IMHO I would stay away from the 17 hmr for coyote or fox. Yes, it will kill them but with less marginfor error. On the other hand, a 17 reminton will do the job. It is a great gun for fur. It rarely exits a fox with the 20 or 25 grain reloads I use. If you are going to own a .17 remington you better reload. My second choice for fox and coyote would bea .22 hornet. I live in the east so few of my shots are more than 100 yards this quiet andlow report round is perfect for use in high density housing areas. The .204 ruger would be my next choice. It will tear a fox up with any load. If I was just coyote hunting the .204 and .17 remington would be my two choices. I don't prefer one over the other. In my area, there are not many coyote so I have to target fox.

As for cost, I have an FFL so cost is cheaper for me. I have a remington LVSF in .17 remington that I got for about $650.00. The Remington BDL is about $120 cheaper. From what I understand CZ makes a good .17 remington. I have never owned a CZ. I would recommend if you are going to buy a .22 hornet by a browning micro hunter ($550.00-600.00). Very accurate with 35 grain hornady v-max bullets. I have heard that there are lots of tack driving .204's around. I want one of the new Remington XR-100's in .204 for ground hog hunting.