17 HMR getting some good reviews on coyotes

howler

howler

New member
Been talking to a few guys who have been using the 17 HMR as a coyote rifle and I am inpressed with their results, I have always thought of the 17 HMR as more of a toy than a serious predator rifle, I'm not so sure anymore. Of course we are talking at shots under 100 yards. Anybody out there have any comments on this.
 
Been beat to death, do a search. I don't think any experienced coyote hunter could take the .17 HMR as a "serious" coyote rifle in the same vein as a .22-250 or .243 type rifle. IMHO it's more of a stunt, than a "serious" hunting rifle for large tenacious predators such as coyotes. You ask.... :eek:
 
Howler--trade in that rusty old 22-250 you got this summer and buy a "real" coyote rifle--the .204 Ruger!!!! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif JUST KIDDING!!!

I have never shot a .17 HMR, but have heard far too many horror stories about coyotes getting away after being shot 2, 3 times or more with a .17 HMR. If you had all close shots, maybe 50 to 75 yards where the coyote would be frozen in place so you could make the perfect brain shot, then maybe it should be considered. However, in the real world, if you are out there with your .17 HMR and call a coyote in that you can't get any closer than 125, or 150 yards or so--are you going to pass on the shot because you didn't bring enough rifle along??? I think many folks would take the shot even though it isn't the thing to do (at least not in my book).

I respect the coyote that I'm after. He is a worthy adversary and worthy to be shot with a caliber that will do the job on the first shot (most of the time). Once a coyote is running on adrenalin, they can go a long ways even when shot with a .17 Remington, a .223, or .204, or .22-250. I've even had a few coyotes run 1/3 of a mile or more after a shot through the lungs with a .243. I'd rather have a little too much rifle than not enough. Just my humble opinion Howler, and it's probably worth what you paid for it. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
 
Silverfox....you're right on the money. Those predators deserve to die as quickly as possible regardless of what caliber you're shooting.

Also, much of the country I call is full of sheep and goats, and wounding one in the shoulder, etc. with a small .17 bullet is all but guaranteeing that the wounded animal will start preying on the easiest thing out there, and that's the very stock that I'm trying to protect them from in the first place. The rancher that gives me permission to hunt his property is trusting me to kill as many predators as I can off of his place, not create predators that are wholly dependent on his goats and sheep.

Just my $0.02.

Rusty
 
Personally, if thats the only gun I had. I'd keep it under 100yrds (Head shots only).

As others have stated. They sometimes can take a terrible beating, and keep going.

eg; Shot a couple yote's,with an AK-47 using 120gr-FMJ, 1-coyote, took 480gr before dropping(last one head shot). The other took 350gr.

eg; Shot another coyote with an M-1 Carbine using 110 gr FMJ. Took 440gr before DRT,(last shot- Carotid Artery). All of the above coyotes were hit solid, repeadedly within 150yrds.

I have more stories, but you get the idea.
 
I did do a search on the subject and found about a 50-50 split. I do know that there has been some new and improved ammo intoduced.
I was just hoping for some new information but most of what I got on this new thread was old information.

Silverfox I think you are right about he 204.

When I used to hand call my coyotes I had nearly 100% head-on shots and had very little fur damage. now that I have a remote E caller most of my shots are broadside. and the 22-250 just ain't doing it. Most of my shots have been under 100 yards some well under. So having a wandering mind I am just thinking of other alternatives. and like I said I've been talking with others who have been killing coyotes with the "hummer" I suppoe I will wind up with a 204 so we will see.
 
The little .17HMR will do it's job IF, IF you use the a round similar in construction to the TnT (CCI) and NOT the little red-tipped Ballistic Barbie Bullet, which splatters more than penetrates....unpredictable at best. My brother has taken coyote with his little Savage and loves to take it along but you must make a good shot. There is no such thing as "anchoring shots" with the .17HMR. Gotta remember that. One shot, One kill.

Perferator
 
Kerby,
Part of the problem that you were having is because of FMJ. They are not a hunting bullet. They will go right through unless you hit bone.

I have done 2 one shot kills on coyotes with the humer. One was broad side. And the other was faceing me. I don't believe in head shots, unless that is the only option!
 
