17 hmr for coyotes

XxFirmanxX · 07-06-2007, 02:12 PM

I have a 17 HMR set up for small game will it work for coyotes at about 100 yards or should I look for a bigger gun.

huntin4life · 07-06-2007, 03:56 PM

i figure that if you get a head shot or a well placed shot behind the shoulder you should be alright but i would not try to kill one any further than 100yds

Howler · 07-06-2007, 04:38 PM

there's that "head shot" recommendation again[:@]Can you hit an egg 10 out of 10 times? at what range? in a hunting situation, not off the bench? If you answer no to any of those, forget the head "brain" shot.
Are you good at tracking wounded animals that aren't leaving a blood trail, or a very scant blood trail at best? Because if you don't drop the coyote in its tracks, that's what you'll have to do because there is probably going to be one 17 cal. hole going in and not much blood coming out and any blood coming out is going to be getting soaked up by fur!
Will the 17 hmr work for coyotes. It has for some, hasn't for others, BUT there are much better cal. choices!

StillHunter90 · 07-07-2007, 01:40 AM

Too small. I wouldnt go any smaler then .22 magnum and even thats a little small. Go with a .223 or 22-250.

Jim_IV · 07-07-2007, 10:07 AM

a .17 will work fine. i have killed yotes at about 150 yards with them. it needs to be a head shot or right behind the sholder and you may have to track him even then

Jrbhunter · 07-07-2007, 05:21 PM

Okay now it's just getting funny. Let's start a flowchart so everyone knows when we're ready for another "Is my rimfire enough gun for coyotes?" thread.

I'll take Mondays and Thursdays... anybody else want to help cover the week with me?

catch · 07-07-2007, 05:45 PM

NO, NO, NO, NO!!!A rimfire is not a good choice for hunting coyotes. you will not get consistent clean kills with a rimfire cartridge. I've said it before the only coyote a rimfire has any business near is the coyote in a trap. If you're going calling or hunting leave it at home. In my opinion anything from a .204 to a .243 is a great coyote gun, and you don't have to spend a ton of money to get one.

Jrbhunter, I'll take Tuesday and Friday.

Buckhunter_jm · 07-07-2007, 08:59 PM

how about a 222 rem. works for me.

catch · 07-08-2007, 06:59 PM

i have a .222 that belonged to my grandmother when she was a kid and it's still my main coyote gun.good caliber and rifle.

Mr. Longbeard · 07-12-2007, 06:10 PM

I would prob use something a little bigger... 22-250 would be awsome!!!

I'd say. Keep your shots around 75 yards... As for hitting a egg every time at 100 yards with a 17hmr... No prob... Mine will hit a Golf ball every time at 100 yards...