RE: .17HMR and Coyotes
I agree with those posters above. The 17hmr is a great little round, but I prefer more harrumph for yotes. Conversly, when using a shotgun for 'yotes, I have found high velocity steel shot works better than anything else I have tried. Using BBB or T shot and long 3.5" shells I feel comfortable shooting out to 50 yards and would try shots another 10 yards further if all felt right with the world. I have used a 10 and a 12 gauge in 3.5" and find no difference in terminal performance. My 10 happens to pattern slightly better with extra large shot.
Also, I second the notion of a NEF Handi-Rifle. Accuracy all out of proportion to the price, and the price is very nice.