best caliber for bobcats and fox???

T

Trapper Luke

New member
I've shot a few red foxs with 32gr NBT with my 204 and would have to say the speed of the 204 and the thin skin of a fox dont get along very well. I do plan on switchin to 35gr bergers for this coming season. I've heard their suppose to be a lil bit more fur friendly. I've yet to shoot a bobcat with my 204 so I cant say. Guess my main question is which would be a better choice for shooting bobcats and foxs, my 204 shooting 35gr bergers or my 17HMR shooting 20gr XTP bullets?
I know with the 204 if I hit something solid like the shoulder it aint gonna matter what bullet im shooting Im gonna cause quite a big of damage. Also relize the HMR is restricted on range capablites.
 
You might want to consider downloading your 35gr Bergers to a slightly lower speed to lessen the impact damage...Generally, the .204 is a pretty high speed round and blows through thin skinned animals pretty easily...

I'd go down to a minimum charge weight and then work up from there to find the most accurate loads for your rifle....The high speed velocities are great for Prairie Dogs and Coyotes...
 
For just fox the 17hmr is good. But I have lost a couple of cats with 20 gr xtp. I have not shot any cats with my 204 but with the 35 gr. Berger on fox they leave about a quarter size hole coming out. I leave both of them at home and use my 17 rem.
 
If all I was gonna shoot was fox, it be 22mag. fox and bobcats, I'd most likley go with 17 fireball, just for the lack of pelt damage and knock down power for cats.

-Dave
 
Back
Top