5.56 for Coyotes and Varmints: Bullet Options

5.56 is a versatile cartridge for coyote and varmint hunting, but the ammunition you choose can change how the bullet performs once it reaches the target. Bullet construction, weight, velocity, accuracy, and the distance of the shot all matter.

For smaller varmints such as prairie dogs and similar pests, rapidly expanding varmint bullets are commonly designed to fragment quickly. Coyotes are larger and can call for a somewhat different balance between expansion, penetration, accuracy, and pelt preservation.

That makes bullet construction one of the most useful things to understand when choosing 5.56 ammunition for predator and varmint hunting.

What Makes a 5.56 Bullet Suitable for Coyotes and Varmints?

There is no single bullet design that is ideal for every varmint or predator hunt.

A bullet intended for small varmints is often designed for rapid expansion and fragmentation. These projectiles may use thin jackets, hollow points, or polymer tips to initiate rapid expansion.

Coyote hunting can involve a wider range of distances and shot angles, so hunters may place greater emphasis on a combination of accuracy, appropriate expansion, penetration, and the condition of the hide afterward.

The major bullet characteristics to consider are:

• Bullet construction
• Bullet weight
• Expansion behavior
• Fragmentation
• Accuracy
• Muzzle velocity
• Downrange velocity
• Wind performance
• Expected shooting distance
• Whether preserving the pelt matters

The right choice therefore depends on the animal and the purpose of the hunt rather than simply choosing the heaviest or fastest 5.56 load.

Polymer-Tipped 5.56 Bullets

Polymer-tipped bullets are among the most recognizable choices for varmint-oriented ammunition.

A polymer tip can provide an aerodynamic profile while also helping initiate expansion when the bullet strikes the target.

Hornady’s V-MAX is an example of a purpose-built varmint bullet. Hornady describes the design as using a polymer tip, streamlined profile, and a cavity beneath the tip to promote rapid expansion and fragmentation.

Hornady also loads V-MAX bullets in its Varmint Express ammunition, which is specifically marketed for varmint applications.

For hunters looking at polymer-tipped 5.56 ammunition, the important point is that the tip is part of a larger bullet design. It does not simply mean that every polymer-tipped bullet behaves identically.

Different bullets can have different jacket thicknesses, cores, weights, and intended applications.

Hollow-Point 5.56 Bullets

Hollow-point bullets are another common design found in varmint and predator ammunition.

The cavity in the front of the bullet can help initiate expansion when the bullet encounters tissue.

However, not every hollow-point 5.56 bullet is designed specifically for hunting. Some are intended primarily for target shooting or other applications.

This distinction matters because bullet construction determines how the projectile behaves.

A purpose-built varmint hollow point may have a very different construction from a match-oriented hollow point, even if both have a visible opening in the nose.

For that reason, look at the manufacturer’s intended use rather than assuming that every hollow point is a hunting bullet.

Soft-Point 5.56 Bullets

Soft-point bullets use an exposed portion of the lead core at the nose rather than a polymer tip or completely enclosed jacket.

The exposed lead can initiate expansion when the bullet strikes the target.

Soft points can therefore occupy a middle ground between conventional FMJ ammunition and highly frangible varmint bullets, depending on the specific design.

The actual behavior still depends on the bullet’s construction.

A thin-jacketed soft point may expand much more rapidly than a heavier, more controlled-expansion design.

When evaluating a particular 5.56 soft point, consider the manufacturer’s description and intended game rather than relying on the name alone.

What About FMJ 5.56 for Coyotes?

FMJ ammunition is fundamentally different from purpose-built varmint ammunition.

A full-metal-jacket bullet has a lead core enclosed by a jacket, which limits the degree of expansion compared with many dedicated hunting bullets.

That can make FMJ a poor match for hunters specifically looking for rapid expansion.

However, pelt preservation changes the equation. American Hunter’s discussion of varmint hunting notes that some hunters who prioritize fur prefer FMJ because rapidly expanding bullets can produce larger exit wounds.

