Hey guys just wondering what works for you. I'm looking to find a bullet that works for bobcats and Fox, but does not tear them up bad. I'm trying to save the pelts for mounting purposes. The bobcats we have shot with ballistic tip and V-max bullets have put some good size holes in them. The cats were shot at close range (within 100 yards with 223 rifles). Since then I have been taking a shotgun loaded with 3 inch BB for backup....But still looking for a good rifle bullet in case we see a huge cat a long ways away that hangs up and we have to take a long shot. Planning to use my .223, or .222 caliber rifles. We have seen several grey Fox too but just have been to slow at the gun... Man them lil guys are fast and smart!
Best Bobcat and Fox caliber and bullet for least pelt damage
- Thread starter bigshot
- Start date
Forest Troll
New Member
- Oct 4, 2012
- 5
- 0
I've done some reserach on the subject myself as I'm not happy with the v-max damage. Obviously bullet placement makes a difference but I just picked up some "white box" Winchester 45g hollow points. Read reports that they aren't too bad on pelts. Time will tell.. Aside from that, if in range, shotgun is my go to.
I'll let u know when I've connected with them. Need to put some range time in first.
I'll let u know when I've connected with them. Need to put some range time in first.
Thanks Forest Trail, that's funny I just acquired some of the same ammo for my 22-250. I also heard the same thing regarding the bullets being fur friendly. I'll let you know how they do if I get lucky, my weekend starts tomorrow 
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Musket Man
Veteran member
I know you want to use your 223 but something like the 22 mag or 17 hmr would probably be good choices for not doing alot of damage on smaller varmets.
quicknick
Active Member
Musket Man
Veteran member
Its how far you can hit the target! LOL. The 17 rem is a pretty flat shooter and I would guess it would be pretty accurate to 300+ yards. 22 mag and 17 hmr I would say around 150 yards before they start dropping pretty good.
BruinPoint
Member
I had good luck with Hornady 25gr HPs out of my .17 Rem on gray fox and bobcat. I slowed them way down (which was still around 3,400 fps). Usually didn't get an exit on coyotes, some got through bobcats, most got through fox. Foxes and cats were usually shot closer in than the coyotes, but in all cases I can recall the exits were nickle size in diameter. Biggest thing is to keep whatever you use off major bones if you can. I hit one coyote in the scapula at 20-some yards with a 4,000fps+ factory load and what a mess... that pelt got a laugh and a toss in the trash at the fur buyer. I don't think I ever got docked after I loaded down and started trying for frontal shots or at least pulled them back into the ribs on broadsides. In your case I'd take that .223 and load some 40gr hollow points to a modest speed and give that a try. I bet it will still be rough on a fox but should be an improvement. If you're into buying a gun I'd give serious consideration to a 17 centerfire and reloading. Hope that helps.
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Musket Man
Veteran member
I bet the new .17 wsm would be good too. I want to get one but the guy at Cabelas told me the gun they come in now isnt very good and I havent been able to find one anywhere so Im waiting to see what other guns it comes out in.
My buddy bought one of these and he said it was a very cheaply made rifle, lots of plastic parts. I'll check with him in a week or so and ask him how he likes it. Who knows it might be what the Dr. ordered.
I shot a coyote this morning with my 22-250 and 45 gr hollow points at about 184 yards. I hit that dog in the upper shoulder......what a mess! I gotta stay away from them bones!
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sjsmallfield
Veteran member
My dad just got a Savage in .17WSM and he really likes it so far. It is really light and alot of fun to shoot. Not sure on pelt dammage yet but we are planning a trip out next week.
Musket Man
Veteran member
Thats kinda what I herd. Lots of plastic parts and something about the design of the bolt handle. Hopefully I'll find one in stock somewhere pretty soon so I can take a look at it.
I have shot a couple yotes with 45 gr hollow points because they were the first 250 bullets I found (it was an emergency! lol) but none made a hole quite thed big! LOL I usually shoot 55 gr vmax.
Work2hunt
Veteran member
Wow! I am shooting some 50gr hollow points and I haven't seen this kind of damage. I might have to switch if I see that kind of damage.
Yea I'm starting to realize its all about bullet placement, I have to train myself to wait and aim behind the front shoulder and between the two rib bones! I'll get it one of these days....lol. My buddy shot a coyote that way last night with a .223 and 50gr nosler balistic tips I reloaded for him. It was perfect, the bullet entered behind the shoulder making a dime size hole and exited with a hole about the size of a nickle on the opposite side. The dog dropped in its tracks, 80 yard shot!
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Musket Man
Veteran member
I will have a 204 Ruger too if DMPS ever makes the barrel for it that was supposed to be in stock 3 weeks ago. lol
danieljbrooks
New Member
- Jan 30, 2014
- 1
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You could look at 220 swift. Flat and fast. Good for distance. You have to be a reloader to shoot this gun as ammo is few and far in between. Plus if you do find it prepare to pay. I love my swift.
Musket Man
Veteran member
220 swift is a good round but the 22-250 is very close in performance and there is alot of factory ammo available for it (well there used to be anyways). I think the 22-250 is alot of why the swift is not as popular. If the 223 is damaging pelts I dont thing a 220 swift is going to help the situation. lol
sjsmallfield
Veteran member
Dad just used the 17wsm to shoot a coyote on Wednesday (first one with the new caliber). It was about and 80yd heart shot. The coyote ran about 150+yds before he went down. I think it might be a little light for yotes event though it got the job done but it is going to be awesome for fox and bobcats from what I have seen so far.