what is your opinion on the pros/cons of the 17 vs. the 22 mag for a hunting camp knock around gun that would be used for occassional plinking but also raccoons and the occassional coyote? I thought the 22mag was best but a friend said the 17 would give me the added benefit of not having to get as close to the racoons with the 17 b/c of the flat trajectory. My porch is 140 yds from the camp feeder, non hunting, but we try to control the coons. I'm also not sure about the cost of ammo for one vs. the other, but more important is getting the most versatile gun.

thank you. any brand or model recommendations for the 17, if that is a favorite, would be helpful. i am now aware of the 22 mag brands folks like.

Tealboy-look for replies in the gun section.

yeah, i wrote it here then realized the gun section might be better than this forum on reviews. thx

I would recommend the .17 HMR, much flatter trajectory, about 500-600 fps faster, generally more accurate,and contrary to popular belief, less wind drift than the .22 WMR due to the bullet havin a much higher BC.hovever theHMR carries less energy shortlyafter 100yards than the WMR does.but if you hit em right it will do the job. pretty much all the HMR's out there are great shooters,anschutz are high end rifles, cooper arms makes on to i beleive. and magnum research is about to release a semi auto with a graphite barrel

Redot-respectfully,how many coyotes have you shot with both,and at what distances? I've shot and watched a couple dozen of them shot by both and wholeheartedly reccomend the .22 mag or better yet a K hornet,.223,or bigger. They can be tuff animals to drop and have 110% of survival instinct,thus will run off if given 1/2 a chance.

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.)

The .17HMR is not a coyote round. Get the .22Mag.

Have you considered going with a NEF Handi-Rifle in .223Rem? Put an inexpensive scope on it and you'd have a great "beat around" truck gun that had proven performance on varmints and coyotes. .223 ammo is cheap and plentiful as well.

Mike

No question .22wmr I really dont like the .17hmr for coyotes.I have killed around 20 with my .22wmr and watched 10 or so run off with a .17hmr.I try to keep my shots under 100 yards or less.I use it mainly when I am calling and they come in close.My bother-in-law uses his 17 and it just hasent worked very good.I have some video of our hunts if I can figure out how to put 8mmtape on here.