I was going to buy a new rifle for virmit hunting this weekend. I was set to buy a .17 rem when I realized that their is little in the way of factory ammo and I don't reload. Keep in mind that I'm hunting fox, bobcat and ground hogs in VA. The longest shot is 200 or so yards. I don't expect to have to shot this far. I want to mount some of the animals(bobcats) that I kill. I was leaning towards the .223. Some say that this thing is going to do too much damage for a taxidermist to repair. I don't want to sell the pelts. What do you guys think .223 or step down to a .22 mag. Thanks for any help.

For a non-loader, it's very hard to beat a 223. The only other one you might look at is a Hornet. They aren't known to be super accurate, but for yote's and such, they would do.

Personally, a 223 with a heavy, hard, bullet would be acceptable. Just make two holes, or if you can find a 40 gr. load, it will be just one hole, if you shoot a yote in the right spot. JMO, Dutch.

I would lean toward the 223. There is plenty of factory ammo and military surplus. If pelt damage on the Bobcat is a concern you can use FMJ ammo.

Since you are fur hunting I'd go with the .17. Saves a lot of sewing time. If I was to buy a .17 I'd also go with a Tikka over the Rem.