.223 loads for fox and Bobcat ?

[danno50]

When the critters don't come within shotgun range, what's your approx. shooting distance for most shots?

[grizzly340]

Danno
I plan on calling 3 locations.  One spot can be shotgun only. The other 2 have possible long shots in the 200 yard range. But I will be set up for close shots. The long shot would mostly be at a coyote.  But with my luck A cat would sit down at 50 or 60 yards. And if they sit that's as far as there coming.  That's why I want something to reach out and anchor a cat but not blow him up. And if that fails. I will pay my freind up north to release the hounds. Then it's a 20 gauge shotgun. And the debate ends.

[Dino82520]

At 50 to 100 yds, a 17 HMR will anchor them.

[grizzly340]

Ya Dino I think that's the way I'm leaning now.
There's just no magic pill for bobcat/ fox and coyote out to 200 yards. There are several 17 cal options but the HMR is the least expensive option and most available option. I did find a nice post from a guy who shot a bobcat with the 17 WSM he skined it to show the entrance and exit holes. No damage at all with the 20 gr. Bullet. But ammo for that nutcase easy to find.

[224KING]

They make some solids for the 17HMR too.I think that's where I'd go for minimal pelt damage.

[PARA45]

I believe the 17 HMR would have left a big hole on that cat.  Those little pills are explosive. 

[Grouchy]

I have a 17WSM. I wouldn't hesitate to use it at a small critter at 150 yds or under with the 25 grain bullets. I was lucky or smart enough to get over 300 rounds at 3000 FPS for a rimfire!

[grizzly340]

Grouch I do like The WSM over the HMR. But that's just it I have only seen the federal ammo on line the Winchester ammo is hard to find.
Williams by my house has 3 types of 17 HMR
So as little as I will probably use it. I think that's what I will go with. But I have read you have to hit even a fox just right. Or you either blow them up or they run and die in the hole.

[grizzly340]

Well after much reading and my needs.  I just bought the Bergara BMR In 22 Mag.
And 40 gr. CCI Maxi Mag HP

[Grouchy]

Good choice!  You have a scope picked out?

[Dino82520]

I have a 17WSM. I wouldn't hesitate to use it at a small critter at 150 yds or under with the 25 grain bullets. I was lucky or smart enough to get over 300 rounds at 3000 FPS for a rimfire!

I like to keep some on hand too.

[grizzly340]

Not yet on the scope Kevin. Buying a 22 mag. For this hunt which is new years day even took me by surprise.  I will probably just throw a 3-9x40 leupold with fire dot on it for now. Fire dot may come in handy as I will only be hunting early and late. I would like some thing in the 2-10 range.

[Big Muddy rancher]

You could dress it up  Look at this used 22LR 

Begera B-14R 22LR, Bolt, 18" Threaded Heavy Barrel, Black Finish, Grey/Black Target Stock, Detachable Mag, Vortex Diamondback
Tactical 4-16x44 Scope, Very Good
$1,550.00

That's Canadian money, the new bare 22lr was $849 Cad.
You will have fun with that new rifle. I looked at my favorite gun shop and they didn't have many 22 Mag but lots of 17HMR 
My daughter in law shoots a 22Mag..

[Dino82520]

At one time I believe .22 Mag was available in FMJ. Not sure about current loadings.

[grizzly340]

Muddy I have that Rifle the B14 that is my varmint leauge rim fire rifle. And the reason I bought the Berga BMR in 22 mag.
Dino yes I have 2 boxes of CCI Maxi Mags that are jacketed non hollow point. But I'm not worried about the 22 mag blowing up fox and Bobcat. It should be perfect out to 100 yards.