is the .17 enough gun?

[hunt91]

i am interested with the .17 hmr and wanted to get some second opinions, how effective will it be for smaller game such as rabbits, squirrel, and crows. but also will it be enough gun for fox, racoon, and yotes?

[nick_bleuer76]

If you look back in the archives, their are facts and opinions popping up every week, they should give you tons of info.

[ReDoT]

if rabbits and squirrels it will almost be too much gun under 100 yards unless you stick with head shots, crows, foxes, and raccoon it will be superb! as for yotes.....i have taken them under 100 yards, but you have to hold off for a perfect shot......shot placement is very vital

[Lanse couche couche]

I've taken several rabbits and squirrels at very close range with body shots when I couldnt get a head shot. I just aim behind the front leg and it makes a big hole, but you are just losing rib meat.

[Ihuntandfish]

My .177 pellet gun is gun enough for rabbits, squirrels, and crows. The .17 is certainly enough. As far as coyotes and foxes go, I don't know much about that. I would guess that you could use it as long as you pick your shots carefully.

[Thunderhead Boy]

I've shot squirrels with my 17HMR drops them dead. I haven't yet lost any meat usually shoot them in the head.

[hunt91]

also what kind of accuracy can i expect from the .17 at 100, 200, and 300 yards?

[Howler]

Accuracy out to 100 will be very good from most rifles, as long as there's no wind. Beyond that, you will need to know the bullet drop, because past 100 yards, the bullet will begin to drop pretty quickly, and hope there is no wind, because it doesn't take much wind to blow the tiny bullet of course.
I shot two snowshoe hares with my hmr two winters ago, and never got an exit out of either of them. Both were frontal shots though. One was only about 35 yards and the other was just over 100 yards.

[Shoulder Strap]

Squirrel and rabbit fear my little bull barrel marlin. For good reason. Bullet of choice- cci tnt hollow point . Great little guns at close distances. I just wouldnt stretch it out very far unless you have a centerfire. Yet to get a coyote but have confidence as long as its within short range

[Blindbound86]

I am by no means nice to yotes, but as a rule i will not shoot them with a 17 outside 80 yards. the bullet is blown around too easily and its usually windy out here. however inside 80 and really having patience for optimum shot patience it does just fine, i had a three dog day last week to attest to that.