me and my buddy are the local .17hmr junkies and we both regularly carry our Marlin 917s afield for coyote. The key is as mentioned is know limitations. The hollow points seem to get abit more penetration where as the v-max just kinda explodes. Unless there is no alternative though I always lay the crosshairs on a coyotes noggin'. I don't want wounded runners and the headshot is VERY effective from a .17hmr. Just practice at all ranges you expect to shoot and try to work your way down in target size. I know at the 65yard range from the bench we take our targets down by shooting the staples or tacks.