I switched a few years ago to a .308 for all my hunting, but now Im considering a new small rifle for predators. I dont want to tear them up( my .308 does that juuuuuust fine thank you ) I want to have a salvagable hide to sell and want to show the kids the commercial side of hunting. Maybe ever make them want to hunt with me. Im considering the .17 or maybe a .22 magnum. Ill figure out the rifle after I decide on the caliber. Im also considering the Ruger Super Single Six Hunter since it would compliment my Super Blackhawk Hunter. Any opinions on calibers for cats or coyotes are welcome Thanks Mike

For hunting for hides I would go with a .17 Rem ...you can zap them out to 400 yards with it and very little pelt damage ...for hunting for profit (Selling Hides) definatly look into the .17 Rem here is a link these guys are very serious about hunting for pelts for a living with minimal sewing! http://www.coyotegods.com/ubb/forum.shtml it a very easy cart to load for and it's very accurate! ...now you could get into some exotics like the .17 Mach4 but IMHO I would stay with a factory cart so you can buy ammo over the counter. Good luck on your decision Keith :cool:

Mike,

Keith is right on target. As I said in a PM to you this morning, there's a big difference in the .17 HMR and the .17 Remington. I've found nothing better than the .17 Remington for saving hides, particularly when using the 25 grain Berger bullets.

The .17 HMR is worse than worthless for coyotes because many will run off unrecovered. I hunt with a couple of airedales that will trail them, but I wouldn't use the little rat gun.

BTW-The Coyotegods forum that Keith pointed out in his post is owned by a fella that only lives about 20 miles from you; in McNeal. He's a buddy of mine, and he's the one that's responsible for me now shooting a .17 Remington. He's a good fellar to know, but I wouldn't mention shooting coyotes with that .308 on his board.

Take care mi amigo; and in case someone sees this post and wonders who I am, I'll sign with my real name (don't laugh, it's happened before).

Daryl

Mike,

Keith is right on target. As I said in a PM to you this morning, there's a big difference in the .17 HMR and the .17 Remington. I've found nothing better than the .17 Remington for saving hides, particularly when using the 25 grain Berger bullets.

The .17 HMR is worse than worthless for coyotes because many will run off unrecovered. I hunt with a couple of airedales that will trail them, but I wouldn't use the little rat gun.

BTW-The Coyotegods forum that Keith pointed out in his post is owned by a fella that only lives about 20 miles from you; in McNeal. He's a buddy of mine, and he's the one that's responsible for me now shooting a .17 Remington. He's a good fellar to know, but I wouldn't mention shooting coyotes with that .308 on his board.

Take care mi amigo; and in case someone sees this post and wonders who I am, I'll sign with my real name (don't laugh, it's happened before).

Daryl

HAven't done a massive amunt of coyote hunting, but so far every rifle round larger than the .22hornet has worked wihin it's range limitations....the .22hornet has worked at close range, but the .17HRM and 22mag. have been "iffy".

Not having massive exits is what the .17Rem. is best at....in the .224" bores, drivng lightly sonstructedbullets at very fast speeds does work, but has a couple of limitations: (1) Some barrels refuse to thow these thin-skinned bullets well (2) on occasion, you get a massive entrance wound (3) at long range can get some nasty exits as the vel. has decreaed to where bullet-blow up is either delayed or mostly absent.

On a budget, woulod try the .223, use 40-50gr. bullets (and the SX, Blitz, or TNT ones would be first choide), ans stay between 100 and 200-220yards to get the best effect. Closer, and you'll have one come apart early and blow a crater entrance...too far and they blow an egg sized exit.

Tag one on the shoulder or high fore-leg, even with the .17Rem., and all bets are off.
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Don't much care about the pelts, I shoot them to get rid of them....and I use a .308 often (an accurate rifle is a shame to waste). Been driving the 130 and 135gr. "speciality pistol" bullets as fast as they'll stand...on occasion get no exit wounds, but often they look more like 18wheeler road kill.

I'm hearing really good things about the new Ruger 204 You might want to take a look at that along with the 17 Remington.

Stay away from the rimfire magnums. They are not effective for coyotes i.e. lots ot yotes just keep on goin after they are hit.

Good luck in your seach