With so many options available, finding the right equipment to do a job should not be an impulsive decision. It requires the knowledge of what needs to be accomplished and the means to accomplish it. When I began to make plans for a coyote rifle, I knew I wanted it to be, semi-auto, lightweight, accurate, and reliable and so therefore, chose the Ruger AR-556, chambered in .300 AAC Blackout (300 BLK).
After reading the spec sheet on the Ruger AR-556 chambered in 300 Blackout (MSRP $1,039.00), I felt confident, it was the one. This AR is semi-auto and includes a 30-round magazine, which is comforting. When hunting at night, there is plenty of opportunity for the unknown. Just because I’m targeting coyotes doesn’t mean that’s all I will encounter. A sounder of wild hogs is an encounter to consider, as well.
The total weight of this rifle is 7.2 pounds and its total length – with the AR adjustable stock fully extended – comes in at 36.25 inches. Fulfilling the lightweight and compact needs will make it more pleasant to set up and take down sets. Coyote hunting may require multiple sets and some quiet, yet fancy, footwork, so the lighter and more compact the rifle, the more attainable those feats will be.
Accuracy is key. If the rifle’s not accurate, it may as well be taken down and used as a paper weight. Hunters have a responsibility to make the most ethical shots possible to complete a quick kill shot.
Reliability is just as crucial as accuracy. When speaking of reliability, it’s a surety the rifle will function without fail. The bullets should cycle, and the casings should eject flawlessly, leaving me focusing on my sight picture and my finger free to squeeze the trigger as much as is necessary.
Once I got the ATN X-Sight 5 (MSRP $795.00) mounted on the flat top picatinny rail, I set up a time to go to my local range, Live Fire Training Academy, for some ammo testing. I paired my digital day and night scope to the Ruger AR-556 with the one-shot zero feature. I began at 50 yards using the Winchester Target and Practice 125 grain bullets (MSRP $27.99). My first shot was off the paper and high, so I engaged the safety and opened the menu on the optic. From there I adjusted the reticle to the point of impact, pressed enter and prepared for the next shot. Like a charm, the rifle and scope are paired.
I shot two more times and was satisfied with the group, but 50 yards is not adequate for coyotes. I packed up and moved back to 100 yards. At 100 yards I began again with the Winchester Target and Practice 125 grain bullets after accomplishing a great group, I decided I needed to check the reliability. I loaded the mag with 20 rounds and cycled through flawlessly! After accomplishing a successful cycling, I proceeded to test the remaining ammunition: Federal Fusion 150 grain (MSRP $39.99) and the Barnes Multi-Purpose 120 Grain JHP (MSRP $29.19).
The results were so close with all three types of ammo that it made it a difficult choice. I chose to go with the Barnes Multi-Purpose 120 Grain JHP because it is a hollow point for greater expansion and slightly lighter than the others, accomplishing a higher velocity.
My hope is to be able to call coyotes into a 100-yard vicinity for a couple reasons:
I’m not banking on that being the case all the time though and for that reason, I skipped over to the 200-yard range to test my limits. I experienced an eight-inch drop and about an inch-and-a-half group.
I like my results at the 100 yard targets better but, I wouldn’t count out a 200-yard shot as long as I know my aim point or utilize the built-in laser range finder on my sight. The Ruger AR-556 in 300 BLK fits the bill for my short-range coyote hunting expectations. I’m dialed in and itching to get in the field and accomplish a successful coyote hunt.
Follow Angie on her social media links, found at her website, and at The WON for her future hunts.
I am a wife and a mother who loves the outdoors, I also review and test airguns and shooting products for various manufacturers. As Airgun Angie, I get to spend a fair amount of time outdoors hunting and shooting! I love what I do, I get the opportunity to test many different types of shooting and hunting gear. My current adventures can be found on https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC764VE4T-i2XihiyISmkJKA You can also follow me on Facebook, @leadlife17 "Airgun Angie." View all posts by Angie Perry
