I've shot coyotes with a .270 and a .223. Both did the job, but the .223 is a more suitable caliber. Less recoil, cheaper ammo, and like I said, all around better suited for coyotes in my opinion.

From what I have done with my .17, I do not consider it a valid coyote caliber at all. I shot a turkey (legally: DISCLAIMER) last year, and it did the job, but got terrible penetration. That small a pill is not the medicine a coyote needs, once again in my opinion.

I feel a .17HMR is a great groundhog/gopher/rabbit gun...and it stops there.