Would you use a 17wsm for coyotes?

bowhunter57

bowhunter57

Well-known member
I have a Savage Super 17 or 17 WSM. It has been 1 shot kills on groundhogs out to 150 yards. I've not shot past that distance for hunting, yet.

I've been using the 20gr. Winchester and Hornady ammo and both have been producing good accuracy...penny sized groups at 100 yards.

Coyotes are tough critters. I don't currently own a centerfire rifle and question the ability for the 17 WSM for killing power. Of course, shot placement would be critical.

What's your thoughts and/or experiences?
Thank you, Bowhunter57
 
From what I have read it is the "new" go to rimfire to get. Never shot one but if I could find one in semi-auto I would probably buy it. The ones I have shot with a .22 mag and v-max bullets have not gone far so I am sure the wsm would do the job. With the .22 mag I am limited to 100 yds. or a little over so the extra distance the wsm would provide would be nice.
I haven't liked some of the reviews I have read on the savage wsm but then again there are good reviews also.
There are some good youtube videos on the .17wsm along with a couple of coyote kills.
I think if I had one I would use it on coyotes. I personally do not like using a centerfire at night so it is either the .22 mag or shotgun. A lot of guys in this area use centerfires but I choose not to.
 
with its speed the wsm packs a pretty good punch. for a coyote i would use the ammo loaded with 25gr hp. keep distance reasonable and put the bullet in the right place and it should do the job.
 
I've only killed one with my buddies at right around 100 yards. Hit it through both lungs believe it or not. It ran about 25 yards then fell over dead. I was using 20 grain V-Max. It's a perfect fox gun but will work for coyotes if you hit them just right. If it's all I had I'd use one.
 
Thanks for the input, guys. In my opinion the 17 WSM is on the light side, for killing coyotes. However, with proper shot placement it should get the job done. I was concerned about the light weight bullets "splashing" on a shoulder or rib shot.

On the other end of the scale is my Marlin Cowboy in 45-70, using a 350gr. JHP at 2200 f.p.s. and it gets the job done with authority. Shot placement isn't as critical, as you could imagine.

Bowhunter57
 
I shot this coyote at around 100yards as he was facing me, he went down where he stood.in was using the hornady 20gr V-max. I've been shooting raccoons with the same round and haven't had one go anywhere. The only time I've gotten it to splash has been with armadillos. The shell on them does a good job of making that bullet eplode.
 
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