Hornady Varmint Express Coyote 12 Gauge 2.75" #4 Buckshot ammunition is specifically designed for varmint hunting, particularly coyotes. Featuring Hornady's Versatite wad technology, these shells deliver tight, uniform patterns without requiring specialized chokes. The Versatite wad cleanly separates from the pellets in flight, maintaining pellet integrity for a shorter shot string and increased collective energy on impact. With 24 pellets of #4 buckshot traveling at 1350 fps, this load offers devastating performance on varmints at extended ranges. Specially loaded to ensure reliable functioning in semi-auto and pump shotguns, this ammunition provides hunters with a powerful and versatile option for predator control.
Product Highlights:
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Hornady |
| Product Line | Varmint Express Coyote |
| Gauge | 12 Gauge |
| Shell Length | 2.75" |
| Shot Size | #4 Buckshot |
| Pellet Count | 24 pellets |
| Muzzle Velocity | 1350 fps |
| Rounds Per Box | 10 |
| Application | Varmint/Predator Hunting |
| Wad Type | Versatite |
Key Features:
The Hornady Varmint Express Coyote 12 Gauge 2.75" #4 Buckshot offers impressive performance characteristics that make it an excellent choice for self-defense and hunting applications. Here's a breakdown of its key features:
| Gauge | 12 Gauge Standard shotgun gauge for wide availability and versatility |
| Shell Length | 2.75" Standard shell length compatible with most 12 gauge shotguns |
| Shot Size | #4 Buckshot Ideal size for varmint hunting, offering a balance of power and pattern density |
| Pellet Count | 24 Pellets High pellet count for increased hit probability |
| Muzzle Velocity | 1350 fps High velocity for flat trajectory and increased energy transfer |
| Versatite Wad | Included Strips cleanly from pellets for tighter patterns without specialized chokes |
Applications & Use Cases:
- Varmint Hunting: Specifically designed for hunting coyotes and other similar-sized varmints.
- Predator Control: Effective for controlling predator populations in rural and agricultural areas.
- Home Defense: Can be used as a powerful home defense load due to its buckshot configuration.
- Semi Auto and Pump Shotguns: Specially loaded to ensure proper functioning in both semi-automatic and pump-action shotguns.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
- ✔ High Velocity: 1350 fps muzzle velocity provides excellent range and hitting power for varmint hunting.
- ✔ Versatite Wad Technology: Ensures clean separation from pellets in flight, maintaining tight patterns without specialized chokes.
- ✔ Effective Pellet Count: 24 pellets of #4 buckshot offer increased hit probability on coyotes and other varmints.
- ✔ Versatile Application: Suitable for use in both semi-auto and pump shotguns without modification.
- ✔ Compact Shell Length: 2.75" shell length ensures compatibility with a wide range of 12 gauge shotguns.
Cons
- ✘ Recoil: High velocity and buckshot load may produce significant felt recoil, especially in lighter shotguns.
- ✘ Limited Range: While effective for varmints, #4 buckshot has a shorter effective range compared to slug loads.
- ✘ Overpenetration Risk: Buckshot can potentially overpenetrate in some hunting scenarios, requiring careful shot placement.
- ✘ Specialized Use: Primarily designed for varmint hunting, may not be ideal for other hunting applications or home defense.
About Hornady:
Hornady Manufacturing Company, founded in 1949 by Joyce Hornady, has become a leader in the ammunition industry. Headquartered in Grand Island, Nebraska, Hornady is known for its innovative approach to bullet and ammunition design. The company's commitment to quality and performance is evident in products like their Varmint Express line, which includes the 12 gauge buckshot ammunition featured here. Hornady's manufacturing facilities in the United States employ state-of-the-art technology to ensure consistent quality across their product range. The company is particularly renowned for its LEVERevolution ammunition, which revolutionized lever-action rifle performance. Hornady's dedication to research and development has resulted in numerous patented technologies, such as the Versatite wad system used in their shotgun loads, which provides superior pattern performance without requiring specialized chokes.
