Best ammunition brands for .204 Ruger in coyote hunting?

Selecting the Right Bullet for Coyote Hunting

When selecting ammunition for coyote hunting, it’s essential to choose a bullet that can expand reliably at the speeds typically encountered in coyote hunting. The .204 Ruger typically operates at velocities between 3,000-4,000 FPS, which requires a bullet design that can maintain its integrity at these speeds. Barnes’ TSX and TAC-TX bullets, for example, are designed with a polymer tip and a copper jacket that helps them expand reliably at high speeds. Hornady’s V-MAX and Nosler’s Ballistic Tip bullets also offer excellent expansion performance at these velocities.

Bullet Weight and Style Considerations

For coyote hunting, a bullet weight of 32-40 grains is typically considered optimal, as it offers a good balance between expansion and penetration. A lighter bullet weight can be effective for smaller coyotes, but may not provide enough penetration for larger animals. A heavier bullet weight can provide deeper penetration, but may not expand as reliably. The style of the bullet is also important, with polymer-tipped bullets offering improved expansion performance and heavier, more aerodynamic bullets providing longer effective ranges.

Real-World Performance Expectations

In real-world hunting scenarios, a .204 Ruger loaded with a high-performance bullet like the Barnes TSX or Hornady V-MAX can deliver effective performance on coyotes. Expect expansion velocities of 1,500-2,000 FPS, with typical penetration depths of 12-18 inches. This is a significant improvement over older bullet designs, and can help ensure a quick and humane kill.