Small Game, Predator and TrappingFrom shooting squirrels in your backyard to calling coyotes in Arizona. This forum now contains trapping information..
There is a lot of "opinions" on this on-going debate...............................
Maybe that's enough said already !
I'd recommend a centerfire rifle - .204, .22-250, .223 or .243
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No, none of the rimfires are ideal, but yes, the .17HMR will work for a skilled and responsible shooter within 100-150yrds. Personally, I'd recommend the 20grn loads for better penetration (mostly because of "thicker" bullet construction).
No, it isn't going to be a 200yrd+ coyote rig, and yes, you WILL have to sit and watch coyotes hang up out of range in frustration, but it IS a good close range coyote round, and offers a good advantage for "quieter" shooting than the centerfires (not much quieter mind you), and it DOES fit the laws in certain rimfire only at night states.
Ok. The 17hmr is a great little cartridge. Its fast and perfect for almost any varmit hunting you can do. That being said. I've used it for coyotes and never had any success with it out past 100 yards and almost never on body shots. If you must use a rimfire rifle then I suggest the 22 mag. Its a larger slower bulled but I find it does a little more damage.
Personally I use a 50gr 243 win. It'll work well out past 200 yards and usually you don't have too much of a problem with hide damage.
If you are set on using the 17 then my recommendation is head shots if you can get them.
Maybe the better question would be "why do you WANT to use the .17HMR for coyotes?"
If you OWN a .17HMR and want to expand it's versatility, yeah, it works, but it's not ideal.
If you're buying a new "small game" rifle and are considering a .17HMR because advertising says the .17 is good for coyotes, then no, don't get a .17HMR.
If you're trying to justify buying a .17HMR "because you want one" and hunting coyotes would be a tipping point for your arguement, then just go buy one, but don't plan for it to be a dedicated coyote rig.
If you're wanting to get into coyote hunting and need a rig, don't get a .17HMR. Get a 22cal centerfire or a .243win/WSSM.
If you HAVE a coyote rifle (22cal centerfire), but want a quieter option, then I'd actually recommend a 22WMR, since it's quieter still than the .17, BUT, the .17HMR will work.
If you're wanting a rabbit/squirrel rifle, but occasionally (once or twice a year) would bag a coyote with it, then get the .17HMR.
Etc etc etc...
If you're looking to bag coyotes at 53rd and Hydraulic or 254 and Woodlawn, then yes, I know for a fact a .17HMR in a Taurus Tracker (revolver) will do the job at 50yrds from a rest.... But I didn't say that out loud...
nomercy-you are hitting pretty close to where i live but my intention was to do a little predator hunting and my rifles go from a 17hmr on the low to the next being a 270. i am thinking inside of 100yds so it doesn't sound like there should be much of an issue. what i really need to work over is armadillos and coons. they are thick at our place in greenwood county.
nomercy-you are hitting pretty close to where i live but my intention was to do a little predator hunting and my rifles go from a 17hmr on the low to the next being a 270. i am thinking inside of 100yds so it doesn't sound like there should be much of an issue. what i really need to work over is armadillos and coons. they are thick at our place in greenwood county.
I live just outside of Wichita, so I've had a few opportunities to drop dogs in "ambiguously" defined city limits areas.
Since you'll be under 100yrds, grab some 20grn'ers and do a little practicing, head shots only.
I own both the 17 and the 22 wmr, my vote for varmints up to yote size would be the 22 wmr/50 gr. federal, will do well on head shots inside 100 and will exit on body shots unless you hit the shoulder, then it should have enough energy to put them down quick.
RR
To answer your question;.17 HMR is not a "yote rifle".
Excellent small game and varmint rifle however (under 25lbs.).
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Silence is Acceptance. "To stand in silence when they should be protesting makes cowards out of men." ~ Abraham Lincoln ~ Stand Up and Be Counted !
yote rifle
