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Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 135
Campfire Member
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Campfire Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 135 |
I am a big fan of the 17gr VMax ammo. I always limited myself to head shots, preferably through an eye, though.
On the one hand, since I did not ever go out alone, there were always one or two 243/25-06's to hammer anything I passed on. On the other hand, shooting coyotes was never about hunting; the goal was pure eradication. So if I goofed, which I did once or twice, and made a less than optimum shot, it made no difference to me whether the coyote died to the bullet or a week later from starvation.
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,371
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,371 |
I believe shot placement will be the key rather than bullet selection. i believe your options are 17 and 20gr....I doubt the Coyote will know the difference. I have only killed one at about 50 yards with a .17, head shot. I was using Hornady vmax 17 gr. I wouldn't shoot a coyote with a 17 grain Vmax out of much, let alone a 17 HMR... Of course if you're talking only headshots, which in the real world of calling coyotes are a pretty poor shot percentage, it really doesn't matter... +1 I think it was a fellow from Montana, that is now a rep for something that told me that he'd shot a few up there with the 17 HMR. They tend to run 400 yds or so and then maybe die...or not. You might get them, or you might not. I've had Coyotes run after being hit with 100gr .243 rounds. Shot placement. Exactly...but a 100 gn for a 243 is a tough bullet. It probably passes on through. Regardless of opening that can of worms, because I don't know the specifics...with your 243, you have a little bit of margin for error. With a 17HMR....practically none. Shot placement IS crucial. But still, use enough gun to do the job.
Steve
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 11,336
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 11,336 |
Sure, but I've had it happen with everything from 62gr on up. There is a bit of margin for error with the .243 and thats why I use it for the times when a yote hangs up way out or gives me less than ideal shot angles. The .17 is purely for 50 yarders or less. At that range there is plenty of gun for a yote.
My brother in law uses his 7mm to hunt coyotes, he rarely has one get away regardless of shot placment. I think its boring that way, im in it to improve my skills and marksmanship. If i was concerned about absolute death over marksmanship I would sell my .17 and by a 50 bmg to hunt with.
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 3,133
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 3,133 |
Hmmm - you slam a guy for mentioning a rhino versus a coyote, and suggest he leave the discussion for making that kind of a point...then you mention a 50 BMG versus a .17 HMR. ???? Why not use a BB gun, shoot them in the eye and limit your shots to 50 feet?  Now you'll tell me that I should leave the discussion.... You think a .17 HMR with a 17 gr V-Max is a great coyote gun, I disagree. You do what you want, and I'll do what I want. Life is great.
�That rifle on the wall of the labourer's cottage or working class flat is the symbol of democracy. It is our job to see that it stays there.� George Orwell
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,371
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,371 |
Sure, but I've had it happen with everything from 62gr on up. There is a bit of margin for error with the .243 and thats why I use it for the times when a yote hangs up way out or gives me less than ideal shot angles. The .17 is purely for 50 yarders or less. At that range there is plenty of gun for a yote.
My brother in law uses his 7mm to hunt coyotes, he rarely has one get away regardless of shot placment. I think its boring that way, im in it to improve my skills and marksmanship. If i was concerned about absolute death over marksmanship I would sell my .17 and by a 50 bmg to hunt with. That would be enough gun.  Coyotes are tougher than they look.
Steve
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 15,647
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 15,647 |
Hmmm - you slam a guy for mentioning a rhino versus a coyote, and suggest he leave the discussion for making that kind of a point...then you mention a 50 BMG versus a .17 HMR. ???? Why not use a BB gun, shoot them in the eye and limit your shots to 50 feet? Now you'll tell me that I should leave the discussion.... You think a .17 HMR with a 17 gr V-Max is a great coyote gun, I disagree. You do what you want, and I'll do what I want. Life is great. He knew what my point was and was avoiding it... All ya'll advocates of 17 HMR's are sure a funny breed. The loyalty and cult following of this round and the folks that try to make it into something it isn't sure crack me up and every other serious coyote hunter who just know better. There's no discussion with these folks as they cannot be reasoned with. Bottom line: Minimum for calling should be a centerfire and if I had to shoot a rimfire, the .22 magnum trumps the 17HMR every single time for the killing of big stuff. That should get them riled up...grin...
- Greg
Success is found at the intersection of planning, hard work, and stubbornness.
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,800
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,800 |
GregW, damn troublemaker  You know your gonna get a case of redass from the 17 loonies  I gotta agree, I have shot a bunch of yotes with the 17HMR and it is not what I want to use. Close up you will do pretty well but not always. As you stated,I much prefer a centerfire, that being said, depending upon where, most always an AR in 223.
![[Linked Image]](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v209/jimmyd223/th_P1000031.jpg) "Until one has loved an animal, part of their soul remains unawakened."
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 15,647
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 15,647 |
The point is that you HAVE shot lots of them. And those that HAVE never recommend it... That's the crux of the whole debate... My calling rifle will be one of these two. Usually. ![[Linked Image]](http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f311/GmoneyTLU/Guns/DSCN1674.jpg)
- Greg
Success is found at the intersection of planning, hard work, and stubbornness.
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 11,336
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 11,336 |
Hmmm - you slam a guy for mentioning a rhino versus a coyote, and suggest he leave the discussion for making that kind of a point...then you mention a 50 BMG versus a .17 HMR. ???? Why not use a BB gun, shoot them in the eye and limit your shots to 50 feet? Now you'll tell me that I should leave the discussion.... You think a .17 HMR with a 17 gr V-Max is a great coyote gun, I disagree. You do what you want, and I'll do what I want. Life is great. Take the time to read my posts, I never said it wqas a great coyote gun. Secondly,he said he was leaving the discussion, i didnt ask him to leave. Lastly, he's basically saying the .17 isnt enough gun. So my point was that anything short of a 50bmg without proper shot placement isnt enough gun.
Last edited by warpig602; 01/17/10.
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![[Linked Image]](http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v209/jimmyd223/?action=view¤t=P1000031.jpg)