It's probably been discussed before but can't figure out how to search effectively with phone. What 12 gauge shot loads are recommended for coyotes/bobcats?
x2 I once did the same searching/testing; what I found: (affordable) #4 buckshot Lead 3" (qty41 .22cal pellets buffered!) (Remington Express Magnum #4 3"); 5ct/$5.99 @ Gander Mountain Bang/flop; NO run-off's; 40 - 50 yards (patterned)
Steel is less dense and does not carry the same energy over distance as lead shot. So, it takes a larger steel shot to equate to the power of a smaller lead shot.
Why steel wouldn't work on a coyote though, I'm not sure. Perhaps the intention was shot size. Not sure you can get steel in larger buck shot sizes.
....and Rem Express and Win SuperX #4 buck is found at literally any sporting goods store. I may be wrong, but I dont even think commercially loaded steel buckshot can even be found.
3 inch #4 is a volley of 42 .26 cal pellets raining down on them. Its an absolute hammer on coyotes and cats out to about 50-60 paces. breaks bones!
Hornady makes a Heavy Coyote Magnum load. It is deadly. I smoked a yote last year at 70yds with it. I've since switched loads to a more expensive load in the Winchester Varmint X. Both devastating for yotes.
I run the dead coyote choke in my 12 gauge. I've tested just about every #4 buck out there and they do ok at best. I've lost more animals with the #4 buck than the other 2 shells I mentioned. #4 patterns well in the 20-30 yd range. I wanted something that would reach out to 50 yds without spending the $ on the dead coyote T shot. In the Winchesters, Im getting 42ish bb's in a 12" circle at 40 yds. The #4 buck, I'd be lucky to get 6-8.
It is what it is, I shoot the Hornadys when I don't have a chance to order the Winchesters. Both are great shotgun rounds for yotes.