I failed to mention I have a ,223 also....I have fired 5rds through it since owning. I have looked at a .204 and agree that its too much for fox. I shot 1 on 1st day of small game this year with my .17hmr...it dropped in its tracks, but it was barely a 10yd shot. I was very pleased with the performance. I just want something to fill the void between. also I have a potential buyer for the .223 so will eventually go with a .204 in the future (what I wanted when I got .223)...like I said I have no plans to reload as I don't shoot for a hobby, so a few boxes once its zeroed is all I need for hunting. my only concern with the hornet is ammo availability, but the .17rem scares me alittle with so many ammo choices and stories of bad factory loads and its better suited for a reloader....so idk what to do....don't want to sell .223 for .17h and then not have any ammo...fig. I will need atleast 50rds to sight in and another 50+ to hunt with for remainder of season.