22 CM or 6 CM for coyotes

[tdanjohnson]

Backstory. I have a friend who recently built a 22CM for coyotes. After trying several factory ammos and killing several dogs he has decided the 22CM isn't for him and he's changing his barrel to a 6CM. During our conversation a few questions came up that I would like to get other opinions.

What has a higher MV between 22CM and 6CM assuming same barrel length, bullet weight, and other factors such as powder? Why would one be preferred over the other?

Whats more important on coyotes? MV, bullet weight, kinetic energy or choice of bullet? Im intentionally leaving out shot placement.

 

[Jtb.kfd]

Depends, when you say "more important", what is your objective, is it to drop them in their tracks or preserve fur. My kids and I use coyotes to test different loads/bullets on. Bullet construction/design within recommended velocity parameters are what I pay attention to when choosing loads. Energy isn't part of that equation for me. I take what a bullet is designed to do at the recommended velocities, load some up and test them on smaller game to see if the desired result is achieved. Between the two calibers you listed, they are way more than what's needed to kill a coyote. The decision between the two would land more on other uses I would have for the rifle.

Specs for the attached pic: Quartering right shot with the bullet placed on the front shoulder at 60yds.

6mm Creedmor
103gr ELDX
45gr RL 19
3156 fps
2270 ft lbs at the muzzle

 

[Nine Banger]

They're functionally the same for what you are describing.

You can shoot short bullets with low BC in both barrels.

You can shoot long bullets with high BC in both barrels.

6mm bullets can be a little bit heavier.

The 6mm Creedmor is probably "not for him" too since they are so similar.

 

[TxLite]

Assuming they are both shooting the same weight bullet, the 6mm should be shooting it faster

In regards to what is most important, choosing the correct bullet for the application makes all the difference imo. Shooting an fmj in either will give bad results, shooting a thin jacketed high fragmenting bullet of an appropriate weight will both drop coyotes.

Plenty of good options for coyotes in the .224 realm if he hand loads. What bullet is he shooting that he hasn’t been impressed with?

 

[Grizzle]

Sounds like you need a smarter friend haha. There is zero advantage to going up to 6mm for coyotes over a 22cm. Whoever put the idea in his head he needs more obviously hasn't killed much with a 22cm. A poor shot with either is a poor shot, a well placed shot with either is more than enough for dogs.

 

[SupressYourself]

Assuming the other factors are within reason, choice of bullet is the most important part for killing anything.
IMO, for coyotes, you want a bullet that is not too tough (which can pencil through) and not too fragile (which can splash). Most "match" bullets seem to fit these criteria.
I've killed a bunch of coyotes with the 22CM and the 75 ELDM. Most don't take another step. The 80 is good too.
For sure the 6CM is an excellent coyote killer too, but to me, there's just not enough difference there to warrant switching.
I have a couple 22CMs now, a 22-250, a 22 ARC, a 6CM, a 6.5CM, and a 6mm Grendel, and I've killed coyotes with all of them. If I was in in the market for a "coyote rifle", I wouldn't look at anything but 22 Creed.

 

[waspocrew]

I’ve killed them with both and I prefer the 22 Creed. They are so similar, you are splitting hairs though.

 

[kswaterfowl]

Ill take speed over bc any day for calling coyotes. Pretty nice to be able to hold on hair out to 300 yds. And 99% of your coyotes should be within 300 yds or less, if your any good at it.

 

[Mountain_Life]

I assume you know the answer and most everyone on here will as well. If he isn't happy with the 22cm, I'm not sure what he's looking for. And switching to a 6cm isn't going to change anything enough to matter. If the 22 cm doesn't kill it, a 6 cm in the same spot won't change the outcome.