What Caliber Works Best for Coyotes, Raccoons, and Other Nuisances?

When you’ve got predators tearing into your chicken coop or varmints making a mess of your property, the right caliber matters. You want something accurate, reliable, and appropriate for the job—without overkill or unnecessary risk. Some folks go too big, others not big enough. The sweet spot depends on what you’re dealing with and how far you’re shooting.

Let’s break down the best calibers for the most common nuisance animals. These picks are proven, practical, and won’t let you down when it counts.

.22 LR – For Close-Range Vermin

The .22 LR is a go-to for small pests like raccoons, possums, and skunks. It’s quiet, cheap, and easy to shoot. At close range, it’s plenty effective with proper shot placement—especially behind the ear or to the vitals.

That said, don’t expect it to drop a coyote unless conditions are perfect. It’s not made for longer shots or tougher targets. But if you’re doing cleanup work around the barn or knocking out raccoons from a tree, a .22 is hard to beat for convenience.

.17 HMR – Flat Shooting for Small Game

If you want more reach and accuracy than a .22, the .17 HMR is a solid step up. It’s great for raccoons and foxes out to 150 yards. The high velocity and flat trajectory make it ideal for precise headshots.

It’s not ideal for larger predators unless your shot placement is spot-on. But it shines when you need to keep the noise down and still make ethical kills on smaller nuisances. Perfect for farms with tight quarters where over-penetration is a concern.

.22 WMR – Versatile and Underrated

The .22 Magnum walks the line between .22 LR and centerfire power. It’ll take care of raccoons, skunks, and even foxes with more authority than the .22 LR. It’s got more punch and better range, often stretching to 125 yards with the right setup.

Some folks overlook the .22 WMR, but it’s one of the most practical varmint rounds out there. It’s accurate, mild on recoil, and gives you the edge when you’re dealing with slightly bigger targets without stepping up to full centerfire costs.

.223 Remington – Coyote Control King

When it comes to coyotes, the .223 is a favorite for a reason. It’s fast, accurate, and lethal on mid-sized predators. You get flat trajectories out past 300 yards, which is more than enough for most setups.

There are plenty of varmint loads out there that expand quickly, minimizing fur damage if you’re saving hides. Whether you’re hunting over bait, calling them in, or taking long shots across a field, the .223 gives you confidence and clean kills.

.22-250 Remington – Fast and Flat

The .22-250 is a laser beam. If you’re dealing with coyotes at 300+ yards, this round has the speed and accuracy to make it happen. It’s one of the fastest .22-caliber centerfire cartridges on the market and carries enough energy to drop a coyote where it stands.

It’s not overkill, but it’s definitely more than you need for raccoons or skunks. Where it shines is open-country predator hunting. If you’ve got the space to shoot and the glass to find them, the .22-250 gets it done clean.

.204 Ruger – Minimal Recoil, Maximum Speed

The .204 Ruger hits a nice sweet spot between the .17 HMR and the .223. It pushes light bullets at ridiculous speeds, often over 4,000 fps. That gives you a super flat trajectory, which helps on long shots at skittish coyotes or foxes.

It’s not as common as the .223 or .22-250, but it’s worth considering if you like low recoil and pinpoint accuracy. It’s also surprisingly effective on smaller animals like raccoons and groundhogs, without destroying them.

.243 Winchester – Heavy Hitter for Tough Predators

If you’re in thick predator country and want some extra punch, the .243 Win is a strong choice. It’s overkill for raccoons, but it drops coyotes, bobcats, and even wild hogs without flinching. It also bucks the wind better than lighter rounds, which helps if you’re shooting long.

You’ll give up some fur-saving potential with bigger bullets, but it’s a good trade-off when you need to anchor animals fast. Especially useful if you’re calling in pairs or running into coyotes that don’t go down easy.

12-Gauge Shotgun – Close Quarters Cleanup

When the brush is thick and the range is short, a 12-gauge can be your best friend. Buckshot or heavy loads of BB shot will handle raccoons, possums, and even coyotes within 40 yards. It’s great for barnyards, fencelines, or dense woods where a rifle might not be safe.

You’ll want to pattern your gun and pick the right choke, but done right, a shotgun is devastating at close range. It’s also easier to use in a hurry if something’s causing trouble and you don’t have time to line up a rifle shot.

.410 or 20-Gauge – Lighter Shotgun Options

If you’re worried about overkill or live around buildings and livestock, a .410 or 20-gauge gives you a softer touch. These work great for raccoons, skunks, and squirrels when loaded with the right shells. They’re also easier for smaller shooters to handle.

Keep in mind you’re working with shorter range and less pellet density, so shot placement still matters. But if you’re clearing out pests around the coop or garden, they’re handy tools with a lot of utility—especially in tight spots.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.