Whether FMJ is legal or appropriate for hunting also depends on local regulations and the specific species being hunted.

Always check the applicable hunting regulations before choosing ammunition.

55 Grain vs. 62 Grain 5.56 for Coyotes

Bullet weight is another consideration, but weight alone does not tell you how a bullet will perform.

A 55-grain bullet and a 62-grain bullet can have completely different terminal behavior if their construction is different.

For example, a 55-grain polymer-tipped varmint bullet is designed around a different objective than a 62-grain FMJ military-style projectile.

When comparing 55- and 62-grain ammunition, look at:

• Bullet construction
• Manufacturer specifications
• Muzzle velocity
• Ballistic coefficient
• Intended application
• Accuracy in your rifle
• Expected shooting distance

A heavier bullet is not automatically a better hunting bullet, and a lighter bullet is not automatically more suitable for varmints.

Are Lighter 5.56 Bullets Better for Varmints?

Many dedicated varmint bullets are relatively light for caliber because their designs emphasize velocity and rapid expansion.

American Hunter notes that traditional varmint bullets often use lighter projectiles and thin jackets to encourage rapid energy transfer and fragmentation.

That does not mean every varmint load needs to be light.

At longer distances, wind becomes increasingly important. A projectile with a higher ballistic coefficient can retain velocity and resist wind drift better than a less aerodynamic bullet.

This creates a tradeoff between bullet construction and downrange behavior.

5.56 Bullet Construction Matters More Than Weight Alone

Consider two hypothetical 55-grain 5.56 loads.

One could use a polymer-tipped varmint bullet designed for rapid fragmentation. Another could use an FMJ designed primarily for reliable feeding and target practice.

They have the same nominal bullet weight, but they are not interchangeable in terms of intended performance.

The same principle applies to 62-grain ammunition.

When choosing hunting ammunition, ask:

What was this bullet designed to do?

That question can be more useful than simply asking how many grains the bullet weighs.

Coyote Hunting vs. Smaller Varmints

Coyotes and smaller varmints should not automatically be treated as the same target.

A prairie dog, ground squirrel, or similar small varmint presents a very different hunting problem from a coyote.

Dedicated varmint bullets often prioritize rapid expansion and fragmentation because the target is relatively small. Hornady describes its V-MAX design specifically around rapid expansion and fragmentation across practical varmint velocities.

Coyotes can require a different balance.

American Hunter describes varmint and predator bullets as generally favoring rapid expansion, while also noting that hunters concerned with fur may choose less-expanding bullets to reduce pelt damage.

The choice therefore depends partly on whether the objective is:

• Pest control
• Predator hunting
• Fur preservation
• Longer-range shooting
• General field use

What About Fur Damage?

Fur preservation can change ammunition selection considerably.

Rapidly expanding bullets are designed to release energy quickly and may fragment extensively. That can produce significant tissue damage and, depending on the shot and bullet, damage the hide.

American Hunter specifically notes the difference between highly frangible varmint bullets and FMJ ammunition when pelt preservation is important.

Hunters who intend to preserve a coyote’s hide may therefore prioritize a bullet that produces a smaller entrance and exit wound over one designed for maximum fragmentation.

There is no guarantee that any particular bullet will produce a specific wound pattern, however. Shot placement, impact velocity, bullet construction, and the animal itself all affect the result.

How Does Range Affect 5.56 Bullet Choice?

Distance changes the conditions under which the bullet operates.

At short and moderate distances, a varmint bullet may strike at relatively high velocity and behave as designed.

As distance increases, velocity decreases.

That can affect:

• Expansion
• Fragmentation
• Trajectory
• Wind drift
• Impact energy
• Point of impact

Hornady’s V-MAX design, for example, is specifically engineered to maintain rapid expansion across a broad range of practical varmint velocities.

Still, published ballistic performance should not be treated as a guarantee for every rifle. Barrel length, chamber, ammunition lot, temperature, and the individual firearm can all affect actual velocity.

