FPS (or FPE) needed for coon

[eddie1976]

What is the consensus on FPS (in 22 cal, 14.5 gr) needed to take a coon at under 25yrds. Is 13-14 FPE enough for head penetration? Just curious, don't have a coon issue or anything. I want to know the limitations of my gun (RWS 34, shooting about 650-680 fps with 14.5 gr).

[Nomadic Pirate]

It probably would, but I would pass on it

[pindog2000]

They have a saying use the right tools for the right job coons,possums,and ghogs I would use a .22 cal for a bigger exit hole now unless ur name is shadow hehe which ed has put down a young ghog with a pistol(he will chime in I'm sure)I would stick with a .22 now if that's all u have in ur stable go for a head shot and keep the distance 20yrds and under if u can

[shadow]

Just my Predators worth but it is possible  but as mentioned by brother Pindog2000 keep your shot's within the 20yrd range with a good hunting pellet that you can thread through the eye of a critter so to speak My CFX.22,Crosman TAC1.22,beemanGH950.22 and Custom ShadowSport.22 are all 700fps shooters and have taken Bandit's at my max range for taking them of 25yrds. You got to be very comfortable and dead on with your shooter when taking Bandit's and most of all use the right pellet for the job and run it on a wire to the sweetspot of the fusebox. Some hunters do this and some don't but I like to inspect and study the skulls of the critters I have taken bone density etc. to better understand the weak spot's in their armor. This Bandit was taken last year, one Predator to the side profile sweetspot is all it took at 25yrds. Ed

[lillysdad621]

The 34 in .22 should have no problem taking down a raccoon at that range. just remember that you must place the shot on a soft spot of the skull. I have seen a .22 rim fire shot skid off  the forehead of a 30 pounder... not a happy camper.... But i have also seen a raccoon done in by a .22 hw50, and that is a high 500 fps gun!

[eddie1976]

Thanks for the info, nice scull :-) I do have a 350 22 that is amazingly accurate. But it is too much gun for my area and I worry about pellets bouncing off rocks.

[only1harry]

Definitely limit it to 20yds like others said with the 14fpe Diana 34.  I have taken big Groundhogs with my Diana 36 (same as 34) .177 using Superdomes and CPHP's producing 13.6 to 14.4fpe respectively.  Distance varied from 19 to 26yds and I didn't have pass-through on all the shots beyond 22yds.  The raccoon's skull is slightly thicker, so I would NOT try it past 20yds.  If the 34 shot 700fps I 'd say 25yds is no problem.  Maccari's GRT kit (spring w/custom guide) can bump up your 34 to 700fps btw.

[pindog2000]

I was reading a passage from mr chapman I think airgunhunter? about right tools for the job he noted that unless u have big bore or high powered pcp rifles pellet size is key he highly reccomends .25 cal springers not for the fpe per say but the pellet size bigger pellet =bigger hole now every one has there prefernce I'm not a skilled hunter nor I don't claim to be but I have put down a few pests in my day and I'm a big fan of .22 cals now .177 can do the job but shot place is key like others have mentioned also mr chapman reccomends the .25 crosman mrod for urban areas quiet,powerful (40fpe) and been known to put down yotes at around 45yrds .he also mentioned long range sniping on either big bore or pcp or whatever u use u stand the chance of losing the prey =injured animal not cool .so bro u will be fine just know ur limits and ur rifles and happy hunting

[Atchman2]

Just from my personal anecdotal experience keep ALL shot at 20 yards or less.  When you are shooting coons in the dark there are just so many X factors, that keeping the shots up close and personal is the right thing to do.  

[shadow]

I like X factors hehe. Ed

[Atchman2]

I like X factors hehe. Ed

You would you old night stalker!  

I'm convinced this B21 shooting the 10.6 grain Crossman Ultra Magnum pellets would do great for shooting coons and possums.  It seems to pack a lot of energy into a small area.  Now I've got to find a scope that I like and that can stand up to the punishment. 

[pindog2000]

i have a b-21 .22 cal and i picked a hawkes airmax scope for the job i heard these scope can take a beatdown