12 gauge coyote loads

Last year when I had some coyote trouble I purchased a second rifle to keep at the barn. The barn is 3/4 of a mile from the house, so I felt like I needed one at both places. The rifles are for day time use only. Lately, I've been hearing coyotes howling at night. I thought next time I hear them I would go out in the pasture and check the cattle, and see if they are any lurking around. I figured I would take the trusty 12 gauge with me. I have some turkey loads (no. 4 shot) here at the house that I planned to use. I figured they would probably work on a coyote at maybe 40 yards and in. Then a friend at work told me you can buy coyote loads. I've been checking them out on line, and watching a lot of videos. I think these shells will work a little better than the turkey loads. Some claim to be effective up to 100 yards. It seems like the most popular shot size are BBs or #4 buck shot. That's pretty large shot. Like turkey loads, I figured you would want to use a good tight choke. I was surprised that in some of the videos they were using improved cylinder and even open bore. I asked my friend why, he said you shouldn't use a tight choke on those large shot, it could ruin the barrel. I've always heard you should never fire a slug through a full choke, and that makes sense. Maybe these large shot have a similar effect. But then, on some of the videos they are using full chokes and even turkey chokes. Has anyone ever used these coyote loads? I'd like to hear a few opinions on their effectiveness, and best choke size to use - Thanks.

IF you get close enough to use a shotgun,----The animal is sick ! Coyotes are nite time animals by nature. Thats why its hard to find them. Yes they do come out in daytime too, BUT in more remote locations. A friend of mine used to hunt early morning, bout day break and used 30-06, big scope, and over a quarter mile away. --- Saw many hides he got this way! Varmints never knew what hit them! lol!!

Sling shot

The larger shot will not hurt the barrel with a full choke. Here in FL. We hunt deer with shotguns. Most everyone uses full choke with buckshot. Some even use extra full. Single and Double aught buck are the most common. Slugs are very rarely used here.
3 1/2in shells are very popular here too. For years we only used 2 3/4 and they got the job done.
You can get #4buck here. Has 54 pellets in 3 1/2in. Illegal to shoot deer with in FL but for a coyote they are more than enough.

If your gun is old enough to have a Damascus barrel it's different. They are not made for the modern powder loads.


Edited by irlbeck A-C'S - 26 Dec 2019 at 4:32pm

Use a red headlamp to locate coyotes as they will look at the light and not be skittish. Remember they can see below and beside the light so anyone going with you or your legs can be seen. Best choke is Improved or modified depending on what you are shooting. If you buy Dead Coyote that is hard shot and needs a more open choke. Some manufacturers make chokes just for shotgun Coyote hunting much like Extra full Turkey Chokes. Get some shells and try patterning the gun see what it likes. I know of Coyote hunters that claim BB's work best in winter as they go through the thick coat a coyote grows. Best way is find some road kill or a dead calf and set up downwind on a clear full moon night. Make sure to use scent block as coyotes will circle back early coming in if they sense anything! Good luck!

Still use a .243 for distance, most of these critters had learned to avoid around the house but are beginning to stray closer, I leave them be until they become comfy closer in then BAM get a couple before they dart off and stay out too far.

klinemar says it best.  I've been less than 30 yards (just came out the back door and surprised em) and hit one with #4 shot.  He just stumbled but ran on.  Since then, I've used 4 aught with BB's.  I reload, so you can't buy this load.  The BB's fit in between the larger shot but make a heck of a pattern.

Newer shotguns are made a lot better than the old ones.  From way back, all the books I've read don't want any choke smaller than a modified choke and an improved cylinder is best.  I've seen the screwin (threads inside of the barrel) chokes get bent out of shape.  Not worth the chance.  As stated, the loads are being made with steel now, not lead which will deform to fit through the choke, but not the steel.

If you can hear em, they can hear and smell you.  You won't get close.  Have you got the split door barn doors?  Otherwise, up in the hayloft with a buddy (son is best) and a GOOD spotlight.  You can have LOTS of fun!

Here I use BBB in my 10 gauge, and I have used BB in my 12 gauge turkey shotgun.  The 10 gauge kills them at 70 yards.  I got a couple at 5:00 am a couple weeks ago with a 17 HMR that came right up by my corn drier when I was up unloading a truck load of wet corn they were calling out like crazy, thin they were after my cats, I have lost quite a few in the last couple years.  i have had great success calling them when out in the field.  I think the calls I use are from the fellow that had the show predator quest.  A couple blasts from that one and they come running right at you, .257 roberts is my rifle of choice for that type of hunting.

Thanks for all the comments guys. From what I gather, choke size is more or less a matter of preference. I don't believe any of these coyote loads are steel. Most are nickel plated lead. Some are tungsten, but I think they are more expensive. I will have to buy the 3 inch shells because my guns can't use the 3 1/2. I don't know what a Damascus barrel is. I do have an 80 year Winchester model 37. I've shot tons of modern shells thru it, but only 2 3/4 length. I would love to try calling some coyotes. I told my friend to come out and bring his calls, but he is afraid of the laws and getting in trouble. It's illegal to hunt coyote at night in Tennessee. Technically, I'm not hunting; I'm defending my herd. Besides, I'm going to do what I want on my own property. Some of the laws he's telling me about sound ridiculous.

Edited by Ranse - 27 Dec 2019 at 8:40pm

Ranse, a Damascus barrel is one fabricated in so many words by twisting flat steel into a spiral, sort of like an old paper drinking straw. I am not an expert on these, or their fabrication, so I could be a little off, but in any case they are not a solid steel product, and will not handle the pressure of modern rounds.
Just a suggestion, I would seek the advise of a reputable gunsmith with your 80 year old firearm. It is not necessarily a Damascus barrel just because of it's age, but since you don't know, it might be wise to check it out

I would say, find someone who can call em in good, there are some around here that say they like to slap their face before they shoot em, or could be like happened to my cousin, coyote came at the call so fast coyote run him over..came from a blind side and fast...

Oh yea,,ya don't hafta call em at night, they will come in the daylight too

My BIL uses his night scope on his army issued rifle. I asked him how? He said his gear fell off the back of the truck while over in desert storm and somehow it found its way mailed to his parents house. Balls......he has.