Can a 22 Long Rifle Kill a Coyote?

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Ballistics of the .22 Long Rifle
3. Terminal Performance and Coyote Anatomy
4. Critical Shot Placement
5. Range Limitations: The 50-Yard Rule
6. Ammo Selection for the Task
7. Tactical and Survival Considerations
8. Better Alternatives for Coyote Control
9. Gear and Preparation
10. The Ethical Question
11. Conclusion
12. FAQ

Introduction

If you spend enough time on a rural property or in the backcountry, you will eventually have a run-in with a coyote. These predators are resilient, intelligent, and increasingly bold. For many of us at Crate Club, the .22 Long Rifle (LR) was the first platform we mastered, and if you're building from the ground up, the Lieutenant tier is a smart starting point. It is the quintessential American rimfire. However, when a predator is stalking your livestock or hanging too close to your camp, you have to ask if that rimfire is enough tool for the job. While the .22 LR is ubiquitous, its effectiveness on a 30-to-40-pound canine is a subject of constant debate among shooters and hunters. This article examines the ballistics, ethical constraints, and tactical realities of using a .22 LR for coyote control. We will break down what it takes to stop a predator with the most common round in the world.

Quick Answer: Yes, a .22 Long Rifle can kill a coyote, but it is not the ideal cartridge for the task. Success requires a high level of marksmanship, hyper-velocity ammunition, and keeping the distance under 50 yards to ensure a clean, ethical kill.

The Ballistics of the .22 Long Rifle

To understand if the .22 LR can handle a coyote, you have to look at the raw data. The .22 Long Rifle is a rimfire cartridge, meaning the firing pin strikes the rim of the casing to ignite the primer. It typically fires a 30-to-40-grain lead bullet. In the world of ballistics, kinetic energy is determined by mass and velocity. The .22 LR lacks significant amounts of both when compared to centerfire rounds. For a broader look at the platform, see what a .22 rifle is good for.

A standard high-velocity 40-grain .22 LR round leaves the muzzle at roughly 1,200 feet per second (fps). This generates about 140 foot-pounds of energy (ft-lbs). By the time that bullet travels 100 yards, the velocity drops to around 1,000 fps and the energy falls to about 90 ft-lbs. For context, a .223 Remington—a popular coyote round—carries over 1,000 ft-lbs of energy at that same distance. If you are still comparing rifles, how to choose a .22 rifle is a useful companion read.

Coyotes are remarkably "tenacious of life," a phrase often used by old-school woodsmen. They have thick fur, lean muscle, and a strong skeletal structure. To stop one instantly, you need enough energy to penetrate the vitals or disrupt the Central Nervous System (CNS), which includes the brain and spinal cord. The .22 LR is right on the edge of having enough "oomph" to do this reliably, which is why it also comes up in survival rifle discussions.

Terminal Performance and Coyote Anatomy

Terminal ballistics refers to how a projectile behaves when it hits the target. When a .22 LR bullet strikes a coyote, it does not create a large temporary wound cavity. Instead, it creates a narrow permanent crush channel. If that channel does not intersect a vital organ or the CNS, the coyote will likely run off.

The Problem of Penetration

At longer distances, the .22 LR may fail to penetrate the thick shoulder bone of a large male coyote. If the bullet hits the scapula (shoulder blade), it might fragment or stop before reaching the lungs or heart. This leads to a wounded animal that suffers for days rather than a quick, ethical harvest.

Fragmentation vs. Solid Bullets

Many shooters prefer hollow point (HP) ammunition for small game like squirrels or rabbits. These rounds are designed to expand or fragment upon impact. However, on a coyote, expansion can be a disadvantage if it happens too early. If a light 32-grain hollow point expands upon hitting the skin or outer muscle, it may not have enough momentum to reach the heart. Conversely, a solid 40-grain round nose (RN) bullet provides better penetration but creates a very small wound.

Field Note: When using a .22 LR for larger varmints, penetration is more important than expansion. A bullet that reaches the vitals is always more effective than one that "splashes" on the surface.

Critical Shot Placement

Because the .22 LR lacks raw power, shot placement is not just important—it is everything. You cannot rely on "hydrostatic shock" to do the work for you. You have to be an operator with your rifle, placing the shot exactly where it needs to go. For a broader field setup, tactical loadouts matter just as much as marksmanship.

