17 HMR question

jsuth · 12-26-2007, 07:51 PM

Im kinda new to predator/small game hunting. I have a 17 HMR and have heard that it is a good gun for coyotes and I have also heard that it isn't powerful enough for coyotes. What do you guys think? Also, which ammo would be best for coyotes if you think that it is powerful enough.

nick_bleuer76 · 12-26-2007, 07:59 PM

I use my 17 HMR mainly for smaller game like cats, squirrels, coons, rabbits, woodchucks, and/or pheasants. I have shot these with a 17 Gr. Hornady V-Max, it put a pretty nice whole in them. If I was you, I would proably upgrade to either a .22-.243 caliber or bigger.

4 Buck · 12-26-2007, 08:52 PM

Quote:

ORIGINAL: nick_bleuer76

I use my 17 HMR mainly for smaller game like cats, squirrels, coons, rabbits, woodchucks, and/or pheasants. I have shot these with a 17 Gr. Hornady V-Max, it put a pretty nice whole in them. If I was you, I would proably upgrade to either a .22-.243 caliber or bigger.

Pretty sure in iowa you can't use rimfire/centerfire on pheasants......

If you do use your hmr keep in within 100-150 yds

steakman · 12-26-2007, 09:29 PM

IMO the 17hmr is to lite for yotes.should use a centerfire if going to use a 17. Like the fireball or the 17rem
Just my opinion !

Airsoft Dude · 12-27-2007, 12:27 AM

Well Considering that a lot of older outlaws used .22 LR for Deer A .17 HMR will do good on a coyote if your pelt huntin dont take head shots but if its for mannagement do what ever its all about shot placement!!! Im usein a .22 Mag Full Metal Jacket And i have been told to not go over 100 yards with it.

#40Fan · 12-27-2007, 01:08 PM

I am sure that you will be fine with your 17. Keep shots close.

Papredatorhunter · 12-27-2007, 06:48 PM

I woud keep the .17 and look for some dead coyote ammo. It seems to work great for my uncle when he goes yote' hunting.

zach54 · 12-27-2007, 07:24 PM

It will killthem out to 200 with precise head shots.

nick_bleuer76 · 12-27-2007, 07:52 PM

I have never shot a wild pheasant with it. I raise pheasants, and could not catch them, so I shot a couple. I mainly use my .17 for pest control around the farm. I have shot a dog, that was killing my birds once, so it should work on coyotes.

2006HighSierra · 12-27-2007, 08:21 PM

My Marlin 917V gets regular coyote duty since I cannot use centerfire outside of big game for them. I shoot the hollow points for better penetration over the V-max and go for the head which is pretty easy with how precise that little Marlin is. It's all about the shot placement.