We have used the 17 WSM with great results on coyotes. Never shot one with the HMR but the WSM ain’t half bad in my opinion. We’ve shot some at night under lights and some from traps. Pretty effective.
The 17WSM has a little more horsepower. What weight of bullet do you run? A buddy of mine does coyote hunting competitions in southern oregon, and gave up on using the HMR for the same reasons the OP stated. Keep in mind my buddy also keeps the pelts and sells them. 1 hole to sew up us much better than 3... Let alone, if the yote runs off, it can't be scored or sold..
