Suggestions

[bhuisman32]

I am new to the forum. I have been shooting pests with an air rifle for awhile now. My question is about expanding my pest control to fox and coyotes. I live in NW Iowa and am looking to spend some time calling and shooting. My rifle now is a Beeman RS2 Kodiak. It is .22 as well as a.177 barrel.
I want to see what others think of my logic. I am considering starting with a .25 PCP rifle. And restrict myself to 50 to 75 yard shots. Once I am comfortable with that. Move to a .30 cal or larger for longer shots.
I value and appreciate your thoughts or comments.

 

[airprsr]

I think a lot of people hunt coyotes and fox successfully with .25 caliber guns. However if I were thinking of doing that I think I would go directly to .30 caliber. Not only that I would probably try to get a setup that can shoot slugs. It’s not like this is required but in my experience you’ll have a more satisfactory experience. Precise shot placement is key to good clean kills, but in a hunting environment animals move, sometimes you have a limited amount of time to take a shot, and the yardage is always changing. All this makes it harder to place shots precisely and the extra knockdown of the .30 slugs will be welcomed.

 

[L.Leon]

I agree with @airprsr, just go straight to the .30… Yotes can be tough critters. You say you have experience pesting with an air rifle. So you know that shot placement and reasonable ranges are ingredients for success. Good luck.

 

[wyshadow]

The .25 cal has less drop then the heavier .30 cal. When calling in coyotes, they will always show up in the direction you don't expect. Having a flatter shooting caliber makes it easier to shoot when you don't have time to range your target. I've killed many coyotes with a .25 cal with no problem worrying if I was under power.

 

[WorriedMan]

bh,
Not sure your budget, my first PCP was an Umarex Gauntlet .25 (First Generation) paid $310 less than two years ago. Long, heavy and bolt-action, but synthetic stock, regulated and mine, at least, very accurate @ 50 yds. Pyramyd Air just offered same, in .22 or .25, for $242. Think it's an ideal way to get into PCPs, without breaking the bank, don't forget you'll need air source, optics and ammo, as well. Best of Luck, WM