What's A Good Red Fox Caliber To Use?

iSnipe

New member
I know there are several calibers that will work for red fox, my main target. I'm itchin' to buy a gun specifically for fox, but can't come to a decision on the caliber to use. ??

I'd like to get it in a Remington 700. Right now I have a .22 magnum and realize that's a good one, but it's not sexy enough for me. LOL!

I've been looking at .221 firballs and the .222, aka "triple deuce". What do you think would be a good choice for red fox hunting? Also, I'm thinking a .223 is overkill, but oh-boy, that caliber is sure versatile. If you do recommend a .223, what bullet would you recommend? I want something that is fur-friendly.

The draw back to the .221 fireball was the cost of ammo, much more than the .223, but it's not too bad because I don't see myself shooting it as recreation on the range.

Remember, a caliber excellent for red fox is my aim here.

Thanks.

iSnipe /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grinning-smiley-003.gif
 
If you're saving fur, the 223 is gonna cost ya some money in shot up hides. The 223 is great, but just a little "hot" for a thin skinned fox. If you reload, blue dot loads that reduce the velocity will help. 221 Fireball will be better. 22 Hornet, better yet. I've killed quite a few foxes with my Ruger 77/22 hornet and even it is a little nasty on hides if you hit bone.

I've got a Rem 700 in 17 Fireball now and have it set up for foxes with an Optronics light for night hunting. It's super accurate out to 300 yards, and should be about right for foxes. I haven't got to try it on fur yet, but it seems to hold together inside of groundhogs without exiting. Prices on factory loads are a little steep, but I reload everything I shoot, except rimfires.

Speaking of rimfires, the 22 mag is a great fox caliber. Depending on your rifle, it should handle them out to 125-150 yards or so. The 17HMR is another one.

bownut
 
This is the truth: The new 17 Remington Fireball is the ticket for Reds. It has reach enough to take em across a 200 yd field easily, small enough diameter bullet to not make a mess of the fur at 75 yds.

After several years of looking for the perfect fox gun, myself and a couple of other fox chasers have decide that if the bullet is .224 (22 caliber anything) it is gonna leave a exit hole with damage. To me this rules out about everything from the 22 Hornet up through and especially the 223. There are always exceptions to the rule such as catch one at 150 yards with a Hornet or 221 and there is enough energy loss by the time it gets there that you're okay. But you cannot live by exceptions.

The 17 Frieball, just released this year by Remington is available in Remington 700 SPS and Remington Model Seven Predator camo version.

Between Cooper Woods, myself and Vafoxhunter, we've ruined enough fur on fox with 22 calibers to qualify addressing the subject.

It will probably be rougher on Gray fox cause they tend to get alittle closer. But Reds will hang up out there a ways most of the time.

FireballPredator.jpg
 
Sonny...you forgot the 17AH. I can't wait to try out the one I bought from you on fox...if I can get my kid's hands off it. LOL And what about your micro-hunter 17AH? LOL

ISnipe...if you're looking for a factory caliber with off the shelf ammo, go 17FB. If you reload, look into the 17 Ackley Hornet. I forgot to mention that caliber in my original post.

bownut
 
I'll be into reloading. I'm going with RCBS for my equipment, but I'm not set up yet. I will be!

Thanks for the replies. They give me some interesting calibers to look up.

Take care,

iSnipe
 
Do any of you have any other choices, tips or advice about this subject? What's your experience with calibers good for fox without fur damage?

iSnipe
 


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