The .17's drop coyotes dead as Dillinger.
You just need to know how to shoot and the respective round's limitations.
Deflave, and Ingwe, have spoken.
Bottom line is, if your friend can't shoot, he can't shoot. Tell him to get a 22 LR and go to the friggin range and practice.
It doesn't matter what he shoots one with, if it's a crap shot, it's a crap shot, and he will get negative results.
17's have been killing coyotes for decades. If he wants pelts, learn to shoot accurately and use a 17 centerfire. It's that simple.