Barrel Length and 5.56 Hunting Ammo

Barrel length can influence the velocity produced by a particular 5.56 load.

A shorter barrel will generally produce less muzzle velocity than a longer barrel with the same ammunition, although the difference is not governed by a universal number of feet per second per inch.

That matters because bullet performance is affected by impact velocity.

If you are using a short-barreled 5.56 rifle, it can be useful to evaluate ammunition based on the velocity your particular rifle actually produces rather than relying solely on the manufacturer’s advertised velocity from a different test barrel.

This is especially relevant when comparing ammunition designed around high-velocity varmint performance.

Does Twist Rate Matter?

Yes.

Twist rate determines how quickly the rifling spins the bullet.

A bullet must be adequately stabilized for the rifle to produce consistent accuracy. Bullet length, construction, and weight all affect stabilization requirements.

This means you should consider your rifle’s twist rate when selecting 5.56 ammunition, particularly with heavier or longer projectiles.

For hunting, accuracy matters because a bullet cannot perform as intended if the rifle cannot consistently place it where the shooter aims.

Your rifle’s twist rate should therefore be considered alongside bullet weight and construction rather than separately.

How Important Is Accuracy for Coyote Hunting?

Accuracy is critical regardless of bullet type.

A highly specialized hunting bullet does not provide much benefit if your rifle does not shoot that particular load accurately.

Different rifles can produce noticeably different results with the same ammunition.

Before relying on a particular load in the field, test it in the rifle that will actually be used for hunting.

Pay attention to:

• Group size
• Point of impact
• Consistency between groups
• Reliability
• Velocity if you have a chronograph
• Performance at the distances you expect to hunt

The best-performing load for one rifle is not necessarily the best-performing load for another.

How to Choose a 5.56 Varmint Load

Start with the intended animal.

For Smaller Varmints

Look for ammunition specifically designed for varmint shooting.

Polymer-tipped and other rapidly expanding bullets are common choices because their construction is intended to produce rapid expansion and fragmentation.

For Coyotes

Consider the balance between:

• Accuracy
• Expansion
• Penetration
• Bullet weight
• Velocity
• Range
• Wind
• Fur preservation

A purpose-built predator or varmint projectile may be appropriate, but the specific construction matters more than simply choosing the word “varmint” on the box.

For Fur Preservation

Consider whether a less-frangible design may better suit your objective.

FMJ has historically been used by some hunters specifically because it generally produces less expansion than dedicated varmint bullets, although hunting regulations must be checked before using it for a particular species.

What Should You Look for on the Ammunition Box?

Ammunition packaging can tell you a lot about the intended load.

Look for:

• Cartridge designation
• Bullet weight
• Bullet type
• Bullet construction
• Muzzle velocity
• Manufacturer
• Product line
• Intended application

Words such as V-MAX, Varmint, Hollow Point, Soft Point, FMJ, Match, or similar descriptions can provide clues about the projectile design.

But do not assume that a product name tells the entire story.

Check the manufacturer’s specifications for the exact load.

5.56 Coyote and Varmint Bullet Comparison

Bullet type	General design emphasis	Potential application
Polymer tip	Aerodynamics and rapid expansion	Varmints and some predator hunting
Varmint hollow point	Rapid expansion/fragmentation	Small varmints and predators
Soft point	Controlled expansion varies by design	Predator/hunting applications
FMJ	Limited expansion	Training; some fur-focused applications where legal
Match-style HP	Accuracy-oriented construction	Primarily target use; suitability for hunting depends on manufacturer guidance

These categories are broad. Actual performance depends on the specific bullet design rather than the label alone.

What About Match 5.56 Bullets?

Match ammunition deserves some caution in a hunting discussion.

A bullet can be extremely accurate without being specifically designed as a hunting projectile.

Some match bullets may produce useful terminal performance on predators, but accuracy-focused construction and hunting-focused construction are not automatically the same thing.

