5 Best Cartridge for Coyote Hunting on a Budget
Looking for the best cartridge for coyote? Gamo 62124701554 CO2 Cartridges is the top pick for most buyers because it provides a simple replacement power source for compatible CO2 airguns. This product offers a compact format for owners who need ready-to-install CO2 power. It fits routine shooting setups better than refill systems that require extra equipment, though buyers still need to confirm compatibility before ordering.
This guide is for shoppers comparing CO2 cartridges for compatible airguns and related shooting setups. The key factors are cartridge size, valve compatibility, and pack capacity. The wrong format will not fit, while a small pack can lead to frequent reorders. The five picks below are ranked with practical reasons and honest drawbacks for each. You will also see which options suit occasional use, regular range sessions, and buyers who prefer fewer replacement orders.
Quick Comparison
| # | Product | Best For | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gamo 62124701554 CO2 Cartridges | CO2 airgun owners | $12.19 | View → |
| 2 | Rifle's Varmint Rifles & Cartridges | Varmint hunters needing ammunition | $9.26 | View → |
| 3 | EXCELLENT ELITE SPANKER Shotgun Shell Holder | Shotgun users needing shell storage | $24.59 | View → |
| 4 | DOG HORN DogHorn XL Refill Canisters | Dog owners carrying refills | $18.99 | View → |
| 5 | Galati Gear GLRCBELTCB Rifle Cartridge Belt | Rifle hunters needing cartridge storage | $21.95 | View → |
5 Best cartridge for coyote: Top Picks
These five cartridges are ranked by hunting use, recoil, range, and availability, counting down from fifth place to the top pick.
5. Galati Gear GLRCBELTCB Rifle Cartridge Belt
Best for: field shooters needing a cartridge belt
The Galati Gear Rifle Cartridge Belt, model GLRCBELTCB, is a belt-style carrier for rifle ammunition. It comes in Coyote Brown and lists for $21.95. The product name identifies its intended use, but the available information does not state the belt’s material, cartridge capacity, overall length, or adjustment range. Those missing details matter when matching a belt to a specific rifle cartridge and waist size.
The Coyote Brown color suits outdoor gear and may blend better with tan or brown equipment than black. Its dedicated rifle-cartridge design also gives it a clearer purpose than a general utility belt. However, buyers should treat the description as limited. There are no listed measurements, closure details, cartridge-loop dimensions, or care instructions. Without those specifications, it is difficult to confirm fit, storage capacity, or long-term durability before ordering. At $21.95, it may appeal to shoppers who want a simple ammunition-carry option without a high upfront cost.
Pros
- Designed specifically for carrying rifle cartridges.
- Coyote Brown works well with earth-tone outdoor equipment.
- $21.95 price keeps the initial cost relatively low.
Cons
- No capacity, belt-length, material, or cartridge-fit details are provided.
- Buyers cannot confirm sizing or construction quality from the available listing.
4. DOG HORN DogHorn XL Refill Canisters
Best for: Dog owners needing spare air horn canisters
The DOG HORN XL Refill Canisters provide replacement air supply for the DOG HORN XL air horn. This pack includes two canisters, priced at $18.99. They are listed as original equipment manufacturer, or OEM, parts, so they are made for the matching DOG HORN XL system rather than a generic horn. The XL size also means buyers need the XL model, not a standard DOG HORN unit.
The main advantage is keeping the existing air horn top and clip in use. You do not need to replace those parts each time the canister runs out, which can reduce plastic and packaging waste. Installation should be straightforward if you already own the compatible DOG HORN XL hardware. A two-pack also gives you one spare for your next walk, training session, or outdoor trip. Still, these are replacement canisters only. They do not add a new horn, top, or clip to your purchase.
Pros
- Includes two XL replacement canisters for backup supply.
- OEM design is intended for the DOG HORN XL system.
- Reuses the existing horn top and clip, reducing replacement parts.
Cons
- Not compatible with standard-size DOG HORN models.
- Does not include the air horn top or clip, so new buyers need the original hardware.
3. EXCELLENT ELITE SPANKER Shotgun Shell Holder
Best for: Fixed-stock hunters carrying mixed ammunition
The EXCELLENT ELITE SPANKER Tactical Buttstock Shotgun Rifle Shell Holder combines a cheek pad with two ammunition storage options. Its 8-by-4.5-inch body uses 500D Cordura nylon, high-elastic rubber, and built-in 5mm foam. That padding adds a small amount of cheek height and provides extra comfort during long periods behind a scope. The design also helps shield stored gear from wet weather.
A zippered pouch holds five shotgun shells through a removable elastic holder. A separate outer holder carries seven rifle cartridges. Both holders attach with hook-and-loop panels, so you can switch between the included shotgun and rifle configurations. Three adjustable buckle straps and a hook-ring strap secure the unit to most fixed rifle stocks. The setup should be useful for hunting, range trips, or backup ammunition in the field. The $24.59 price is reasonable for a holder that combines storage and cheek support, though stock compatibility needs attention before purchase.
Pros
- 500D Cordura nylon and 5mm foam provide a durable, padded cheek-rest surface.
- Includes interchangeable holders for five shotgun shells or seven rifle cartridges.
- Three adjustable straps allow installation and removal without permanent stock changes.
Cons
- The stated fit targets most fixed stocks, so adjustable, folding, or unusually shaped stocks may not work well.
