Need help fast please to make the decision tonight. For shooting small game, including coyotes, which of these two rifles would

[gatorbait]

Need help fast please to make the decision tonight. For shooting small game, including coyotes, which of these two rifles would be the better choice, a .22 Magnum or a .17 HMR. Dont want to buy wrong caliber so need your help quick. Thanks loads---Gatorbait

[JM1993]

.17HMR for coyotes, if it is a squirrel make sure you headshot though or it will destroy the body.

[JM1993]

Only problem with .17hmr is that wind will effect the bullet a lot after 75 yards.

[JM1993]

You know what, I have to say it. I think you would be better off buying the 22-250 or a .223 for coyotes.

[floridahunter]

I love a 22 mag. but I know coyotes can be tough especially when shot in the body if you only intend to shoot in the head either gun will work, however, I must agree with JM1993 a .223 is a safe choice. Some guys even hunt deer with them down here!

[6phunter]

between the two ? .22mag

[30-CAL]

22 mag for small game, but for the yotes its kind of light. I think you will do better for the yotes with a center fire. I use a 22-250 and have had a few run off with shots not in the boiler room.

[huntfishtrap]

.22 Mag all the way! For squirrels, rabbits and such it is less destructive than the HMR, if you use soft point or FMJ bullets you can even chest shoot them and not do too much damage (although why anyone would want to chest shoot them with anything is beyond me!).
Optimally I wouldn't use anything smaller than a .204 Ruger for coyotes, as they are tough critters, but if I had to choose between those two I would definitely use the .22 Mag, as it has significantly more energy out to about 100 yards, and beyond that you should go for head shots no matter which one you use. (As a side note, I can personally attest to the effectiveness of the .22 Mag on 'yotes, I've only shot at one with it, but I got that one. It was a chest shot at about 70 yards - he ran 50 yards and fell over dead, and that was with FMJs I was squirrel hunting with!)
.22 Mag is also a little cheaper to shoot as well, if that makes a difference.

[Josey]

The answer you seek, Grasshopper, is not on your list. The caliber you are looking for is .17 WSM.

17 Winchester Super Magnum