rimfire for coyotes
 

where i live in michigan, i'm limited to rimfire rifles for preadators.
i got a shotgun, but i was wonderinghow a .22 mag, or a.17hmr would do on coyotes.
i'm interested in predator hunting, but don't know what other options i have, 12 ga. or rimfire, itseems them's my choices.
i'd love to have an excuse to buy a new gun!

RE: rimfire for coyotes
 

Well i persoanly like a rifle better than a shotgun for almost anything, but when it comes to coyotes its hard to go wrong with a shotgun, or22 mag. or 17 HMR as long as shots are keptat a reasonable range and the hunter is a good shot. If i were you id buy a savage combination gun in 17 HMR/ 20 or 12 ? guage shotun barrel below, that way you can choose the barrel more suited for the individual situation.

RE: rimfire for coyotes
 

I shot a coyote last week at 60 yards standing broadside with my 22mag. At the shot it instantly flopped right over, didn't even twich. I put the bullet right behind its shoulder. As I was driving up to it, it got up and spun about 4 circles tryin to "nip" what bit it and then fell over dead. I knew right then that it was a lung shot, and it wasn't going to last long.

RE: rimfire for coyotes
 

well not trying to be mean or anything but this has been beat to death in here but my opinion is either the .22mag or the 17hmr will do a coyote out to a 100yards or so if you hit them right i have shot 6 coyotes with a 17 and all have been 1 shot kills but i would shoot them in the head with a 17 they will drop like a rock but the combo gun if you can afford it would be best but if not for under 300 you could have a bolt action savage with a accutrigger in either rimfire caliber with a good scope

RE: rimfire for coyotes
 

I'd prefer the .22mag over the 17hmr. But I usually pick heavier bullets over velocity. I've only used a shotgun on yotes once, and was pleasantly suprised at how well good ole #4 buck works.

If you plan to do more hunting at around the 75-100yard mark I'd definately would choose the 22mag. The shotgun isn't going to do any good at those ranges and the light bullets of the 17 begin to fall behind the 22 at longer ranges.

RE: rimfire for coyotes
 

Are you talking about predator hunting at night? if you are you can only use rimfires but if you are doing it during the day you can use a centerfire rifle. also if i remember correctly you can't use a shotgun for nighttime hunts either(don't take my word on the last statement though). where in MI are you from? i'm from the allegan area(it's close to kalamazoo).

RE: rimfire for coyotes
 

If you go with The 17 for coyotes keep under 100 yards and use the 20 grain bullet. Go for the head if possible. I shot this one in the sholder (I would have shot it in the head but I diddn't wanna get too cocky, I should have it would have dropped)@ 60 yards don't expect much fur damage or a big blood trail. this one ran about 100 yards then died out of sight I waited about 15 minutes then went straight to where I thought she'd be and there she was. I think with the 20 grain a pass through might be possible, no way with the poly tip.
This is the entry wound side, see the small red spot.

RE: rimfire for coyotes
 

I might be bias but i would have to go with the 22 mag i just think that it is a better gun and have had more luck with it.