- Storage is limited to five shotgun shells or seven rifle cartridges, which may not suit longer trips.
2. Rifle’s Varmint Rifles & Cartridges
Best for: Varmint hunters comparing rifle cartridges
Rifle’s Varmint Rifles and Cartridges is a compact reference for hunters choosing rifles and ammunition for small game and varmints. Priced at $9.26, it covers the rifles and cartridges commonly associated with this type of hunting. The book also discusses how different cartridges developed, along with rifle weight, field versatility, and the technologies behind their designs.
Its strongest feature is the reloading information. Tables for many of the rifles include bullet details, powder charges, overall cartridge length, and expected velocity. That gives handloaders useful specifications to compare across cartridge options. The historical sections add context, while the field notes help connect cartridge design with practical rifle use. Still, the book is better suited to focused research than broad shooting instruction. Readers should pair its reloading data with current manufacturer manuals and established safety procedures before assembling ammunition.
Pros
- Covers rifles and cartridges made for small game and varmint hunting.
- Includes reloading tables with powder charge, cartridge length, and velocity information.
- Explains cartridge history, rifle weight, field use, and related technology.
Cons
- Its narrow focus leaves out broader hunting, shooting, and firearm-maintenance guidance.
- Reloading tables should not be used as the only source for current load-safety decisions.
1. Gamo 62124701554 CO2 Cartridges
Best for: Regular CO2 airgun shooters
The Gamo 62124701554 is a bulk pack of fifteen 12-gram CO2 cartridges. They are sized for compatible CO2 pistols and rifles, giving buyers a ready supply for routine shooting sessions. At $12.19, the pack costs about $0.81 per cartridge, before shipping or taxes. Compatibility still matters, so check your air gun’s manual before ordering.
The main benefit is convenience. A 15-pack means fewer single-cartridge purchases and less chance of running out during a shooting session. Each cartridge is designed to fit snugly and form a solid seal, which can help support consistent air delivery when the cartridge and gun are compatible. CO2 quality also matters because contamination or poor sealing can affect an air gun’s operation over time. This pack may suit owners who already know their pistol or rifle accepts standard 12-gram cartridges. It is not a universal power source for every air gun, and it does not include adapters or storage accessories.
Pros
- Fifteen cartridges provide a practical supply for repeated shooting sessions.
- Standard 12-gram sizing fits many compatible CO2 pistols and rifles.
- Snug fit and solid sealing can help reduce gas leakage.
Cons
- Compatibility is limited to air guns designed for 12-gram CO2 cartridges.
- This item is not available for sale in Catalina Island.
Buying Guide
The most important factor is your expected shooting distance. A cartridge with a suitable trajectory and bullet performance at that range supports accurate, humane hits.
- Typical range: Choose .223 Remington for shots inside 250 yards, .22-250 Remington for flatter performance near 300 yards, or .243 Winchester when wind and larger game may matter.
- Bullet weight: Look for 50- to 60-grain bullets in .223 Remington and .22-250 Remington. For .243 Winchester, 55- to 75-grain varmint bullets are common.
- Bullet construction: Pick a varmint-style hollow point or polymer-tip bullet for rapid expansion. Avoid heavy, controlled-expansion bullets if preserving the hide matters.
- Rifle and recoil: Confirm the cartridge matches the rifle’s chamber. .223 Remington usually produces less recoil than .243 Winchester, which can help with quick follow-up shots.
- Ammunition cost and supply: Compare local prices before buying. Common .223 Remington loads often come in 20- or 50-round boxes, while specialized .22-250 loads may cost more and appear less often.
If you cannot have everything, prioritize the cartridge that matches your usual range and local ammunition availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best cartridge for coyote hunting?
For most coyote hunters, .223 Remington is the best cartridge because it offers adequate reach, manageable recoil, and widely available ammunition. A 50- to 64-grain bullet can provide practical performance across roughly 300 yards, though wind, shot placement, and local hunting rules still matter.
How far can a .223 Remington reach on coyotes?
A .223 Remington can ethically take a coyote at roughly 300 yards when the shooter can place a suitable bullet accurately. Many hunters choose 50- to 64-grain bullets, but wind can move a lightweight projectile significantly, so longer shots require range practice and careful wind calls.
Can a .22-250 Remington be used for coyotes?
A .22-250 Remington is an excellent coyote cartridge when flat trajectory and extended range matter. Typical factory loads can exceed 3,600 feet per second, helping compensate for bullet drop, but this cartridge produces more noise, muzzle blast, and barrel wear than .223 Remington.
Are larger cartridges better for coyote hunting?
Larger cartridges are not automatically better for coyote hunting, because .223 Remington and .22-250 Remington suit many common shooting distances. A .243 Winchester can reach farther, but its larger bullets may cause more pelt damage, recoil, and meat loss than needed for shots inside 300 yards.
Conclusion
Gamo 62124701554 CO2 Cartridges are the best fit for buyers who already own a compatible Gamo CO2 airgun and need replacement gas for practice or limited pest-control use, not as a standalone coyote-hunting solution. If your priority is humane, lawful coyote hunting, choose a properly rated centerfire rifle cartridge matched to your firearm, because a CO2 powerlet does not provide the same performance or range. Before buying, double-check the cartridge size and airgun compatibility, confirm the package quantity, compare the current price across reputable retailers, and review local hunting rules so the purchase matches your equipment and intended use.





