Idaho wolf hunting

[mtnbound]

My night hunting/thermal gun is a 223 with a 12.5" barrel and it doesn't like the 77 TMK so I think I'm going to try 55 gr VMAX for wolves.

I've killed piles of coyotes over the years with that bullet so I assume it'll be enough to get through the ribs on a bigger dog. Fingers crossed!

Anybody have any luck this year?

It will kill, it might make a mess of some hide if you care.

 

[jdhsunset]

We love wolves, what's wrong with you?

Wolves are fine if their numbers are controlled. You might want to check out some facts at F4WM a good source for current wolf populations and their impact on cattle operations and elk populations.

 

[jdhsunset]

My night hunting/thermal gun is a 223 with a 12.5" barrel and it doesn't like the 77 TMK so I think I'm going to try 55 gr VMAX for wolves.

I've killed piles of coyotes over the years with that bullet so I assume it'll be enough to get through the ribs on a bigger dog. Fingers crossed!

Anybody have any luck this year?

A recent article in F4WM magazine suggests that .30 caliber bullets might be the best choice.

 

[bergie]

A recent article in F4WM magazine suggests that .30 caliber bullets might be the best choice.

Not discounting what F4WM might say but they have thin hide and are surprisingly dainty when you pull the skin off of them. I don’t think you need much to kill one.

 

[jdhsunset]

Not discounting what F4WM might say but they have thin hide and are surprisingly dainty when you pull the skin off of them. I don’t think you need much to kill one.

You probably can kill them with smaller calibers. Bullet placement is the most critical point no matter what weapon used. The article in F4WM was in reference to a wolf shot through both lungs (vital area) with a .243 at 30 yds. It took considerable time & distance to find it! They may be thin skinned but they are tough survivors. As a side note the bullet evidently ricoched and struck a 2nd wolf standing near the first one, striking it in the head and killing it instantly. Go figure.

 

[Brap01]

My sons and I used the 6mm 108 ELDM to kill a couple elk and 4 deer this year, pretty happy with how the match bullets work. So I assumed the 55 VMAX would do the trick for a wolf, its more accurate out of my thermal gun than my other loads. So I'll probably roll the dice with that, and just make sure to put it in the ribs.

Thanks for the feedback guys.

Still hoping to see some grip and grin photos on this thread sometime.

 

[jdhsunset]

My sons and I used the 6mm 108 ELDM to kill a couple elk and 4 deer this year, pretty happy with how the match bullets work. So I assumed the 55 VMAX would do the trick for a wolf, its more accurate out of my thermal gun than my other loads. So I'll probably roll the dice with that, and just make sure to put it in the ribs.

Thanks for the feedback guys.

Still hoping to see some grip and grin photos on this thread sometime.

Happy hunting & have a successful hunt

 

[Spike elk]

My experience with a 50 grain VMax and a wolf was no bueno. Was coyote calling and shot a wolf in the shoulder at 50 yards. Down it went like it was struck with the hammer of Thor. Only to get up seconds later and disappear with only a few drops of blood. Never found it. I did take a lobo with my 270 and my current rifle of choice for wolf is a Tikka 243. I am embracing my Fudness with the extra whallup factor when it comes to a wolf. Opportunities are far and few between, why eff it up with a varmit bullet?

 

[Brap01]

My experience with a 50 grain VMax and a wolf was no bueno. Was coyote calling and shot a wolf in the shoulder at 50 yards. Down it went like it was struck with the hammer of Thor. Only to get up seconds later and disappear with only a few drops of blood. Never found it. I did take a lobo with my 270 and my current rifle of choice for wolf is a Tikka 243. I am embracing my Fudness with the extra whallup factor when it comes to a wolf. Opportunities are far and few between, why eff it up with a varmit bullet?

That would be a huge bummer. I figure with the lower velocity coming from the 12.5" barrel I should have better penetration. Last year I used a 6 ARC for night time predator hunting, but my kids are using that during daylight for predators... guess I could use the 6 ARC bolt gun but that means no IR laser to cue my hunting partners onto animals as they approach the call.

Thanks for giving me something to think about...

 

[Idaho4x4Bronco]

Wolves are fine if their numbers are controlled. You might want to check out some facts at F4WM a good source for current wolf populations and their impact on cattle operations and elk populations.

It was complete sarcasm when I said that, lol. Proud member of F4WM as well

 

[weekender7]

My night hunting/thermal gun is a 223 with a 12.5" barrel and it doesn't like the 77 TMK so I think I'm going to try 55 gr VMAX for wolves.

I've killed piles of coyotes over the years with that bullet so I assume it'll be enough to get through the ribs on a bigger dog. Fingers crossed!

Anybody have any luck this year?

I have killed 4 wolves with 243 using Barnes TTSX bullets. If I were to use a 223, I would go with that same bullet vs the VMAX. I too have killed a few piles of coyotes with the VMAX and like them for coyotes, but with wolves I want a little more penetration for the less than perfect broadside shot you might have to take. The 223 ttsx has killed a pile of hogs for me.

 

[weekender7]

My sons and I used the 6mm 108 ELDM to kill a couple elk and 4 deer this year, pretty happy with how the match bullets work. So I assumed the 55 VMAX would do the trick for a wolf, its more accurate out of my thermal gun than my other loads. So I'll probably roll the dice with that, and just make sure to put it in the ribs.

Thanks for the feedback guys.

Still hoping to see some grip and grin photos on this thread sometime.

my wife with 124# 243 stud

 

[omicron1792]

You probably can kill them with smaller calibers. Bullet placement is the most critical point no matter what weapon used. The article in F4WM was in reference to a wolf shot through both lungs (vital area) with a .243 at 30 yds. It took considerable time & distance to find it! They may be thin skinned but they are tough survivors. As a side note the bullet evidently ricoched and struck a 2nd wolf standing near the first one, striking it in the head and killing it instantly. Go figure.

Sounds like a tsx. Funny stuff.