Bobcat cartridge selection

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I’ve decided I need a rimfire with some power behind it. It’s intended purpose will be bobcat and fox hunting, with emphasis to the Bobcats. Maximum 100 yard shot distances.The ability to ethically kill a coyote if one shows up would be good as well.

My only experience with rimfires is a 22LR so input and experiences are appreciated

I’m looking at Ruger American rimfire rifles

EDIT : i’m not tied to a rimfire cartridge, but I definitely want a more fur friendly option than my 223 for Bobcats/fox. I would also consider a 22 hornet or 17 hornet etc
 
I have become a big fan of 22 WMR. I have not shot any bobcats with it but I have shot coyotes, possums, armadillos, roosters and one feral cat. It is a deadly round, also there is a pretty wide range of ammo selections from 30 - 50 grains
 
17hmr is just about perfect for western grey foxes without fur damage, and I've taken a a handful of bobcats with it too but it's not ideal for primarily bobcats. 17gr Vmax or 15.5gr NTX perform equally well. It's pretty light for coyotes but can be done... A semi auto would be sweet. My furthest kill was one shot at 155 yards lasered w/17gr Vmax.

The 17wsm looks perfect on paper but ammo scarcity and rifle quality concerns has stopped me from trying.

True, a 12g with 3" #2 lead magnums and a super tight turkey choke will smoke foxes out to 50 yards easily and bobcats too. My furthest bobcat was 53 yards lasered with this setup. Plenty of foxes also taken at 50-ish yards when necessary.
 
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I have taken two bobcats and a few coyotes with a 22WMR. I would not recommend it for bobcats. I no longer use rimfire for predators especially bobcats. Bobcats move a lot when they get shot. Even when fatally hit they can run quite a way. 22 WMR is fur friendly but it is not hard hitting. Unless you hit them in the brain or heart they are probably not going to drop in their tracks. I would go with a 223 personally. Even with a 223 they can move quite a bit. Its better to sow a hole than lose an animal in my opinion. Remember fur friendly often means less lethal.

The last bobcat I took with a 22 WMR was hit broadside high in the lungs. A fatal hit but I still had to go looking for it. When I found it it was still alive and it got up and started running. Fortunately I was carrying a shot gun and was able put it down before it got away. Had I brought just the 22 WMR I would have lost the cat. After that I stopped using the 22 WMR for predators.

If you want a rifle just for bobcat that is fur friendly I would recommend 17 or 22 Hornet. As already mention at anything less than 40 yards a shotgun would be your best option. Shotguns aren't that hard on fur either.
 
@DiRTY DOG I bought a Ruger M77/17 in 17 WSM late last year. I thought it was a used rifle but it was brand new. I love the round and since Michigan only allows rimfire cartridges at night during deer season I had to get one. It's a shooter. Fortunately, I also had a ton of ammo I bought several years ago. Sorry to derail the discussion.
 
To those suggesting or using the .17 WSM - I say be careful of your bullet selection. I thought the poly tipped ones would be great for fox and cats, but they do such damage to jackrabbits that I shied away from even trying it on furbearers. And, FWIW, Midway shows both 20 and 25 grain poly tipped as in stock.
 
My 17 TAC has been a wonderful Bobcat and Fox gun with No Fur damage and its deadly on Coyotes as well!

30 gr bullet at 3950 fps!
 
I had a 17Rem and it was not fur friendly on western grey foxes with Hornady 25gr HP despite the rave reviews. It blew them out as often as not, just like my buddy's 204 did. It's a little too much. Not quite as bad but similar to a 223. So the 20 Prac/Tac is surely nearly the same, a little too much. I own a 20 Practical but I don't use it on foxes for that reason. Perhaps with just the right bullet like a solid copper Hammer Hunter? But in general no for fur.

My 17Rem did splended on a the bobcats and coyotes it killed, zero exits.
 
Huachuca caller nailed it. 22 wmr, in my experience, is a bit light for cats. Even for foxes I would prefer a 223. It never ceases to amaze me how tough predators can be. I have seen tiny grey foxes run off with their guts hanging out after being shot with a 223.
 
17 hornet, have 1. Its a drt rifle on coon, fox, and even a coyote at 150. Its 22-250 speed with a 20 gr bullet. Inch high at 100, inch low at 200. Mine is a savage 25, and its crazy accurate.
 

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price said:
I’ve decided I need a rimfire with some power behind it. It’s intended purpose will be bobcat and fox hunting, with emphasis to the Bobcats. Maximum 100 yard shot distances.The ability to ethically kill a coyote if one shows up would be good as well.

My only experience with rimfires is a 22LR so input and experiences are appreciated

I’m looking at Ruger American rimfire rifles

EDIT : i’m not tied to a rimfire cartridge, but I definitely want a more fur friendly option than my 223 for Bobcats/fox. I would also consider a 22 hornet or 17 hornet etc
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223 with blue dot and a 22 hornet bullet is hard to beat.
 
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