When I consider how tough some coyotes have been after being shot with my 22-250, I'd sure be loathe to shoot them with my .17 HMR. Based on the penetration and wound channels generated by my .17 on squirrels and rabbits, I'd needto be close and make a very good shot on a coyote with it. (Sure they'd probably die eventually, but it might be tough to find them.)