Hello everyone. I'm another new guy. Love the forum. I'll be purchasing a new rifle soon. I'd like to know everyones opinion on what they believe to be the best rimfire for fox. It needs to be both fur friendly and lethal. I will not be shooting coyote with this rifle. I'll leave that to my CZ 527(.223). I haven't hunted for fox yet, and will have to wait until fall, however, I'll use the spring and summer to become both familiar and good with the new gun. I realize their are pros and cons to every rimfire caliber (range,destrustiveness & lack of power) Also would semi-auto be a better choice in actions, if a quick 2nd shot is needed? Please include the 22lr in your discussions, along with the 22mag and the 17hmr. Thanks!
Best Rimfire for Fox
- Thread starter Pecci
- Start date
Pennsylvania Predator Hunter
New member
welp... here goes.. I think your 2 best bets would be the 17 hmr and the 22 mag.... I dunno which one of the 2 would be better, but i'm saying one of them 2 are your best bets...
PPH
PPH
Pruson
New member
I have several areas where I foxhunt that by law are rimfire only. A couple years ago I bought a Remington Model 597 autoloader in 22Magnum. I got the Matte finish synthetic stock and matte barrel, I mounted a Bushnell Trophy 1.75x4x32 brushgun scope with those amber lens(gathers light) and a circle 'X' recticle. I shoot nothing but those Remington Premier 33 gr V-Max bullets and I haven't had a need for a follow up shot, but it is always there if I was to need it.I love this gun so much, I catch myself carrying it where I could be carrying my 17 Remington Centerfire. It is hard to leave it home. It is lightweight and easy handling and quick to point. The low power scope gets you on target quick.
If shots are confined to close range(50yrds or less), would a .22 Velociter be more effective than the.17hmr? I've seen fox shot by the hummer. Some had little damage,and some were destroyed, the hmr having disinegrated on impact. Remember, I'm looking for little fur damage. Preferably no exit hole, however, I realize that not always possible no matter what. a fox is only about 4" in width from a broadside shot. I'm assuming most of my shots will be under 100 yards, maybe under 50.
Handirifle
New member
Pecci
I've never used anything but 22LR but that was for trapping. With up close head shots, it could be a pellet gun.
As for the 17 and inconsistent results, well I think I'd go with the 22 Mag. It is no slouch. Several trapper friends of mine used to use them instead of the 22LR cause every now and then a shot on a companion animal comes up and they always dropped them with one shot.
The Mag will probably exit but not a big hole and it won't blow up on impact on a shoulder shot.
I've never used anything but 22LR but that was for trapping. With up close head shots, it could be a pellet gun.
As for the 17 and inconsistent results, well I think I'd go with the 22 Mag. It is no slouch. Several trapper friends of mine used to use them instead of the 22LR cause every now and then a shot on a companion animal comes up and they always dropped them with one shot.
The Mag will probably exit but not a big hole and it won't blow up on impact on a shoulder shot.
mountaingoat
New member
In my time spent with many rimfires I have found that the 22wmr is as good as any out there,when shooting the CCI/TNThp.Simply devastating on ground hogs,foxes and cats.It may not have the range or velocity of the .17hmr,but packs a good punch.I have shot scores of whistle pigs,some at unbelievable distances.A follow up is hardly ever needed.Also have found the TNT's to be extremely accurate in the Marlin 882 that I use.The 22lr w/ CCI velocitors is also a real accurate(at least in my 597 rem)mean and nasty choice.I only squirrel hunt with it,and have found that decapitation of the squirrel is a factor.Another good one in 22lr is the Aguilla/super maximum 30 grn hp.The CCI's have proven to be a little more consistant though. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif
St.Paul Nightstalker
New member
for what its worth I always seem to grab the marlin 22mag what ever Im shootin they just fall
over anything coyote size or less.
just don't trust the .17 yet.
over anything coyote size or less.
just don't trust the .17 yet.
danurve
New member
I don't know about the 17's balistics, maybe one of these days I'll get a chance to own or hunt with one. But I can tell you with a 22wmr fox hunting can be successfull. It's more important to have confidence in your shot than it is to worry about what ammo you use, lots of flavors. I say pick one and get good with it, range time, zero in, all that.
25mn 2.5x10x42
Rem 40 gr psp wmr
To the hunt!
25mn 2.5x10x42
Rem 40 gr psp wmr
To the hunt!