The Brain Shot

A shot to the brain is the most effective way to kill a coyote with a .22 LR. If the bullet enters the cranium, it results in an immediate drop. The target area, however, is roughly the size of a golf ball. If the coyote is moving or if there is any wind, this shot becomes extremely difficult.

The Heart/Lung Shot

Aiming for the "boiler room" (the chest cavity) is the standard for most hunters. With a .22 LR, you want to tuck the bullet right behind the front shoulder. This avoids the heavy bone while targeting the lungs. Even with a perfect heart shot, a coyote may still run 50 to 100 yards before collapsing. If you are in thick brush, you might never find the animal.

The "Texas Heart Shot" and Other No-Gos

Never take a rear-end shot or a steep-angle shot with a .22 LR. The bullet simply does not have the mass to travel through the length of the animal to reach the vitals. If you do not have a clear broadside or head-on shot, you should hold your fire.

Range Limitations: The 50-Yard Rule

If you are using a .22 LR for coyote control, you must have the discipline to let the animal walk if it is too far away. While you can hit a target at 100 or even 200 yards with a .22 LR, you cannot kill a coyote ethically at those ranges.

Most professional shooters agree that 50 yards is the maximum effective range for a .22 LR on a coyote.

At 50 yards, the bullet still retains enough velocity to penetrate and the shooter can maintain the precision needed for a CNS shot. Beyond 50 yards, the "rainbow" trajectory of the .22 LR makes precise aiming difficult. Even a small miscalculation in distance can cause the bullet to drop several inches, turning a heart shot into a gut shot. If you want a broader coyote-rifle comparison, what is the best rifle for coyote hunting? is worth a look.

Ammo Selection for the Task

Not all rimfire ammo is created equal. If you are serious about predator control with a .22 LR, you need to move away from bulk-pack "plinking" ammo. You need rounds designed for maximum velocity and consistency.

1. Hyper-Velocity Rounds: Products like the CCI Stinger or the Remington Yellow Jacket use a slightly shorter bullet and a longer case to achieve higher velocities (up to 1,600 fps). These give you a flatter trajectory and more energy on impact.
2. Heavy Subsonics: Some shooters use heavy 45-to-60-grain bullets. While these carry more momentum, their trajectory is very steep, making them difficult to use accurately beyond very short ranges.
3. Segmenting Hollow Points: These are designed to break into three distinct parts upon impact. They can be very effective for creating multiple wound channels in the vitals, provided they penetrate deep enough.

We recommend testing several types of high-velocity ammunition in your specific rifle. Every barrel is different, and you need to know which round gives you the tightest Minute of Angle (MOA) groups. MOA is a measure of accuracy that equates to roughly one inch at 100 yards. For coyote hunting with a .22 LR, you want a rifle/ammo combo that can consistently hit a one-inch circle at 50 yards. If you are still assembling the rest of your kit, the Gear Shop is the easiest place to browse field tools and accessories.

Tactical and Survival Considerations

There are specific scenarios where the .22 LR becomes a viable tactical choice for coyotes. In a long-term survival or SHTF (Sovereign Hitting The Fan) situation, the .22 LR is often the most available cartridge. EDC gear often matters most when space, weight, and reliability are the priority.

Stealth and Noise Signature

A major advantage of the .22 LR is its low noise signature. If you are in a semi-rural area where a loud "crack" from a .30-06 would cause problems with neighbors, the .22 LR is much more discreet. When suppressed, a .22 LR is virtually silent, allowing you to remove a problem animal without alerting everything in a three-mile radius.

Training and Cost

The .22 LR is the ultimate training tool. Because the ammo is cheap, you can afford to practice your "snap-shooting" and off-hand positions. At Crate Club, we emphasize that the best gear is the gear you actually use. A shooter who has fired 10,000 rounds of .22 LR is going to be more effective than a shooter who has only fired 20 rounds of .300 Win Mag because of the cost of ammo.

Key Takeaway: The .22 LR is a precision tool, not a power tool. Use it with the mindset of a surgeon, not a sledgehammer.

