Josh-Petree,
The .17 HMR issue comes up pretty often. I guess a lot of guys are tired of seeing it since there's so many posts about it. However, just keep in mind the old adage "there's no such thing as a bad question." Well, that's pretty much my motto if the question is sincere and if a guy is really trying to learn. That's what I taught my high school students too and encouraged them to ask questions when in doubt.
I remember when I first became a member, I asked the same question you did. The reason I asked was because I had no experience with the HMR or coyote hunting, and didn't know what to expect from the cartridge. I, just like you, wanted to know if it is suitable for the task.
I see that you have only been a member of PM for two days. As a result, you most likely haven't read many posts. There is nothing wrong with your question in my opinion. As to doing searches, well, I will have to admit that I have trouble sometimes with searches on here, and I've been a member for quite a while. Maybe I haven't learned the skill of searching like some have, so I just find it easier to up and ask. When in doubt, ask.
Not only will you learn by asking questions, you will also keep these forums alive. If all we do is search for topics and read what's previously been posted, then the forum basically becomes dead.
Now for my 2-cents worth about the .17 HMR. It's a wonderful cartridge for crow sniping, starlings, no doubt prairie dogs, ground squirrels, rabbits and such within the practical range of the cartridge. We (my son, buddy and I) have also taken a lot of groundhogs (which can be pretty tough critters) with an HMR, mainly head shots at or near 100 yards since the rifle / cartridge is capable of some good accuracy and flat trajectory up to the 100 yard mark or slightly further. We have had no groundhogs escape a head shot, nor get into the hole, but did lose one to a body shot.
For coyotes, I mainly use a 6x45 (.223 necked up to 6mm), and have taken some with a .223. I'm one of these guys who likes larger calibers. I've contemplated a .17 Remington as a good coyote, bobcat and fox round, but something in me says I need something larger for coyotes. That's just me, and I know a lot of guys use the .17 Remington successfully on coyotes. But, the HMR is no match for a .17 Rem centerfire.
My advice, don't deliberately go coyote hunting with the HMR, but rather use the cartridge for it's intended purpose, which is small game, crows etc. No doubt the HMR will kill a coyote as many members have attested to, but that doesn't mean it's what you should reach for when going coyote hunting.
Welcome to the forums. Be sure to post your stories and photos - we all like photos.
David