Which semi auto 22 mag? I almost grabbed one of the cz’s for this very purpose. A lever gun would be alright too in 22 mag. Ill take the .22 mag over a .22 any day for callin. Havent had any experience with the .17 hmr, but my .17 wsm makes em real dead.

Magnum research. The .17hmr in A17 works without the occasional jam I see from the magnum research.

Shot several with #4 buck. I have never found as many pellets as I thought would be in them but enough to get the job done.

My favorite pastime calling coons. Savage A17 with cci A17 ammo. Every once in awhile i will carry my 10/22 and use cci stingers. My buddy carrys a CZ 22 mag and nephew carrys the Savage A22 mag. They all work great. Fixed the little jamming issue by glass bedding a laminate stock and fine tuning the mag well.

17 Hornet with a 25 grain hollow point

Good on fox I’m sure it would be on coon

Only thing is Hornady is going to quit making the 25 grain and start making a 30 grain

Where did you see that, if you don't mind me asking?

I have a Ruger 10/22 take down with a cheap red dot. I shoot cheap Remington HP 22LRs. Set up is key in order to get them to work your set and give you good shots. Setting the call on the opposite side of the den opening and giving them something to focus on other than you (ie: decoy, stuffed animal, or some sort of high tech attention getter). I am a cheap a** so a stuffed kids toy raccoon I found does the trick for me.

I have had 6 working a set at one time. I took 5, all head shots and my furthest shot was around 10 yards. I couldn't make a clean shot on the sixth because he was headed back home with his afterburners kicked in,

Bottom line in my humble opinion, Calling coons is an absolute blast. My kids love it. Take your time, play with different set ups and try different things. Take only good shots and then trap the ones you passed on.