Coyotes 22 mag/17 hmr/22 lr
 

Hello i am a new member who has hunted for many years but am just beginning to get into varmit hunting i am wanting to purchase a gun and scope that will allow me to hunt coyotes and groundhogs(woodchucks)as well as other small game. I have tried to read what to get on the internet but there is too much to decipher for me so i can use all the help i can get thanks.



p.s also how far would the 22mag/17hmr/22lr be effective to.

thanks




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RE: Coyotes 22 mag/17 hmr/22 lr
 

.223 for coyotes and woodchucks. Actually, a .22-250 may be better

RE: Coyotes 22 mag/17 hmr/22 lr
 

DITTO!!!

RE: Coyotes 22 mag/17 hmr/22 lr
 

Thanks for the information but due to the limitation of my funds i am trying to use the above calibers listed b/c of the cheaper ammo and rifles.




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RE: Coyotes 22 mag/17 hmr/22 lr
 

then you better be ready to lose alot of animals due to lack of fire power. Sure, it can be done... but, I'd do the right thing and get the appropriate caliber for the job.

I have a .22 mag for our early season here in NY, and it feels like a toy to me. Range for sure-fire kills is inside of 100 yds

RE: Coyotes 22 mag/17 hmr/22 lr
 

I agree with the loss of animals, even just injuring animals without the right firepower. Sure, I have taken 6 coyotes with heads shots with my .17 HMR under 120 yards, but it was the only gun I was carrying at the time, during a ground squirrel shootout. Other than that, I would end up saving your money to buy the right power for larger game. .204, .222, .223, .243, .308(my fav), .338( my other fav.) and so on. I would not advise you if you do go ahead with a purchase of any of the three calibers you listed, to use any of those for body shots. That is not a wise call.

RE: Coyotes 22 mag/17 hmr/22 lr
 

10-4 on the above posts. if that is your only chose then go with the 22 mag. and hold the shots to head and stay within 100 yards.

RE: Coyotes 22 mag/17 hmr/22 lr
 

Be sure to check your state game laws, because some states have restrictions on the types of firearms that you can use.

As others have mentioned, rimfire rifles aren't really good tools for coyote hunting. I'm not saying they won't work, but a shooter using one is going to be severely handicapped in the field. You will have to pass up shots that would've been makeable with a centerfire rifle, educating the coyote and making him harder to call in the next time.

You can get a good single shot .223 for about the same price as a rimfire, and .223 ammo shouldn't be prohibitively expensive for anyone. However, a good scope is going to cost you $200. There is no way around that. Quality costs money and varmint/predator hunting demands quality glass. If you can't afford a good scope, your better off sticking to iron sights.

RE: Coyotes 22 mag/17 hmr/22 lr
 

I started out in the same boat as you, I picked up a used marlin in 22mag and killed a fair share of coyotes, fox, and woodchucks. All shots were limited to 75 yards and under. Youcan get a good scope for under $200.00, look at some of the higher end bushnell, swift, or nikon. When I got the money(most came from fur i took with the 22 mag)I did upgrade to a .223 in a used savage 110 and it is a better coyote getter then the 22 mag, but that is a good place to start. Good luck.

RE: Coyotes 22 mag/17 hmr/22 lr
 

I'd look for a 223 as well. The ammo for a box of 50 isn't much different between a 17HMR, and good 22mag stuff.

RE: Coyotes 22 mag/17 hmr/22 lr
 

If you run the gun shows you can find a 223 fairly cheep. I would even hit some pawn shops.I have many guns and I allways fall back to the 223. It is very cheep to shoot and dose very well at most any range you get to see a yote.
If you are going to call the animals to you use a shot gun. You may allready have one and they will kill better and farther than any of the rin guns.This way you could save your money till you get enough for a cheep 223.There is a ton of yotes killeach year with a shot gun and good old number 4.

Good luck
Charles

RE: Coyotes 22 mag/17 hmr/22 lr
 

for gods sake, don't shoot those critters with anything lower than a .223, it's just not a sure bet. and you DON"T have to pay 500 dollars for a .223!!! I'm telling you and i've said all along but people refuse to believe a good gun can cost this much, BUY A STEVENS 200 MADE BY SAVAGE!!! this rifle is selling like hotcakes for all the savage fans, and produces sub MOA groups out of the box. You might not like the stock, it's a bit flimsy, but that can be changed easily and when you have the money. I have a Stevens 200 in .223 for yotes out here in eastern washington, I sold all my other rifles and am getting a .22-250 and a .270 in a bit here. they can be found for $275. Savage builds rifles for performance, not brand name. they're spectacular!

but DON'T shoot those yotes with such a toss-up in calibre. They'll only be injured and you'll never see them twice.

