will my 17hmr do the trick?

ok lets be realistic, i dont wanna sell my gun then i wont be able to hunt pred/ varmint period... plenty of experienced hunters have told me i'd be ok with it if i keep my shots to 100 yds, so i think ill hold off on the sellin bit, thanks for the info anyway boys!
~ this summer i will buy a 223 wssm, so don't get too wound up
 
I shot a large coon with a 17HMR V-max at 60 yds right between the eyes. I watched the hair being blowin away in my scope. The coon shook his head and ran away. I shot 5 sqirrels, all in the head, it blow the shoulders to heck on most of them. The only thing that I well use it for anymore priarie dogs and skunks.
 
I got to ask, was the coon head shot not a good shot then? Did you mean you only grazed the hairs on its head? I'm not meaning this to be bad in anyway, just wondering. I mean, cause I have shot many a coon in the head with a 22 short rimfire and never lost one yet.
 
I mean I shot a coon at 60 yds from a solid rest, saw the bullet hit the coon between the eyes, saw the hair blowin away from between the eyes and watched the coon run away. I've shot a lot of coon with .222, .223's and 22LR and never had one get away...
 
Did the coon have a red cape on with a big old S on it,Because he must of been SUPERCOON to take a shot between the eyes and walk off.Everything I have shot with my 17 has taken a dirt nap pronto.
 
It sounds like the 17hmr simply fragmented on the surface (along the slope of the forehead), without any penetration. I really think, at closer range the .22 has an advantage on coon, fox and cat size animals. A bigger, heavier projectile, stands more of a chance of penetration, thru a skull or a rib etc. --- We see all these 17hmr hunting stories. Some good some bad, but that just means inconsistancy to me. I would think most of us would look for consistancy when hunting animals responsively.
 
Originally posted by varmint exterminator:
[qb] Did the coon have a red cape on with a big old S on it,Because he must of been SUPERCOON to take a shot between the eyes and walk off.Everything I have shot with my 17 has taken a dirt nap pronto. [/qb]
Click to expand...
Are you shooting 17HMR-V-max or CCI-TNT ? I was shooting the V-max.
 
mn-17hmr:

The 222 Rem and the larger center fire cartridges on the same case head (223, 222 Rem mag, etc.)size are a whole different ball game from the 17 HMR.

All of them are capable of killing coyotes at extended ranges. You might check a reloading site or manual for more information. - BCB
 
BEFF I use the ccis,They are the most accurate in my gun.Pecci may of been right it must of just glanced off his scull,They do have a pretty thick head.The little 17 is so light it has to be a pretty straight on shot in order for it to penetrate compleatly,I bet he had one heck of a headache though.:)
 
If it's a legal round for your area, use it. Let him make up his mind whether it works for him.

All of you have had coyotes run off no matter what caliber you hvae used. A few may drop dead and a few may run off.

He might learn a bit about tracking and even shot placement along with the patience required to wait until the proper shot is presented.

You learn by your mistakes far quicker than any advice. I started out with a .22 as a kid and eventually worked my way through the caliber maze. Predator calling should be fun above all esle, so shoot what you brung. If you find you enjoy yourself, you'll always find a way to get bigger and badder equipment.
 
We're just answering the question that was asked. That's what this site is for. I just don't think one should "experiment" on animals, with inadaquate cartridges. I learned alot on this site by asking questions. I would rather go into a hunt, feeling confidence, instead of the need to experiment.
 
I really love my .17 , its an awesome gun. I've taken various critters at close range to about a 125 yd shot on a pigeon. Now, the pigeon exploded into 20 pieces. I shot a possum at 15 paces, and carried around for 45 minutes , when it proceeded to get up and walk away. i think this is because the xtp didnt hit anything hard and went right through. Dad shot a possum at 80 yards running and it never twitched. However, he also shot a grey fox at 30 yards in the shoulder, and when he walked up to it, it jumped up and took off. All these shots were with the 20 gr. Xtps. because the bullet is so light and small, you almost have to place the bullet in a hole the size of a snuff can lid to take a coyote cleanly, at any range., I would not aim for a solid point like a shoulder, due to lack of penetration. The best bet is below the ear, or a double lung shot
 
I agree with everyone on shot placment. I got hounded pretty heavy when I posted about my 17HMR and coyotes too! I havent heard a lot of negative things about the 17HMR from hardly anyone who owns one. I havent had the chance to kill a coyote with my 17HMR yet but there is no doubt after all the shooting ive done with it, that with good shot placment you wont have any problems. The only thing that I have noticed with mine is that their not made for penatration. So I would avoid shoulder and chest shots. Look out for windy days too! The wind will blow that lil bullet all over the place. I seen that myslef while target practicing. Good hunting!
 
nc_deerhunter:

In my hunting life, I have come across and had to kill three coyotes that someone had shot in the head and missed their mark slightly and then left the coyote to die a horrendous death - any where from probably one day to maybe a week after being shot. As a result, I am not a fan of head shoooting coyotes for true effectiveness.

You mention that the 17 HMR round lacks penetration ability and is knocked around in the wind from your experience.

My question to you is where would you recommend I place my shot on a coyote, on a calm day, since you say shoulder and chest shots should be avoided? Or would it be better to leave my 17HMR, which I love to shoot, at home, and find another caliber to use for coyotes? - BCB
 
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