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Other Hunting => Coyote, Small Game, Varmints => Topic started by: huntintherain on September 25, 2017, 08:44:10 AM


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Title: 17hmr for coyotes
Post by: huntintherain on September 25, 2017, 08:44:10 AM
What does everyone think about using the 17hmr for a coyote gun. thanks in advance
Title: Re: 17hmr for coyotes
Post by: jaymark6655 on September 25, 2017, 08:51:16 AM
I think it works, I know others have said .22 MAG minimum.  Reloaded .223 is cheaper though, so I haven't really shot my .17 since picking up reloading.
Title: Re: 17hmr for coyotes
Post by: duckmen1 on September 25, 2017, 09:05:43 AM
I love to target shoot with a 17hmr. Accurate caliber. But I think the 17 hmr lacks power for general placement shots. I shot one in the shoulder and the coyote dropped from shock but was very much alive when I got up to it and shot it again to get it. A second one I shot at about 60 yards and fur went flying just at the crease of the shoulder line it started spinning circles. Put a second round into it and it dropped. It then got back up up and started to Trott off the field. I put a 3rd shot into it and it looked like I hit the shoulder based off where fur flew from and where I was aiming. Coyote dropped after the 3rd shot but then got up and headed into the timber I heard it make it at least 100 yards back. Searched for hours with no luck. They do work for precise shot placement but I don't like them much for coyotes. Head shots do work though with the accuracy. Just my experience.
Title: Re: 17hmr for coyotes
Post by: bearmanric on September 25, 2017, 09:22:31 AM
LOL.
Title: Re: 17hmr for coyotes
Post by: b23 on September 25, 2017, 10:55:02 AM
As a previous poster mentioned, shot placement and keeping your shots close, it'll work, BUT, in my opinion it doesn't work well and there are much better options available.  I have a 17 WSM and a 17 Hornet, both, deliver considerably more "thump" than does the HMR and I believe they are marginal at best, too. 

Doesn't mean they all won't kill coyotes, but IMO, it just doesn't leave you much room for error.
Title: Re: 17hmr for coyotes
Post by: Special T on September 25, 2017, 01:19:46 PM
I wouldn't buy one for coyote hunting... but I had one handy and a coyote was around? Boom...
If your in a rimfire only area the 17wsm  would be my choice.
Otherwise I'd just use your deer/elk rifle. 2c
Title: Re: 17hmr for coyotes
Post by: huntintherain on September 25, 2017, 01:52:22 PM
thanks everyone, I've thought about the 223, would a 22 mag work better than a 17hmr.
Title: Re: 17hmr for coyotes
Post by: Special T on September 25, 2017, 01:56:16 PM
A gun is a tool... what you are doing says a lot about what kindnof tool you need. Reasons limitations $ ect help those with experience shape your decision.
Title: Re: 17hmr for coyotes
Post by: b23 on September 25, 2017, 02:21:13 PM
thanks everyone, I've thought about the 223, would a 22 mag work better than a 17hmr.

Are you looking for something on the smaller side for a particular reason?  Maybe because they aren't so loud or something less powerful that doesn't carry as far due to surrounding areas or something with zero recoil like a rimfire, if so, I'd take a look at a CZ 527 in 17 Hornet.  They are a VERY nice quality gun that doesn't cost a huge amount and they all seem to shoot factory ammo into tiny little groups.  I've got a couple CZ 527 Varmint models, one is 17 Hornet the other is in 204 Ruger and for a store bought gun, they shoot amazingly well.  Both of mine will shoot 1/2 inch groups with factory ammo and that's a relatively common practice with the CZ 527 Varmint models.  Savage has their Model 25 in 17 Hornet and I've heard they shoot well, too.

I don't know that my 17 Hornet will ever be my "go to" coyote gun but my dad smoked one this spring at 247 yards with the factory 20gr Vmax and it flat stoned it dead on the spot.
Title: Re: 17hmr for coyotes
Post by: huntintherain on September 25, 2017, 03:14:02 PM
b23 I was thinking a 17hmr because around here I have a few scattered neighbors and the 17 doesn't carry as far as a 223 and is a little quieter, recoil is no issue with me I shoot a 7mm mag no problem, also I would use the 17hmr for grouse and rabbits
Title: Re: 17hmr for coyotes
Post by: lewy on September 25, 2017, 04:50:45 PM
The 17hmr is a great little cartridge but not for coyotes
Title: Re: 17hmr for coyotes
Post by: b23 on September 25, 2017, 04:55:01 PM
b23 I was thinking a 17hmr because around here I have a few scattered neighbors and the 17 doesn't carry as far as a 223 and is a little quieter, recoil is no issue with me I shoot a 7mm mag no problem, also I would use the 17hmr for grouse and rabbits

Based on that criteria, I'd go with the 17 WSM or 17 Hornet.  I still have a couple 17 HMR's but since I got my 17 WSM and 17 Hornet, I hardly ever shoot either one of my HMR's.

The early Savage Bmag, especially the ones with the skinny barrel, didn't shoot very well at all so I'd stay away from any of the skinny barrel Bmag 17 WSM but the newer heavy barrel Bmags that come in a laminated stock are all shooting pretty decent. 
Title: Re: 17hmr for coyotes
Post by: Jerry malbeck on September 26, 2017, 06:45:14 PM
 :chuckle:.
Title: Re: 17hmr for coyotes
Post by: CAMPMEAT on September 26, 2017, 07:58:52 PM
Check out the 22 TCM.
Title: Re: 17hmr for coyotes
Post by: Tracker0721 on September 26, 2017, 08:59:23 PM
I've dumped 5 coyotes with the 17 hmr now. The farthest was 150 yards, closest was 20. Head shots for 3. 1 took 2 to the chest. 1 took 1 to the chest and a finisher with the .22(closest one). Head shots within 150 yards, all day. Chest shots? Probably never again. My 22-250 I'm building will be my forever coyote go-to now.
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