movie poster sized pattern at 50 yds. Hard to do much better than that for what you are after.

 

[ironhead7544]

As long as you have a backup 1911, Id go with the 45 Colt carbine. Should be good for 100 yards or so. Just my .02.

 

[grubbylabs]

I would go with a howitzer Just kidding, if he comes in close the 12 will do you good, if you have to go longer use the 45 carbine.

And like Art said when it comes to protecting yourself and your animals and property ethics take a back seat. If I ever found an animal chewing on one of my kids it would die a slow painful death and wish it were a still born.

 

[FatPants]

Call me the odd man out, but I'd use the .22lr. Plenty of firepower for a dog.