.22 Hornet or 5mm Mag Bobcat Rig

S

Scout22

New member
It is the offseason and I'm thinking about a new gun for Bobcats.

I rarely get shots over 150 yards.

My two concerns are effective killing power and minimal pelt damage.

I was going to go with the .22 hornet, but now the 5mm mag ammo is in production again and my Dad already has one of the guns (he swears if shoots great.) I'm looking at the 5mm Mag as an option.

Any thoughts... is the 5mm mag to lite for bobcats out to 150 yards. I live in Western Missouri and larger than normal bobcats are not out of the question.
 
Both are too small. Sure, you can kill a bobcat with either one but you're not going to get consistent clean kills and you're going to have a number of them run off.
 
The 5mag might be a little light for 100yrd shots, unless your one of the internet cowboys that only takes "head shots".

I know you didn't ask about it, but IMO the 17FB/MK4 is probably the best Bobcat cartrige ever, Especially with the distances you're talking about. The 17rem would also be a good choice.

Nothing wrong with the Hornet but I'll take the hydrostatic shock every time where cats are concerned,,, and zero fur damage...

JMO
 
I had the pleasure of hunting with a ol timer who probably called and shot more bobcats than I will probably ever see hunting or trapping in my life.I use to here him talk about the 5mm as his favorote nite time caling rife.He gave it away as ammo became scarce for it.Some of you ol timers that read this his name was Bill Smith. He was the first person to start a chapter in Predator Hunting in the State of California in the San Diego area..I think it was in the 50's.He was never one to brag or take credit for stuff like this.Pretty sure he told me his average was no less than 2 bobcat kills a nite using his 5mm.He called in more as well as dozens of gray fox in a nite.So I would say not using one myself its a dandy bobcat caliber if the range is under 150yds. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grinning-smiley-003.gif
 
I'd have to say the .22 Hornet for bobcats.Based off of what I've experienced with bobcats is that they usually dont show theirself until their right up close.And every time I've called one in I wished I had a shotgun with me instead of a rifle.So I'd have to say a 12 gauge shotgun is the way to go when callin for cats.I shot one in the chest with my .223 this year from 50 yards and still had it run off after takin a hit.Those smaller bullets kinda make me nervous when it comes to shootin bobcats with them.Bobcats are very tough so thats the reason I say shotgun is best.I'd probably have to pass up a shot past 100 yards with a .22 Hornet and nothing past 50 yards with the 5mm Mag when it comes to bobcats.
 
The rimfire is light on power and even with close shots
under 50 yards you must be precise. The 22 magnum will
work as I am sure the 5mm will but neither would be ideal.
I have and do use a 22 mag on ocassion but the hornet would
be a much better choice in most situations. I consider the
223 a minimum, the 17 Fireball, Mach IV, and 17 Remington
will all work but I like the .224 bullet better myself.
I shoot quite a few Bobcats each season and with the right
load even the 22-250 is a very good and reliable killer
without much pelt damage. I even saw 220 swift smash one
at under 40 yards with his pride and joy "220 Swift" and
it had almost no damage at all.
Good bullet, accuate placement and things will usually go
your way if you use enough gun without going "overkill".

We as hunters owe it to our sport to do our job efficiant
and effective. Just my .02

223 under 80 yards minor damage and no tracking
5478120015_medium.jpg


Shot all 3 with my 22-250 almost no damage and no lost or wounded cats.
5478120169_medium.jpg


220 Swift with a cat shot at 40 yards, now I believe it is mounted and on display
5478120252_medium.jpg
 
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