I have a Taurus Tracker .17HMR with a 6" barrel, personally, like the above experience, the 17grn V-max's just aren't great on coyotes except for head shots. They're just TOO frangible. Out of a rifle, you do get better penetration and body shots can work to drop dogs, but frankly, rimfires of any kind are head shot only propositions in my book, regardless of whether it's a handgun or a rifle.

The good news is, that my little Tracker 17 is a sweet shooting lil SOB, so headshots are still possible even at reasonable ranges.

Whether it's smart to admit it or not, I do know a guy that uses an 8" Tracker 17 for whitetail deer and antelope. Headshots only, but DRT results as long as he's scrutinizing with his shot placement.