Silly to buy a new rifle for this hunt? SACRILEGE here! Someone get some rope and a fire started!!!! Doesn't Re Load? Double hot fire!!!!
Do you have or can you get a 22WMR? They can be had inexpensively and often are ideal for that class of game.
There are a couple of companies that load ammo with the Barnes Varmint Grenade, which USUALLY blow up inside of an animal, but if they dont', the pelt damage will be quite severe.
I think you have a PERFECT excuse to buy a 222, 22 Hornet, or other adequate and fur friendly rifle. 17 Remington is often cited for this purpose and MART from here has used one a great deal for furbearer hunting.
Find a freind who will help you load up the right load. If you lived near here I would invite you over. Just bring the supplies. Handloading and Reloading are fun hobbies in themselves.
Good Luck! Sounds like a really fun hunt!
