coyote hunting ive taken them with a 17 hmr 204 ruger 22 250 rem and a 243 win . 17 hmr shots have been under 100 yards with a perfect broad side shot through the lungs either dropped or ran under 20 yards or so , 204 ruger shot them with a 32 grain v max out to 250 yards with broad side shot or chest cavitiy shot drt . 22 250 my personal favorite with a 55 grain ballistic tip out to 330 yard shot drt broad side shot with no exit but closer distances under 100 yards made a mess of the pelt.. and with a 243 win with a 100 grain soft point at 260 yards broad side shot right behind the shoulder complete pass through with no bullet expansion drt but with recoil wasnt able to see the coyote drop in the scope like the other smaller calibres. if your calling them in under 100 yards and worried about pelt damage i would personally use the 17 hmr if confident on your shooting ability and get a perfect broad side shot . but with a 204 ruger or 22 250 will allow you with more room for error . hope this helps