Cody 221,
On most shots there is just to much fur damage, I can work it to get he head on shot but sometimes the coyote just don't give you the shot you want. as far as anchoring shots the 22-250 dose it in style. and for the most part the fur damage can be fixed with a little dental floss. So it isn't a major thing. but I'd like to have less damage. I use to shoot a 17 remington and I was spoiled by its tiny entrance hole and no exit. but soemtimes it splattered right on impact and the coyote ran off, I didn't like that, I too have a great deal of respect for the coyote and want a bang flop. So I have been trying different loads and caliburs, the 222 showed some promise, but It liked the 52 grain HP best and man what a hole it would make. I was hoping with some of the new ammo out for the 17 hummer things might have changed but it don't sound like it has very much. So I come back to the 204. I doubt I'll buy one unless I could get factory brass. and I hear it is on the way, its just not here yet. I just hope the 204 factory brass is not on the same schedual as the timney trigger is for the 788.
 
howler,
Traps and snares will do everythng you want and work 24/7. Bullets are always iffy because of the angles and shot placement.

Jack
 
If I am going to be serious enough a coyote hunter to camo up, buy a caller(s), cultivate some calling spots, and get up before dawn to hunt, then why on earth would I take a rifle (cartridge) that has a questionable reputation for making one shot kills on coyotes?

I consider myself a serious coyote hunter and I kill a couple dozen coyotes a year. My hunting buddy and I hunt with .223, .223AI, and 22-250AI rifles, and we see several each year that are hit "good" and require a second shot to anchor.

I have a Marlin 17HMR that is a real tack driver, and out of respect for coyotes, I would not take it coyote hunting.

Howler, I find it hard to believe you found a 50-50 split on recommending a 17HMR for coyotes came from REAL coyote hunters. This message board is chock full of REAL coyote hunters, and I bet you would find close to 10% or less would truly recommend a 17HMR for coyote hunting. Sure, if you are in the woods with a 17HMR and see a coyote in range, by all means take the shot. This is not what I mean by REAL coyote hunting.

Even a 50-50 split would be a bad enough recommendation for me to not want a 17HMR for coyote hunting. Wouldn't you agree that is a very bad recommendation compared to .223, .204, or other centerfire?
 
Howler,
Are you and your friends that are using a 17HMR as a coyote rifle discipined enough to NOT take a shot at a broadside coyote standing in the open at 125, 150, or 175 yards. Like I said earlier, I have a 17HMR and I love it. I have shot about 800 rounds with it, mostly prairie doggin', and I have tried all brands and bullet configurations. I feel I am familiar with my rifle's killing potential.

I may be full of it (and probably am) but I would guess your (and my) chances of killing a coyote, broadside, at 125 yards, is less than 50-50 with a 17HMR. Because of the 17HMRs great accuracy potential, your shot will most likely hit him, but only wing him. Of course this is a gravy kill shot for a .17 to .224 centerfire.

With the above centerfires, your one shot killzone on the body of the above coyote is about four times as large as compared with the 17HMR.
 
You know guys I asked a straight forward question, I am not exclaiming that the 17 HMR is the gun to use for coyotes, I did say that I have talked with a few guys who have had some positive results with it. And I'm wondering if some of the new ammo that has been produced scince the 17 HMR came out has made any difference in perforamce when it comes to coyotes. Just off hand I'd say judging by the comments so far It looks like a no.
 
Well put Silverfox!!!

I own a 17 hmr and a 22Hornet, neither of which I would consider enough gun to be called a "coyote" gun. They are both great shooters now that I've tuned up the 17, and I feel I can rely on them both to hit where I want them to. But to be called a coyote gun,,,,don't think so. A rifle would have to be capable of doing whatever I ask of it in any situation. For example, in a 10 mph cross wind can I depend on a dead on brain shot at 80 yds. with the hummer,,,,,maybe! But maybe don't cut it. Can I make that same shot at 150 yds. with the Hornet,,,,,maybe, but still not good enough. Why not have enough rifle to do whatever I "may" run into? There are way too many cartridges out there that will do away with the "maybe" factor. My opinion,,,,,no offence intended,

Jay
 
When is Timney coming out with that 788 trigger /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif
 
I like hearing about fellows that have had success with the 17HMR or failures with it, as this first hand experience really helps, not just alot of supposition. Real world stories help me decide what to try, or not to try.

Plus, many states are forced to use rimfire on predators at night, so all info is important to someone. I say keep the HMR posts coming, but we need more first hand experience, by good pred. hunters that make decent shots.
 
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