38 cal boolit for coyotes

[soflarick]

Spring brings the coyotes around here. They're starting to come onto the land again. Livestock is in danger, as well as the dogs. I have a Rossi 38/357 levergun I had to grab the other day, but the predator ran off before I could stop it. I want to find a proper profiled boolit tht will feed and do the job, isn't heavy, and isn't expensive. I want a lighter boolit. I'm not going to run it fast, just enough to do the job. I was thinking something 100-110 grains with a flat point?

[MT Gianni]

Accuracy wise the best light bullet I have used is the lee 125 gr. In Montana most close range coyotes are under 200 yards. If you are shooting a 38 I assume you must have a lot closer shots than we do.

[soflarick]

Definitely under 200 yards. I was thinking something flat shooting without the mass to carry distance, that's why I consider something light to be in the right direction.

[marlin39a]

I run the Lee 125 RNFP in 357 cases in my Rossi 92. It gets the job done.

[soflarick]

Ok, thanks. I'll pick up one.

[1006]

Here is a load that I use in my S&W 28 six inch barrel, it shoots like a rifle out to 125yards. It will perform better from a rifle. The last three numbers are COAL, average velocity, temp in F. As always, the loads are safe in my gun, start low, work up, use at your own risk. The bullet is a Remington 125 semi jacketed hollow point.

19,21, and 22 are charge weights, Federal Magnum Primer.

S&W 28 125 SEMI-JHP W296 19.00 Fed Mag 1.55 1376 35
S&W 28 125 SEMI-JHP W296 21.00 Fed Mag 1.55 1521 50
S&W 28 125 SEMI-JHP W296 22.00 Fed Mag 1.55 1575 46

[soflarick]

Thanks for the info. Definitely useful. I was on Lee's site, and saw a 105gr SWC. No idea if a SWC would run in a levergun. Never tried.

Thought about using a 12 gauge and some 00, but there's a lot less noise from the pistol caliber lever gun. Esp at the hour I saw them.

[RickinTN]

I just ordered the Lee 358-125RF mold yesterday for use in my Rossi 38/357 with the same thoughts in mind. I really like it's bigger brother the 158 in my Rossi although I haven't pushed it past 38 Special speeds. I believe the 125 will do the job you want.
Good Luck,
Rick

[Walks]

I never had much luck with a light bullet out past 50yrds.
Tried the Saeco #317 122gr TCBB and Lyman #356402 120gr TC.
Used the Lyman #358156GC over Max 2400.
At 100yrds the lighter bullets would group no better the 6 inches at 100yrds.

The Lyman 158gr would hold 3+ inches at 100yrds. With iron sights.

Good

[Mr_Flintstone]

Here is a load that I use in my S&W 28 six inch barrel, it shoots like a rifle out to 125yards. It will perform better from a rifle. The last three numbers are COAL, average velocity, temp in F. As always, the loads are safe in my gun, start low, work up, use at your own risk. The bullet is a Remington 125 semi jacketed hollow point.

19,21, and 22 are charge weights, Federal Magnum Primer.

S&W 28 125 SEMI-JHP W296 19.00 Fed Mag 1.55 1376 35
S&W 28 125 SEMI-JHP W296 21.00 Fed Mag 1.55 1521 50
S&W 28 125 SEMI-JHP W296 22.00 Fed Mag 1.55 1575 46

I know this is a cast bullet forum, but I really like 125 gr XTP-FP with 21.5 gr W296 from my Henry. They are pushing 2300 FPS out of the 20” barrel. On top of that, they are really accurate; at least out to 100 yards.

[Thin Man]

I have a Rossi Trapper in .357 and tested it for group size with boolits from 125 grain up to and including 180 grain. The consistent winner was the 158 grain Lyman 358156 GC design loaded just a touch below maximum velocity, as the other weight boolits were also. Hope this summary helps you in your project.

[FergusonTO35]

I know this is a cast bullet forum, but I really like 125 gr XTP-FP with 21.5 gr W296 from my Henry. They are pushing 2300 FPS out of the 20” barrel. On top of that, they are really accurate; at least out to 100 yards.

The 158 grain flat point version is a winner in my Marlin and it likes to be pushed hard.

[kenton]

My Rossi 92 doesn't seem to like any boolits under 150 ish grains. Of course yours may be different.

[Three44s]

Not a cast boolit, but it sure performs!

I like the 125 Remington JHP run full tilt! Perfect mushroom and recovered weight = 124.9 gr. out of my Marlin 1894.

Three44s

[nikonuser]

how well would a 148 to 160 grain DEWC at full magnum velocity work for this? Have pondered the idea while listening to coyotes over the winter nights.

[northmn]

how well would a 148 to 160 grain DEWC at full magnum velocity work for this? Have pondered the idea while listening to coyotes over the winter nights.

Probably not well. Wad cutters are not made for higher velocities. My Rossi likes the 125 grain hard cast I use in it. For coyotes the jacketed would be my choice.

DEP