RE: Coyotes 22 mag/17 hmr/22 lr
 

If I were on a real tight budget, I'd look at the H&R Ultra Varmint in .223 or even better .22-250...either will do the trick...I favor the .22-250, but I have a .223 H&R Ultra.
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RE: Coyotes 22 mag/17 hmr/22 lr
 

22.250 gets my vote. .223 2nd vote. Go after smaller vermin with the rimfires.:)

RE: Coyotes 22 mag/17 hmr/22 lr
 

Well here is another comment on this subject. I live in the greatdemocratic State of Illinois and the Statehas decrieded, in it'sinfinite wisdom, that onlyrimfire guns or shotguns can be used for coyote on State manated hunting areas. Here in the wooded midwest 100 yard shots are long and rare and the rimfires do fine. In open farm land on private property a 22 hornet or 223 gives you the added range options. I hunt alot with the 22 mag and 22 lr but do not like the 17 for small game or predators (just a personal opinion).

RE: Coyotes 22 mag/17 hmr/22 lr
 

i just bought a coyote gun 2 days ago (22-250 Howa heavybarrell with a bushnell banner dusk and dawn 3-9 x 40 and a sling for around $530.) dude i pinch pennies too but through experience i knew everytime i went out with a sub caliber riffle i would kick myself and eventually buy something else. they have the regular barrell same gun for $399. and i saw a single shot same cal. different make, for $200? shop around. even wal-mart stocks differently from store to store.

good luck
les

RE: Coyotes 22 mag/17 hmr/22 lr
 

I agree with the above statements...for the most part. Are you from the north with up to 50 lb 'dogs or farther south where a 30 pounder is a moose. might make a difference. Still, all the calibers listed are pretty much too light for anything but head shots. I have shot almost as many coyotes with a .22 as anything else, but that is because I hunt squirrels with a .22 and happen to run into many coyotes at the same time. Head shots only or off they go....

RE: Coyotes 22 mag/17 hmr/22 lr
 

its like my friend always was telling me"youll never get a deer with a 30/30.the most youll get one at is 100yrds".so since i havent learned my yardage yet, he proceeded to show me one hundred yards .i said you could just call them in.hes all"youll never get em in to100 yrds.".hm.hm hm hm hm hmmm.tell that to all those bow huntersout there.tell that to allthose traditionalbowhunters out there.tell that to all those 30/30 hunters out there.like my dad and my uncle and my other uncle and my grampa.

RE: Coyotes 22 mag/17 hmr/22 lr
 

Let me suggest a single shot h&r 223 cheap and cheap ammo

RE: Coyotes 22 mag/17 hmr/22 lr
 

I'm new to this forum, but not to hunting coyotes. Good calling and good camo means you can kill dogs with a 22 rifle, or even pistol. You should be able to get them within 20 yds if you are careful, patient, and very well hidden. Shotgun or 22 is great at these distances and doesn't tear up hides too bad. But anything further out you should probably use something with more power. I bought a New England Arms single shot 223 for under $200 and with scope, sling, and bipod it's still under $500. It is deadly out to 300 yds. Sometimes it tears the hides with a heart/lung shot, but no damage for frontal shots in the chest area. I love this little rifle because it is simple, short, light, and knocks over coyotes hard.

RE: Coyotes 22 mag/17 hmr/22 lr
 

Here in Illinois we are restricted to rim fire rifles on state ground and county ground which offer great hunting. But you only have the .22 mag as an option as we arnt allowed to use the .17 caliber on these hunting grounds.

RE: Coyotes 22 mag/17 hmr/22 lr
 

It all comes down to what your intentions are for the pelts? All the calibers (Rimfire) you listed will kill a fox and/or coyote with a properly placed shot. Their effectiveness ranges are ~70 yds for .22 LR, ~90 to 100 yds for .22 Mag and ~130 yds for a 17hmr. I have all three of these calibers and accurace is the same for both of the .22 caliber... the only difference is the effectiveness range. I have bought my son a 17 Hmr and we have is zero'd in at 100 yds with a 1.5 inch group. The only down side to the 17 Hmr is the limit in bullet weight... but the speed is ~3700 fps. These are very pelt friendly calibers.

With regards to the larger calibers... I do not have any experience with a .223 or .222 but I do have a .22-250. This caliber is very accurate andflat shooting but blows the %@#$ out of the pelts. I could not even give away what was left. If you are looking at just exterminating coyotes and foxes thenlean toward thelarger calibers as you will drop them in their tracks.

RE: Coyotes 22 mag/17 hmr/22 lr
 

hidy ho all, let me start off by saying i'm new to this forum but so far seems pretty good. i'm not going to presume to tell someone that 1 calibre is soo much better than another. i will say that i also pinch pennies (or at least my wife does lol) so i've been shooting nef rifles for quite awhile i've experienced good accuracy out of my rifles (30-06, 223 and a 22 hornet) i've killed coyotes with all 3.

RE: Coyotes 22 mag/17 hmr/22 lr
 

17 those little buggers cause great deal of damage for the size

RE: Coyotes 22 mag/17 hmr/22 lr
 

A 22lr will work fine but keep your range close and head shots only. I have done it many times but only because its all I had with me, but when I go out for coyotes I carry my .243 just because its light and does a great job at short and long ranges. If I know I will be sitting in one spot for the duration I like to bring my 22.250.

