rfb45colt
02-26-2005, 11:26
Has anybody taken any coyotes using a .17HMR? My newest "toy" is a Savage .17HMR bolt-action. I'm very impressed with the accuracy. From a benchrest, with a 3x9 Bushnell Trophy scope cranked up to 9 and a Harris bi-pod, I can shoot a 5 shot group at 100yds that can be covered by a quarter.
But... is it ballistically sufficient to knock down a yote, with other than a head shot? Head shots aren't always possible... especially on a yote slinking through heavy woods. That 17 gr bullet, even though it's going 2,550 fps, looks pretty anemic. Coyotes in my neck of the woods can be as large as 50+lbs ! Has anybody had any .17 vs yote experience?
Before anybody suggests another caliber (I know there are better ones, and I have them too), I normally use my Armalite AR15A4 HBAR in 5.56mm, with a 6x scope, which knocks them down rather quickly... but with more than 2' of snow on the ground, and most roads in the nearby public forests left unplowed, some of the best hunting areas are accessible only by snowmobile (or a loooong hike on snowshoes). I'd rather carry a $200 rifle, vs a $1,000+ rifle, while bouncing through the woods on a snowmobile. The only method of carry I've come up with is using a case with a sling on it, and slinging it over my back while riding (state law requires any firearm transported in or on any motor vehicle - snowmobiles included - must be unloaded and encased). I put my electronic caller in my saddlebags along with several white bed sheets to "camo" my parked sled. Not only is the .17 lighter and easier to transport this way, but if something were to happen to it, I'd be out $800 less than if it were my AR.
My other option is my NEF Handi-Rifle (.243)... but the .17 is "new" and I'm itching to use it. ;)
But... is it ballistically sufficient to knock down a yote, with other than a head shot? Head shots aren't always possible... especially on a yote slinking through heavy woods. That 17 gr bullet, even though it's going 2,550 fps, looks pretty anemic. Coyotes in my neck of the woods can be as large as 50+lbs ! Has anybody had any .17 vs yote experience?
Before anybody suggests another caliber (I know there are better ones, and I have them too), I normally use my Armalite AR15A4 HBAR in 5.56mm, with a 6x scope, which knocks them down rather quickly... but with more than 2' of snow on the ground, and most roads in the nearby public forests left unplowed, some of the best hunting areas are accessible only by snowmobile (or a loooong hike on snowshoes). I'd rather carry a $200 rifle, vs a $1,000+ rifle, while bouncing through the woods on a snowmobile. The only method of carry I've come up with is using a case with a sling on it, and slinging it over my back while riding (state law requires any firearm transported in or on any motor vehicle - snowmobiles included - must be unloaded and encased). I put my electronic caller in my saddlebags along with several white bed sheets to "camo" my parked sled. Not only is the .17 lighter and easier to transport this way, but if something were to happen to it, I'd be out $800 less than if it were my AR.
My other option is my NEF Handi-Rifle (.243)... but the .17 is "new" and I'm itching to use it. ;)