.17's are great for coyotes within thier operating range, especially if you want to minimize pelt damage. The bullets typically won't exit. I've got a 17-222 on a Sako L461 and it is like a laser beam out to 250-300 yards on the ground squirrels. The wind can be a PITA with those little bullets and small targets way out there though. Only took one medium yote with it but it was bang-flop.