Originally Posted By: ackleymanI had a TC custom in 17 Ackley hornet and a custom Kimber 22 K hornet and switch barrel 17 Ackley hornet.
I shot 4 coyotes with in 25 yards with the Kimber loaded with a 20g Berger and 11.6g of Win 1680 at 3600 fps, all coyotes never stopped, found 1 of the 4 about 110 yards from where it was shot.
So, with this small round, the 25g hornady would be the best choice.
However, I have killed hundreds of coyotes with the 22 Hornet and 22 Ackley hornet, and I used the Speer 40g spire point which is a tough, high velocity bullet. The nice thing about this 40g Speer spire point is that the way the ogive configuration is designed, the bullet will fit in a Ruger magazine and still be able to touch the lands, which means that it has more bearing surface than many other 40g bullets. This makes this bullet a champion coyote killer in the 22 and K hornets.
I have heard that tougher bullets are being made for the 17 hornet, I hope so. I wonder if a 20g V max would be worth a darn on quartering shots, coming or going.
It really leaves a hollow feeling in your stomach to watch a coyote run off with a solid hit. I did hit one on a dead run with a second shot, with never a flinch, he was never found.
Foxes and Cats maybe another story, but why hamstring yourself with not having enough gun for what ever presents itself. In Az, you may just call in a 125lb lion!
A 22 hornet is a wicked gun when tuned properly with littlegun powder and 40g speers. The Ruger 77 with a honed trigger is a wicked killing machine.
If you want to get all lathered up on the 17 Hornet, then Little gun with 17 Hornady 25g HP or a custom 25g bullet will give you a serious edge over a 20g bullet.
I eventually gave up all my hornets when I tweeked the 223 round with 12.0g of Blue dot with the 40g spire point at 3000 fps, 900 rounds inbetween cleanings with this load. The 12g load is quiet, and kills very effectively to 150 yards on tough coyotes, perhaps a tad further once you learn the trajectory. 12.0g of Blue dot in a 223 with the 40g Speer is MAXED OUT 22 Hornet, and simply punches holes through coyotes, maybe...same for cats and foxes.
Predator hunting often gives you difficult shots, from all kinds of angles and distances. Always use enough gun. After you shoot 25 animals with your gun/load from all kinds of angles and distances, you will recognize the limitations and strengths.
I've actually had very good luck with the 20gr, but I hear you loud and clear. I have been neck and head shooting as well - so there's that. Not quite sure what would happen if I were to pop one in the motor-room rather than the head.