Quick Answer
Using a .17 Remington on larger varmints raises concerns about excessive wounding and potential suffering due to the smaller caliber's limited stopping power and kinetic energy.
Effective Range Limitations
When hunting larger varmints like coyotes or bobcats, a .17 Remington’s effective range is limited by its relatively low kinetic energy. For example, a .17 Remington with a 25-grain bullet has a muzzle velocity of approximately 3,000 feet per second, but its kinetic energy drops significantly at longer ranges, often below 200 yards. This can lead to suboptimal performance and increased risk of wounding.
Wounding and Tissue Damage
The .17 Remington’s small diameter and relatively low kinetic energy also increase the likelihood of wounding and excessive tissue damage. When a larger varmint is hit, the bullet may not penetrate deep enough to ensure a quick kill, leading to a slower and more painful death. In contrast, larger calibers like .22-250 or .223 Remington offer more kinetic energy and are better suited for hunting larger varmints.
Alternative Options and Best Practices
For hunters using a .17 Remington on larger varmints, it’s essential to adopt best practices that minimize the risk of wounding. This includes using high-quality bullets designed for varmint hunting, such as those with a higher ballistic coefficient or hollow points. Hunters should also aim for head shots or vital organ hits whenever possible, as these are more likely to result in a quick and humane kill. Additionally, hunters should be prepared to use their skills and knowledge to track and recover the animal if it’s not immediately killed, which can be a challenging and time-consuming process.
Find more answers
Browse the full Q&A library by topic, or jump back to the topic this question belongs to.