If the manufacturer does not recommend a particular match projectile for hunting, do not assume that its accuracy makes it an appropriate hunting bullet.

Common Mistakes When Choosing 5.56 Hunting Ammo

Choosing by Bullet Weight Alone

A 55-grain FMJ and a 55-grain varmint bullet can behave very differently.

Assuming All Hollow Points Are Hunting Bullets

A hollow point describes a physical feature, not necessarily the complete purpose of the ammunition.

Ignoring Your Rifle’s Accuracy

A theoretically excellent bullet is of limited value if your rifle does not shoot it consistently.

Ignoring Local Hunting Regulations

Ammunition restrictions can vary by state, species, season, and hunting area.

Assuming More Velocity Is Always Better

Velocity affects trajectory and terminal performance, but bullet construction and accuracy also matter.

Using the Same Load for Every Animal

A load designed for prairie dogs does not necessarily have the same priorities as one chosen for coyotes.

A Simple 5.56 Hunting Ammo Decision Framework

When comparing loads, work through these questions:

1. What are you hunting?

Coyote and small-varmint applications can have different requirements.

2. Do you need rapid expansion?

If so, look at purpose-built varmint or expanding designs.

3. Is pelt preservation important?

If it is, consider how aggressively the bullet is designed to expand.

4. What distance are you expecting?

Longer distances increase the importance of trajectory and wind performance.

5. What does your rifle shoot accurately?

Test the actual ammunition in the actual rifle.

6. What does the manufacturer say the bullet is designed for?

Use the manufacturer’s specifications rather than guessing from the appearance of the projectile.

7. Is the ammunition legal for the hunt?

Always verify current state and local regulations.

FAQ

Is 5.56 good for coyote hunting?

5.56 is used for coyote hunting, but ammunition selection matters. Bullet construction, accuracy, velocity, range, and local hunting regulations should all be considered.

What grain 5.56 is best for coyotes?

There is no universal best bullet weight. Both bullet weight and construction matter, and a 55-grain varmint bullet can behave very differently from a 55-grain FMJ.

Is 55 grain 5.56 good for coyotes?

A 55-grain 5.56 load can be suitable for coyote hunting when the specific bullet is designed for the application and performs accurately in the rifle. The bullet’s construction matters as much as its weight.

Is FMJ 5.56 good for coyotes?

FMJ generally offers much less expansion than purpose-built varmint bullets. Some hunters use FMJ when minimizing pelt damage is a priority, but hunting regulations and the specific application should be checked first.

Are hollow-point 5.56 bullets good for varmints?

Some hollow-point designs are specifically built for rapid expansion and varmint use. Others are designed primarily for accuracy or target shooting. Check the manufacturer’s intended application.

Are polymer-tipped 5.56 bullets good for varmints?

Polymer-tipped varmint bullets are specifically designed by manufacturers such as Hornady for rapid expansion and varmint performance.

Does barrel length affect 5.56 hunting ammunition?

Yes. Barrel length can change the velocity produced by a particular load, which can affect trajectory and impact performance. Actual results depend on the specific rifle and ammunition.

Does 5.56 twist rate matter for hunting?

Yes. Twist rate affects bullet stabilization. Bullet weight and length should be considered alongside the rifle’s twist rate when selecting ammunition.

Final Takeaway

Choosing 5.56 ammunition for coyotes and varmints is less about finding one universally superior bullet and more about matching bullet construction to the animal and the hunting objective.

For smaller varmints, rapidly expanding polymer-tipped and other purpose-built varmint bullets are common options. Coyotes can require a different balance between expansion, penetration, accuracy, and fur preservation. FMJ represents a very different design and may have a place in certain applications where minimizing pelt damage matters, subject to local hunting regulations.

The most useful approach is to evaluate the exact bullet, not just its weight or marketing category. Check the manufacturer’s specifications, verify that the ammunition is legal for the hunt, and test the load in the rifle you intend to use.