Originally Posted By: CrazyHorse66Originally Posted By: smitht144Hello guys.. just seeing what all the pros would choose if they could only use RIMfires I took the class today to hunt on ft chaffey In ft Smith Arkansas and u can only use rimfire and shotguns I am guessing the 17 is going to get a lot of votes !!!!
First off good luck! Shotgun and rimfire only areas can provide some fine opportunity for great predator calling.
I've recently discovered a coyote mecca on some public land with the same restrictions. For the most part, I've been carrying my shotgun which throws a decent pattern with HD BB out to 50 yards.
I've discovered that the coyotes there are well versed in the law, and despite my efforts, I am repeatedly getting winded or busted at ranges just beyond my shotgun's capabilities.
As a result of these recent frustrations, I am relying on my 9422M to turn the tables. I am using Winchester 40gr JHP. It has worked out so far with 2 down - one with a neck shot, the other with a frontal chest shot. This is the first season I have employed this rifle in this role.
My past rimfire success has come with a 17HMR. I've been using it on my property primarily for noise and safety concerns. My number one reason for this choice is out of respect for my neighbors. My efforts have paid off and they fully support me in my pest control endeavours.
With the HMR I am currently at 7 coyotes taken with 7 shots. All have been headshots on stationary coyotes using a 20 grain XTP.
I discourage the use of 17 grain VMax on anything larger than a housecat, as my experience has shown a lack of terminal performance with these rounds on raccoons.
I would recommend using a well patterned shotgun load as your primary weapon. If you find yourself having problems getting them in range then switch to a rimfire.
I would recommend getting the animal to stop before attempting a rimfire shot. Shot placement is your key to success. I stop them with a "kiss".
Once again, I discourage the use of a VMax round. Save those for smaller quarry.
Enjoy your new hunting grounds and post pics!
My newest favorite "little" rifle:
Crazyhorse66,
If you had to start over with only one: the .22mag or the .17hmr for coyotes,fox, and bobcat which round would you pick? I have read through all 7 pages of this thread. In some areas it actually had good info then it turned into a mess.
I am genuinely looking for info on which one - .22 mag or the .17 hmr - will be better for coyotes, bobcat, and fox.
The reason being is here in Georgia we can kill bobcat and fox with a rimfire, shotgun, or muzzleloader only. Doesn't matter if you are on private land or public. Also, if you hunt any of the three predators on a WMA here it must be with a rimfire, shotgun, or muzzleloader. I don't want to use a shotgun, my muzzleloader is a hawken, so that leaves me with wanting to purchase one of the rimfires.
If you had to grab just one, which one would you pick? BTW, in Georgia on private land you can use a .500 nitro express for coyotes if you want to. However, I don't want to be calling yotes - Mr. Bobcat shows up - and I can't legally take him b/c I have my .223 with me.
Thanks in advance. BTW, I've only killed three yotes - one with a recurve, one with a .30/30, and one with a .243. I called in an additional one back in early summer and I botched the opportunity.