.22LR for fox and bobcat?

[GAbearclaw]

I keep debating getting a .204 or the like for dedicating more time to fur hunting, does anyone use a .22LR? I have a 10/22 that I could put a small optic on, but not sure it is enough umpph for what I would use it for.

Thanks fellas

 

[MJE2083]

I'd use it no problem at a reasonable range, say within 60 yards. The CCI velocitor ammo is really good and it's most likely what I would use...high speed and high energy. I think a 17 HMR would be ideal.

 

[T Bone]

Are you talking about a gun for killing trapped animails, or a calling rifle?

If calling, .22lr will do the job, but leaves little room for error.

I've killed 2 fox with .22lr. Both shot through the lungs, complete pass throughs, one streaked 40 yards and rolled, the other ran into it's den and died. After a couple hours working the barbed wire, we fished it out.

Lungs or brain, it works. There are certainly better choices out there.

 

[2ski]

I think there are better options. I've shot a bunny from 20 yards with my .22 pistol and had it jump off into its hole. I was going to eat it. So I would say get something else.

 

[Adamm88]

Alot of people around here shoot them with a 22 mag, they say it wont tear them apart but your distance is limited. A 22 mag is on my want list.

Iv heard people shoot them with a 204 but they rip them im half, same goes for 223.

The .17 calibers work but a little off and you may not find the animal.

All of my experience is with a .223 but i read alot about predator hunting.

 

[Mthuntinfool]

if you use a good bullet, a .22lr will work if you limit your range and shot placement.
I would say a 17hmr would be better if you are limited to rimfire for some reason, or the new 17 WSM looks pretty sweet as well.

 

[GAbearclaw]

I am only limited in living in this stoopid state so need to find non-lead ammo, currently a 21gr CCI 22lr seems to be the only .22lr choice.

I will be calling, so something light is preferred and I do not want to rip them apart as this will be 99.9% for calling fur.

Anyone using a .204 or .223 with a copper/ non-lead bullet? I assume those won't cause as much damage... Shoot, may just build a short AR and use that with copper if .223 is an option.

 

[6mm Remington]

I think the .22 mag would be a good calling caliber especially if the distance is 0-80 yards or so.

 

[okie_hotrod]

It'll work for headshots, 17 HMR is a better choice for everything else IMHO

 

[MJE2083]

Ohhh I didn't realize it had to be lead free. In that case I probably would not go with a 22 if that ammo is your only option. I suppose it would do the job, but I would keep it to very close ranges. There is also a caution that the lead free ammo may not cycle in a semi-auto. I'd go with a .223 due to better availability of lead free ammo/bullets.

 

[GAbearclaw]

Ohhh I didn't realize it had to be lead free. In that case I probably would not go with a 22 if that ammo is your only option. I suppose it would do the job, but I would keep it to very close ranges. There is also a caution that the lead free ammo may not cycle in a semi-auto. I'd go with a .223 due to better availability of lead free ammo/bullets.

That is what I am thinking now, so I may just build a short AR specifically for varmints unless I just decide to grab a Ruger American or the like for a more economical method. In the short term I am tossing a scope on the 10/22 and will see how that ammo performs on jacks and cotton tails when that opens.

 

[coyote_hunter]

Hi I have used a 22 mag 204 ruger ar15 223 22 250 22 250 Ackley Improve. I use a 52gr Berger hp in 22 250AI. I went to a 204 ruger u have too watch what bullet u load. I went too a 35gr Berger hp. It dont hurt fur as bad as others. That is my fur bullet. I had a 22 mag blow a hole u had too fix. It's where u shoot them.

 

[coyote_hunter]

U can see the impact in the scope no kick in a 204 ruger. U will like it if u got one.

 

[coyote_hunter]

I dont see it had too be lead free. Barnes makes a 26gr hp it smokes out of a 204.

 

[Don Fischer]

I have a 22 and a 22 mag. 22 mag would be my hands down choice. If I was serious about it and wanted longer range I'd take a 243. I'm afraid that any CF cartridge is gonna be pretty hard on animals that small.

 

[Redman]

30-378 WBY 200gr Nosler E-tip.....unless you are a little recoil sensitive, then a .22 will do just fine.

 

[Southwind]

22 short 40 yards