berger bullets for coyotes

[sakofan]

Why do most coyote shooters use the 35 grain berger and not the 40 grain berger bullet ?
I thought both bullets were basically the same except for the weight and that the 40 would be better on larger animals like coyotes.

[bang bang]

I personally use the 35gr because they shoot just a little bit tighter in my DPMS AR. I would amagine that some 1x12 twist barrels may not stabilize the heavier bullet. Haven't had a runner yet with the 35.

[Silverfox]

I have a Savage 12VLP .204 Ruger and the factory barrel has a 1 in 12 twist. I think most any 12 twist barrel will stabilize the 35 gr. Berger very easily. The 35 gr. FBHP Bergers have been very effective on coyotes for me. They are fur friendly and usually put the coyotes down with one shot.

I tried both the 40 gr. Bergers and 35 gr. FBHP Bergers in my Savage 12VLP .204 Ruger and the 35 gr. bulles were way more accurate than the 40 gr. version. Here's a couple targets showing typical groups shot from a bench at 100 yards with a Harris bipod for the front rest and a rabbit-ear bag for the rear rest. CAUTION: DO NOT use the load listed in the second photo as your starting load--start with a lower weight powder charge and work your way up SLOWLY!!!!

[Valar]

I have a 9 twist Shilen on my ar. I load a 40 grainer in the top of the mag and 50 grainers below Miss witht he 40 the 50s carry well. Last dog with a 50 grainer was 296 yards on a run droped him in his tracks!

[sakofan]

Thanks for the replies.
It seems the 35 grain shoots better with the 1/12 twist barrels but if you were using a faster twist barrel and accuracy was good with the 40s would they be a better option. Is the 40 grain just a heavier version of the 35 or are there other differences ?

[Glen]

FWIW the 40gr Bergers are the only 40's that will shoot under 1" at 100yds in my 700ADL. They shoot 1/2" for me & I use them for coyotes.

[Kale_M]

I shoot the 40gr bergers out of my Tikka T3 Varmint for yotes. Drops them why harder then the 35gr bergers. I have not had one even spin after beign hit. Just straight down like a pile of bricks! using 28gr of H4895 moving at 3850fps