Last reviewed: 2026-04-18 by Jake Terry, FFL07/SOT3, NRA-certified firearms instructor.
The Hornady Heavy Magnum Coyote 12 Gauge delivers a 1-1/2 oz payload of nickel plated #00 buckshot at 1300 fps from a 3-inch magnum shell designed to extend lethal range on predators while minimizing hide damage. This is a purpose-built coyote load — not a general-purpose defensive round — engineered around the VERSATITE wad system that strips cleanly from the shot column to maintain pattern density past the 35-yard mark where lighter buckshot starts to open up. You’re running nine pellets of .33-caliber lead per trigger pull, nickel plated for reduced barrel fouling and improved pattern consistency across temperature swings.
Built for the Box
Hornady manufactures the Heavy Magnum Coyote line at their Grand Island, Nebraska facility using Boxer-primed hulls with a 6-point star crimp and a 4-dram equivalent powder charge. The nickel plating on each pellet hardens the surface enough to resist deformation during barrel transit, which translates to rounder shot and tighter groups at extended range. The VERSATITE wad uses internal baffles to cushion the payload during setback, then strips away from the shot string post-muzzle so the pellets fly free of wad interference — a common cause of pattern bloom in magnum loads. The result is a shell that holds 12- to 15-inch patterns at 40 yards from a cylinder-bore barrel, and tighter still from modified or full chokes.
The Numbers
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 12 Gauge |
| Shell Length | 3″ |
| Shot Type | Nickel Plated Lead Shot |
| Shot Size | #00 Buck |
| Shot Weight | 1-1/2 Ounce |
| Muzzle Velocity | 1300 Feet Per Second |
| Buffered | No |
| Wad | VERSATITE (baffled, range-extending) |
| Crimp | 6-Point Star |
| Dram Equivalent | 4 |
| Primer | Boxer |
| Corrosive | No |
| Reloadable | Yes |
| Barrel Type | Smooth Bore |
| Rounds per Box | 10 |
| Intended Use | Big Game |
| Country of Origin | United States of America |
| Manufacturer | Hornady |
This is magnum-class recoil — expect 50+ foot-pounds of felt energy from a 7-pound pump gun, which demands a solid cheek weld and forward weight bias to manage follow-up shots. Pattern the load through your barrel and choke before field use; most shooters find best results with improved cylinder or modified constriction. For more predator-control options, browse our full 12 Gauge Buckshot Ammo catalog.
Safe Handling & Compliance
Federal law requires purchasers to be at least 18 years old for rifle and shotgun ammunition, and at least 21 for handgun ammunition. Ammunition cannot be shipped to certain states, counties, and cities — review our ammunition shipping restrictions before ordering. Store ammunition in a cool, dry location away from heat sources and out of reach of unauthorized users.
- Observe the four universal rules of firearm safety at all times — treat every firearm as loaded, keep muzzle pointed in a safe direction, finger off trigger until ready to fire, and be certain of your target and what lies beyond it.
- Verify that your state and local laws permit possession and use of buckshot ammunition for the intended purpose; some jurisdictions restrict buckshot for hunting or impose magazine capacity limits.
- This product contains lead, a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands thoroughly after handling and avoid prolonged exposure to lead dust during reloading operations.
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