Better Alternatives for Coyote Control

While the .22 LR can get the job done, it is rarely the best tool. If you have the option, several other calibers offer a much higher margin for error.

.22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (.22 WMR)

The .22 Mag is the .22 LR’s older, faster brother. It uses a larger casing to push the same diameter bullet significantly faster. It effectively doubles the ethical range for coyotes, moving the "safe" distance out to 100 yards.

.17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire (.17 HMR)

The .17 HMR is incredibly fast and accurate. It is a "laser" out to 150 yards. However, the bullets are very light (usually 17 grains) and can be easily deflected by wind or grass. It is excellent for headshots but can struggle with penetration on body shots. If you want a compact optic to match that kind of speed, what is a scout scope? is a helpful next step.

.223 Remington / 5.56 NATO

This is the gold standard for coyote hunting. It is a centerfire round with massive energy compared to any rimfire. If you are protecting livestock or hunting for pelts, a lightweight AR-15 platform in .223 is a superior choice.

Gear and Preparation

If you are going to use a .22 LR for predators, your rifle needs to be set up correctly. This isn't the time for a base-model rifle with "iron sights"—the open sights consisting of a rear notch and a front post. You need an optic, and what is a good scope for a .22 rifle? is the right place to start.

• Optics: A 3-9x magnification scope is standard. This allows you to identify the animal and pick a specific spot on its body.
• Support: Use a bipod or a shooting stick. Since your shot must be perfect, you need a stable platform. You can also browse the Gear Shop for field-ready support gear and accessories.
• Medical: If you are out in the field, always carry an Individual First Aid Kit (IFAK). Even a "simple" coyote hunt can lead to a tripped ankle or a brush with a fence. Captain tier crates often feature the kind of medical and EDC gear that keeps you prepared for these minor field emergencies.

Field Note: Never underestimate a coyote. If you wound one and it corners itself, it can be dangerous. Keep your distance and ensure the animal is expired before approaching.

The Ethical Question

As tacticians and outdoorsmen, we have a responsibility to be ethical. Killing an animal is sometimes necessary for property defense or food, but causing unnecessary suffering is poor form. Emergency medical skills every prepper should learn are just as important to that mindset as good marksmanship.

Using a .22 LR on a coyote is an "expert-only" move. If you are a beginner, or if your rifle isn't perfectly zeroed—meaning the sights are aligned with the point of impact—you should choose a more powerful caliber. If you must use a .22 LR, you owe it to the animal to get as close as possible and wait for the perfect shot.

Conclusion

The .22 LR is a versatile, legendary round that has its place in every kit. It is capable of taking down a coyote, but it requires a disciplined shooter who understands the cartridge's severe limitations. You must prioritize high-velocity ammunition, limit your range to 50 yards, and be surgical with your shot placement. For those who are just building their tactical foundations, subscribe to Crate Club and start building the essential tools and EDC gear you need for the field. We specialize in providing gear that has been vetted by professionals—no filler, no junk. Whether you are defending your homestead or honing your skills at the range, having the right equipment is the first step toward being a capable operator.

Bottom line: A .22 LR can kill a coyote with a perfect head or heart shot at close range, but for reliable predator control, a .22 WMR or .223 Remington is a much safer bet.

FAQ

What is the best .22 LR ammo for coyotes?

Hyper-velocity rounds like the CCI Stinger or 40-grain high-velocity copper-plated solids are the best choices. These offer the best balance of penetration and energy needed to reach the coyote's vital organs or CNS.

Can I use a .22 LR for coyotes at 100 yards?

It is not recommended. At 100 yards, the .22 LR has lost significant energy and drops considerably in its flight path. The risk of wounding the animal without a clean kill is very high at this distance.

Is it legal to hunt coyotes with a .22 LR?

In most US states, coyotes are considered non-game animals or varmints, and rimfires are legal to use. However, always check your local and state game regulations, as some areas have specific caliber requirements for public lands.

Where should I aim at a coyote with a .22 LR?

The most effective aim point is the brain (between the eyes and the ear) for an instant drop. If you aren't confident in that shot, aim for the heart/lung area just behind the front shoulder, but be prepared for the animal to run a short distance.