photofool Report post Posted December 12, 2014 My youngest son came up for the late bull elk hunt. He killed a nice 6x6 the first day so we went coyote hunting the rest of the week. I laughed when he pulled out a little bitty 17 hornet center fire rifle Three coyotes later I had to eat crow. All were shot around 100 t0 200 yards distance and no holes in the hide. I sell or tann the furs so no holes are important. I was very impressed My question is, does anyone use this little gun and how has it preformed? Thanks Mike Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hyperwrx Report post Posted December 12, 2014 There are a number of guys that use .17 calibers for coyotes. Most opt for a cartrdge with a bit more powder behind it, say a .17 Remington but I have taken a number with my .17 Fireball. Bullet placement is crucial and at 3800-4000 fps, a splash makes an aweful mess. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Presmyk Report post Posted December 12, 2014 I just ordered a savage bmag bull barrel stainless 17 wsm. I have seen yotes dropped by the smallest of the .17 hmr just makes the shot placement that much more crucial 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WampusCat Report post Posted December 14, 2014 I am in love with my 17 Hornet. Occasionally I wish it had a bigger gas tank but for a calling gun where 90+% of my shots are inside 100yds, it was a hammer all last season. I keep things inside 200yds and have had great experiences. There are a couple things to be noted when gunning with 17s... These are not hold on fur and shoot rifles. You will need to be specific about your aim point and place the projectile in the correct place. Sometimes this means waiting a bit longer to hold out for just the right shot. These are not wind bucking rounds. Even though its mighty fast, the projectiles a very light and the wind owns them when past 100yds These are not 300yd DRT coyote rifles. Again, when calling almost everything ends up inside 100yds at the shot so not an issue I dwell on. These are not shoot through the bit of grass or brush between you and the target rifles. That tiny little bullet cooking downrange is not driving through anything without changing course. These rifles do not replace a 3" load of lead BB's for me. Different tool for different job. On the plus side... They will not tear up fur when large bones just under skin are avoided. The only thing I have treated fox and cat pelts better with is a 22 Mag. Several times I shot, carried, hauled home, and skinned coyotes without any blood until the the wound was exposed via skinning. They are relatively quiet (Hornet). Doesn't punish my ears as bad as others. Most 17s I've shot were exceptionally accurate rifles. It is important to understand the tool you are using and use it the most effecient way possible. If you are willing to accept the parameters of this great little cartridge and stay inside the abilities of the shooter and the equipment I believe you will enjoy it as I have. These are just my experiences. Your mileage may vary. When I have a bit more time to sort out some photos I will start a thread about my experience last season with this rifle. P.S. If Hyper ever decides to part with his fireball I hope I get a chance at it. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hyperwrx Report post Posted December 16, 2014 I have a lot of guys ask me to sell it now that Remington has discontinued the caliber. Mine is a Remington Model 7. with a Bell & Carlson Carbelite stock and a Leupold VX3c. That gun shoots ways better than I do. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
