Hot Weather Coyote

[drridgway]

I had been shooting lots of paper targets with my new Mini-14 and was anxious to see how it would work on a real varmint.

There was actually a heat advisory in effect when I went into the woods with the electronic call but I figured coyotes still have to eat when it's hot.

I used a deer fawn in distress call and this female coyote came in very quickly--one shot at ten yards with a 55gr jhp .223 did the trick.

My hunting area is very thick with new undergrowth since Hurricane Katrina ripped through so finding a large clearing to call in is difficult.

I heard more coyotes running through the brush but could not see them, maybe next time when it's cooler ...

[Marlin 45 carbine]

you layed that devil low fer sure Man!

[armoredman]

Excellent.

[Rugermann]

Nice rifle fella! What type of flash hider?? or whatever is on the end of that puppy!

Jeff

[drridgway]

Thanks for the comments ...

I guess it could be called a flash hider but I still get a flash with some powders.

There are two attachments on the barrel--a muzzle brake and a tuner. More information is posted at:

http://perfectunion.com/vb/showthread.php?t=59343
and
http://perfectunion.com/vb/showthread.php?t=59469

The tuner in the picture above is actually made of brass but I have replaced it with one I made of stainless steel.

The .223 doesn't have much recoil but the muzzle brake reduces recoil enough to enable me to see the target reaction to the bullet strike. A properly constructed muzzle brake will also improve accuracy significantly (which mine does).

Some varmint hunters use muzzle brakes so that they can see the "pink mist" when the bullet strikes the varmint.

I guess the major objection a muzzle brake is the increased noise level because the majority of the muzzle blast is directed to the sides of the barrel. Hearing protection is a must!

You also feel a shock wave when the shot is fired but I like it!

The tuner helps tame the harmonics of the barrel for a better shot group.