Coyote hunting has exploded in popularity across the United States over the past decade. Predator populations continue to grow, and more hunters are discovering the challenge of calling coyotes across farmland, prairie, and wooded terrain.

Because coyotes are intelligent and cautious predators, choosing the best coyote hunting rifle is critical. The right rifle must deliver accuracy, manageable recoil, and enough speed for quick follow-up shots when multiple coyotes respond to a call.

In this guide, we’ll cover the best coyote hunting rifles and calibers in 2026, including modern cartridges that are becoming extremely popular among predator hunters.

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What Makes the Best Coyote Hunting Rifle?

Coyotes are typically taken at distances between 100 and 300 yards, but shots can easily stretch beyond that in open country. The best coyote hunting rifles share several important characteristics.

Accuracy

Predator hunting often requires precise shot placement at distance. A rifle capable of consistent sub-MOA accuracy gives hunters a major advantage.

Flat Shooting Caliber

Flat-shooting cartridges reduce bullet drop and allow hunters to make quick shots without extensive holdover adjustments.

Lightweight Design

Coyote hunters frequently move between calling setups. A lightweight rifle makes it easier to stay mobile while covering multiple locations.

Fast Follow-Up Shots

Coyotes often travel in pairs or small groups. Having the ability to quickly take a second shot can dramatically improve success rates.

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Popular Coyote Hunting Calibers in 2026

Modern predator hunters now have more caliber options than ever before. While traditional cartridges remain effective, several newer cartridges have become extremely popular.

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.223 Remington / 5.56 NATO

The .223 Remington remains one of the most widely used coyote hunting cartridges.

Advantages include:

• Low recoil
• Affordable ammunition
• Excellent accuracy
• Ideal for AR-15 platforms

For many hunters, a .223 AR-15 is still one of the most practical predator setups available.

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.22-250 Remington

The .22-250 has long been considered a premier predator cartridge due to its speed and flat trajectory.

Benefits include:

• Extremely high velocity
• Flat shooting performance
• Excellent long-range capability

Many experienced coyote hunters still rely on the .22-250 when hunting large open areas.

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.243 Winchester

The .243 Winchester offers more power and versatility than smaller predator calibers while maintaining manageable recoil.

Advantages include:

• Long-range performance
• Highly accurate
• Capable of hunting both coyotes and deer

Hunters looking for a multi-purpose rifle often choose the .243.

Shop the budget-friendly Glenfield Model A .243 Win

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6mm ARC

The 6mm ARC (Advanced Rifle Cartridge) has rapidly gained popularity among predator hunters, especially those using AR-platform rifles.

Key advantages:

• Extremely efficient cartridge design
• Excellent ballistic performance
• Capable of accurate shots beyond 500 yards
• Designed specifically for modern sporting rifles

Many hunters now consider the 6mm ARC one of the best modern predator cartridges available.

Shop 6MM ARC Rifles

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.22 ARC

The .22 ARC is one of the newest cartridges gaining traction in predator hunting.

Benefits include:

• High velocity performance
• Flat shooting trajectory
• Optimized for AR-15 platforms
• Excellent wind resistance

The .22 ARC is quickly becoming a favorite for hunters who want the speed of a traditional varmint cartridge with modern ballistic performance.

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.22 Creedmoor

The .22 Creedmoor has developed a strong following among long-range predator hunters.

Advantages include:

• Extremely high velocity
• Excellent ballistic coefficients
• Superior long-range performance
• Reduced wind drift

This cartridge is particularly popular among hunters targeting coyotes in wide-open terrain.

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6mm Creedmoor

The 6mm Creedmoor offers outstanding long-range accuracy and excellent ballistic performance.

Key features:

• High velocity
• Excellent long-range accuracy
• Flat trajectory
• Superior wind resistance

For hunters who regularly take longer shots, the 6mm Creedmoor is an extremely capable predator cartridge.

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Best Coyote Hunting Rifles in 2026

Several rifle platforms stand out as excellent choices for predator hunters.

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AR-15 Rifles

The AR-15 platform has become one of the most popular predator hunting rifles available today.

Advantages include:

• Fast follow-up shots
• Lightweight design
• Customizable components
• Excellent accuracy

AR rifles chambered in .223, 6mm ARC, or .22 ARC are increasingly common among coyote hunters.

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Ruger American Rifle

The Ruger American Rifle is a lightweight bolt-action rifle known for accuracy and affordability.

Benefits include:

• Excellent accuracy
• Lightweight hunting design
• Available in many predator calibers
• Great value for hunters

This rifle remains one of the most popular bolt-action options for predator hunting.

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Savage Axis

Savage rifles are known for producing exceptional accuracy at an affordable price.

Advantages include:

• Reliable performance
• Lightweight design
• Available in multiple predator calibers
• Budget-friendly option

The Savage Axis continues to be a popular choice for hunters looking for a capable predator rifle without a high price tag.

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Howa 1500

The Howa 1500 has become increasingly popular among hunters who want precision-level performance.

Features include:

• High-quality barrels
• Smooth bolt action
• Excellent accuracy potential
• Available in modern predator calibers

This rifle is often chosen by hunters who want to stretch shots beyond typical predator distances.

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AR-15 vs Bolt Action for Coyote Hunting

Both AR-15 rifles and bolt-action rifles are excellent choices for predator hunting.

AR-15 Advantages

• Fast follow-up shots
• Ideal for multiple coyotes
• Highly customizable

Bolt Action Advantages

• Often extremely accurate
• Simple and reliable design
• Wider caliber selection

Both platforms can easily serve as the best coyote hunting rifle, depending on the hunter’s style and terrain.

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Tips for Successful Coyote Hunting

Use Predator Calls

Electronic or mouth calls that mimic distressed prey can effectively attract coyotes.

Hunt During Low Light

Coyotes are most active during early morning and evening hours.

Thermal Night Hunting

When & in states where using a thermal scope is permitted, it increases your chances to hunt all night. Check your state laws on the use of thermal optics for hunting.

Stay Downwind

Coyotes rely heavily on scent detection. Always set up with the wind in your favor.

Stay Patient

Predators often approach cautiously and may circle downwind before committing.

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Find Your Next Predator Rifle at Quick Draw Gun

At QuickDrawGun.com, we carry a wide selection of rifles suited for predator hunting, including AR-platform rifles and bolt-action rifles in popular calibers like:

• .223 / 5.56
• .22-250
• .243
• 6mm ARC
• .22 ARC
• 6mm Creedmoor

If you're searching for the best coyote hunting rifle, explore our inventory to find a firearm built for accuracy, speed, and reliability in the field.