Thinking about my options for a varmint rifle. I hunt mostly Upper midwest for coyotes and bobcats by calling. So ranges are usually under 200 yards.

Thinking of something that will easily put down a 'yote but not tear the hell outta the cat. I want to keep the fur and sell.

So I am thinking of a handy bolt action rifle in either 223, 218 Bee, 221 Fireball or a 222.

Again minimum damage to the fur is a priority. I do reload and am not adverse to having the gun built should i ever decide on a round to go with. I also reload so...

Your suggestion of a 222 would be really hard to beat. Another suggestion would be the 204 with 32 grain bullets. In many instances the bullet does not exit providing a fur friendly application.

the .222 or .223 loaded with SX type bullets might be what you're looking for. Especially if you don't try motoring them at the top end.

The 222 is the one that floats my boat. Saw a Model 600 for sale in that persuasion. After all it is my understanding that the PPC took all of its records away from the 222 so it should do the job.

Lonnie I like the Hornady SPSX in the .222 You can load it with AA1680 that will take the above bullet down to 22 Mag Rim Fire velocities 2650 to about 3000 fps. Should work great for you.

I use a CZ 527 22hornet alot doesn't seem to blow up the fox and bobcats and it drops coyotes no problem with 40 grn vmax with 13.2 grns of lilgun at 3000fps but I love the fireball it's a super accurate cal but it tears a fox in half but drops a coyote in his tracks then there is the 204 which I just bought but haven't tried it on fox yet but I think it's gonna be like the fireball great on coyotes but destructive on fox or bobcats I guess it depends on if you want the fur I shot a fox with the hornet at 180yards and blew a 5 inch hole behind his shoulder in him.But if I use the 45 grn sierras or rem 46hps loaded at 2400fps it just blows inside but I wouldn't try to take a coyote at 200 with that load 150 max

The 222 with 55gr. FMJ bullets does minimal damage to animals but will put them down quickly if placed well.

I've used them on Turkey with minimal damage, using the 600 Mohawk my dad purchased back in the 70's. Sweet little gun.

You might try the 22cal Trophy Bonded Bearclaw bullet. Being a bonded bullet there is little or no fragmentation, thus less chance of "blowing up the hide.
I have shot several coyotes and bobcats with this bullet in a 308 with no hide damage other than a small hole in and a small hole out.

I would not recommed 22 cal Full Metal Jackets for any game.
HL no offemce intended, but I have seen a lot of game run off or if the FMJ breaks appart the hide damaged.

Several of us out here in CO are fur hunters and have gone to the 40gr v. max at top speed in .223. They don't exit a coyote, 90% foxes and the three bobcats weren't any different.

No exits an instant death at the shot, not even a twitch.

Couple of the guys are .,17 nuts and they do the same things. No exit, entrance hole is even smaller.

Makes a hell of a mess for head shots when skinning so we only aim for chest shots.

George

Georgeld hit it on the head. Load up 222/223 with a ballistic type bullet and the results are all of the energy dumped into the animal and no exit. I use both calibers on coyotes and bobcats here in Texas and have yet to have one exit and nothing has run. The Berger MEF in 55 grains is also an EXCELLENT choice, they do not exit and explode in the internals. If you are shooting under 200 yards that would be the ticket. There are 100s of dead yotes down here that would agree.

Perry

The 204 would be an excellent way to take a look at and I don't believe you would be disappointed.

Personally I would not work with the FMJ's but that is up to you.

Lastly the 223 would be excellent and either use something like a 50 TNT, a 40 NBT or go the tougher route and go with the 53 TSX and or the TB.

Shot selection is very critical IME when trying to keep hides intact. Stay away from major bones like the spine/shoulder and on a frontal shot the breast bone. Hit those and you will have big time damage no matter what you're using.

Mark D

I used a Remington 660 in 222 as my called varmint rifle for about 20 years with good results. I now use a Remington 7 stainless in 223, as the stainless metal doesn't require the amount of daily care that a CM rifles does. I can't think of a better, handier, called varmint rifle.

Jeff

A stainless Savage or Remington .233 would be effective for all the reasons others have mentioned, low maintenance and cheap to feed.

I have used the .223 a lot and the Speer 52gr HP with the bigger opening, and the Hornady spsx are two bullets that very rarely exit. I'd seriously consider a .204 Ruger though if I was going to be starting over. Nate

223 is the king for 200 yard varmints. 40 grains of V-max a 3800 works well.

Have a look here :-
http://www.coyotegods.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/Cat/0/C/1

quote:

Originally posted by Loonie:
After all it is my understanding that the PPC took all of its records away from the 222 so it should do the job.

Loonie, Not entirely true. The duece still holds the record for smallest 5 shot group at 100.

How about a 17 Remington?