the penitration increases as the distance dose. Ive herd from many people that use the v max for hunting yotes and even take broadside shots with them. if you want to go for yote though many people recomend the 20.gr for better penitration. i will be taking my 17hmr yote hunting as soon as i get time to go. Ill be using the vmax and trying for head or neck shots but if they are not presented i wont hesitate to a good solid broadside shot. just keep the shots under 100 yards and your fine.