I once studied under a predator control agent out in the western US that used an HK91 for coyote work. Seems over kill maybe, but those days were "no body, no pay". And when a pack of 20 to 30 break out of cover, a good shot could make a good pay check. I used a 30-06 for long shots when ever he managed to leave a stray or two.
I own an AR-15, (not in the tiny 556 version) in 350 Legend that I bought for control work on wild pigs. When a group of 20 to 50 plus break cover those high capacity magazines can be handy.
For meat hunting I use bolt action guns, or single shots. I gave up the hand guns for bigger game some time ago, (although they are quite the challenge) but still chase a rabbit on occasion with a 22 pistol.