RE: Coyotes 22 mag/17 hmr/22 lr
 

We've seen some pretty outlandish claims in this thread, and I'd hate for Cory to be mislead by inexperienced hype.

The 22lr, 22mag and 17hmr are sub-par coyote rounds. Yes they will kill them... but unless restricted by laws of some sort I cannot imagine purchasing one of those rifles with intentions of making it my CALLING rifle. Now, I own a couple 22 mags, a few 22lr's and a 17hmr. I've killed coyotes with everything but the HMR- just as situations arose on the trapline or in the fields while farming. I would consider 85% of those kills to be unsatisfactory bullet performance- as expected from such small rounds.

I own a couple 22-250's, some .223's and a .204. The best coyote round, hands down, out of those offerings is the 22-250. The .204 is still a little on the light side for me, it seems you'll be bloodtrailing a few dogs with this weapon and that is not my style.Fur damage is over-rated, most guys don't call enough coyotes to justify concerning themselves with fleshwounds. If you are killin 50-75 Montanna coyotes a year I would understand being concerned about fur-friendliness... the average guy kills a few brown mangy coyotes each year and they aren't worth much anyways. Shoot what you call, kill what you shoot! Get enough gun~

Anyone that thinks they are going to consistantly head shoot a called in coyote is daydreaming. 1 in 10 maybe... 1 in 5 if you are incredibly good at both calling and shooting. I can't find enough coyotes to limit myself to shooting at one in five- I shoot a gun worthy of shoulder shots.

Good camo and calling should bring coyotes within 20 yards? Killing coyotes with a 22 pistol? When I read things like this I wonder if people are talking about the 1/million scenarios that we've all encountered on occasion or if they believe these things should be done consistantly. Depending on the type of territory you are hunting, you should expect the average shot range on a coyote to be 60-200 yards. My area is 80-120 and it's very thick, dense woods with small openings.

RE: Coyotes 22 mag/17 hmr/22 lr
 

I have a 22mag and it is good to 75 yards.If that is all you have use it.A .223 is much better for the longer shots though.
Elkshed

RE: Coyotes 22 mag/17 hmr/22 lr
 

It's no use JRB, might as well slam your head against a concrete wall as to try to get the point across!

RE: Coyotes 22 mag/17 hmr/22 lr
 

One also needs to keep in mind the state's restrictions for rifle calibers of where you plan to hunt. In my area we are not allowed to carry any centerfire rifle during any open season for deer... this is a three month period... where I will be carrying my 22-Mag.

Also, with close proximity to houses/poeple where I hunt... I sometimes lean toward the smaller calibers during night hunts because of the noise factor... as I do not want to burn my bridges with the landowner. I am confident with shooting abilities... and would not hesitate at a ~90 yard shot on a coyote with my 22-mag.

RE: Coyotes 22 mag/17 hmr/22 lr
 

22 mag is only thing on your list you should even consider. And then out to 100 yrds max. Why not the .223?

RE: Coyotes 22 mag/17 hmr/22 lr
 

with a .22 mag, its cheap, easy and w/ a scope i shoot out 2 150 yards max

RE: Coyotes 22 mag/17 hmr/22 lr
 

I partially agree. It depends on where you are. you only need a .22LRor a .22 wmr in western washinton, however if you go east of the cascades you will need that .223. and you are going to want to save up for a scope, however you can get a good deal on those at the sites listed below. [dont buy an ncstar scope, bsa is a good starting choice for those on a tight budget] as for the rifle itself, goto a pawnshop, orget a single shot, rossi makes one for under $200, or the stevens model 200 is a good repeater. I only ever see 50 yard shots so my scoped glenfield [marlin] model 60 in .22 lr does the trick. at 25 yards I use my cheap .22 revolver. in either case the ammo I use is cci's 22 lr mini-mag which costs the same as buying 22 wmr or 17 hmr. dont expect a headshot every time, i just shoot for the heart lungs like i do on dear.

if you ever need a good deal on ammo i suggest going to sportsman'shttp://www.sportsmansguide.com or http://www.cheaperthandirt.com

RE: Coyotes 22 mag/17 hmr/22 lr
 

I figured I would put in my 2 cents I would only consider the 22 mag but even that gun wont get out there very far, I dont know your hunting situation where you plan to set up in some little clearings or you will be hunting open country like we have up here in Nebraska, in my opinion I would go for a .223 it is a great gun and wont tear up the hide very much, a lot of times you wont be able to get the coyotes in close enough for a head shot with a 22 mag. I have an AR 15 and I love it, it may be to expensive for your budget, I know it is for mine now but I am sure that you can find one that is a little cheaper and within your price range. The .223 is a very versitile gun heck I shoot my deer with it, with my 65 grain balistic tips the exit wound is almost as big as if I would shoot it with my .270. .223 all the way you wont be sorry that you got it, good huntin to ya and lets all get some of those coyotes thinned out.