Honestly I think it will be nothing more than a conversation piece. Maybe something to plink with. The bullet is so light that it will lose energy fast and it doesn't have alot to start with.

coyoteseeker, I understand the difference between the .17 centerfire with a heavier bullet and much higher velocity compared to the .17 rimfire. I am just trying to find a firearm that kills coyotes well at mid-ranges and doesn't leave a gaping exit hole. I've heard that the .17 Rem kills them well and doesn't leave an exit wound. I wondered if the .17 rimfire would do the same just at more limited range.
I appreciate all of your opinions.
-Brian

Brian, Have you thought about useing a 223?

Sure, I've considered using a .223, and that's probably what I'll go with. But the thought of that little .17 is kind of appealing! Hornady says it has "dramatic" expantion.
I don't want a bunch of wounded coyotes running around here though.
-Brian

the 17 rem is the best pelt rifle made but it does have its draw backs.the biggest being it doesn't buck the wind well.although the 17 hornady would leave a very small hole but you will probly lose more animals then you retrieve.your best bet for a cheap round to shoot and also save pelts is the 223.

ostdc,
Have you considered a .22 hornet.I bought my Ruger 77/22h for $375.00.With winchester supremes it will not exit and do the job out to 150 yrds.As for the .17hrm I cant wait for it to hit the market.I just read an artical in shooting times about it.Hornady list 2550fps but actual velocity is 2610fps with 257 fpe.They say it has absolutly no recoil and the report is about the same as a .22lr.5 shot groups at 100yrds averaged 0.7".The only draw back is the wind drift with a 10mph cross wind it blows it off by 12.5".But where i hunt its thick anyway so wind isnt that big of an issue.I think it will make a fine cartridge for small eadible game as long as you stay within its means.

I've read either in GUNS or maybe the same article above in SHOOTERS that show 10 shot groups less than 1 inch consistanly at 100 yards. Also the foot pounds are around 75 and speed still over 1200 fps at 200 yards.
This would put the usable range,depending on what your hunting, at around 100 yards to 150 max. However, with the accuracy of this little rifle there is no reason one could not take a coyote with a head shoot at 100 yards, no wind!
I think if they can keep the price of the bullets down to a very reasonable cost, this little rifle will definatly replace the 22 mag. Time will tell...
Also, you may consider a 22-250 with light bullet heads. A .223 for the ranges you are talking about would be an excellent choice, but if that long rang shot comes up the 22-250 would easier to compensate for the range.