It's looking like I'm gonna miss deer season this year, so I was thinking about doing some varmit/pest hunting over the summer. I'm stationed at Ft Bragg, in the sandhills of NC. Don't have too many yotes, so I was thinking about a Marlin 917 or a Handi-rifle. Based on the varmits common to here, I'm thinking the largest cartridge I would go for would be 22 Mag. But I'm leaning toward .17HMR. What do y'all think?

The 17 is a great little caliber. However, I might reccomend a 223. Ammo is comparable and it is a much more versatile caliber. Just my thought. I have both and find myself taking the 223 more often...

I thought about .223, but figured it was a bit much for groundhogs, possums and such. This may sound like heresy, but I intend on leaving the coyotes alone since they fill the predator niche the foxes had (There are still foxes around, but they are few and far between.)

That being said, if I found a good .223 in good condition...and there's a gun show here next weekend...and it's just after payday...

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another vote for the .223, never let me down so far!....and nice cheap ammo, i just bought 500 rounds for 60 bucks!