Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Predators and Varmints Caliber/Bullet That Will Put Em Down and Yet Preserve The Hide

Title says it all except varmint.

Coyote/Bobcat at 200 yards and under.

Take them clean and yet have a pelt that will sell.

As long as you don't put one on shoulder bones, Barnes Varmint Grenades.

Or use a 17 Rem. with 25gr. Remington bullets, but still need to stay off shoulder bones.

Over the coarse of 17 years I have shot and tested on coyotes, bobcat and fox 53 different bullets in 224 caliber. None will work 100% of the time with out some pelt damage, most can be sewn up.

When I hunt over bait in thick cover, shots less than 100 yards, a 22 WMR and head shots. In Michigan we can only use rimfires at night.

My votes for various 17 calibers that shoot a 25 gr. bullet at 3400fps or faster. I can't remember seeing a bobcat or coyote shot under 200 yards that moved much with the above combinations.

This topic is likely to engender a lot of varying opinions. I've shot a lot of called in coyotes with the 17 Remington, 222, 223, 22-250 and 220 Swift. Coyotes can generally take a bit more punishment than than bobcats without as much fur damage. On a small bobcat, the 22-250 and 220 Swift can be a bit harsh. I've had to skin a couple of cats that the 223 did a pretty sorry number on but the bullet selection was more the issue than the cartridge itself.

For the conditions you are describing, cats and coyotes at 200 yards and under, the 17 Remington would be my choice. I've shot a lot of coyotes and a few cats with it and cannot say enough good about it. You'll rarely if ever have an exit wound with Hornady's 25 grain HP. I cannot speak to the other currently available bullets in the 17. They were not available when I had mine. I will have a new one again soon. One of my left handed Charles Daly mini Mauser actions is going to Pacnor next week to be barreled to 17 Remington.

My second choice in the rounds I listed would be the 222. It's a classic and will anchor either critter solidly at the distances you expect to be shooting. If you want to go with a popular round with readily available ammo then the 223 would be a good choice. I would lean toward the 50 grain SX or TNT type bullets. In my experience with the 223, the 52-55 grain bullets tend to exit and often times, not so gently. I've never messed with a tight twist 223 and really heavy bullets but I suspect that while they might exit, the damage would be minimal.

Of course doing your best to place your shot will reduce some of the fur damage. I've unzipped a few coyotes with fringe hits down the spine as they were leaving the area. Makes for a lot of sewing. Neck shots are usually pretty unfriendly to fur. The straight on frontal chest shot is a good fur saver but not always one you can count on getting. You're going to get some exits and some fur damage from time to time but the 17 Remington or 222 Remington will go a long ways toward mitigating that.

At 200 yards and under there really is no need for 22-250 or 220 Swift. They will perform well much of the time, especially on coyotes, but you will suffer more fur damage with them than any of the light rounds. Especially with the lighter framed cats.

You might also consider the 204. I have no experience with it but hear nothing but praise for it from several of my friends. Judging from what they tell me it should fit right in with the 17 and 222 as a 200 yard fur friendly chambering. Good luck.

Mart

Neck shot with 204 and it will look like you punched paper. Like coyote whacker said though you hit a bone that is close to the surface my little 32gr vmaxs make about a 3" diameter hole.

20 Tactical with a 40gr B-Tip or a 35 gr Berger if you can find them. I run 17 cal with a 25 for when foxes are in. switch to the Tac when it only coyotes.

.17 Rem.



Travis

Another vote for the 17Rem.

222 would be my second choice for your criteria.

The pussy slayer hath spoken.

Close thread.



Travis

17 Rem.

Had to get my 2 cents in.

223 with 52 gr tsx. really anchors them.
22-250 55 gr rem psp works pretty good enough that I wonder why I spend the coin on the TSX

17 Hornet has quickly grabbed my attention around 30 foxes and it zaps the life out of them minimal fur damaged

My 17 Rem with the Berger 25 gr HP

I have never shot a 17 Rem but I have a buddy who kills 100 cats a year and swears by it. He even built a few other 17s that he likes better. We have all tried the 17 HRM and it is just not good medicine for coyotes. It works good on foxes though.

I use a .222 but I can't guarantee that it won't exit and mess something up. I use 50 grain Vmax. It would generally stay in a large coyote but will mess a bobcat up and unless you can get a frontal shot.

I kill 90% with #2 Hevishot myself. I carry the 222 to the stand for the coyotes that hang up though.

dantheman,

What bullet are you using in your .17 Hornet on foxes?

The vmax 20gr hornady have not reloaded any yet in like a pin hole blows up inside have not had a bone splash yet...my 19 hornet was not as fur friendly with calhoons new 32gr saber bullets saving that for ground hogs

223 Remington
26.5g of Win 748
55g Winchester soft point with cannalure
3050 fps out of a 24" barrel
1/2" accuracy or better
Rarely exits coyotes

I have had more than a few 17 Remingtons, and I had rather eat a rat than own another one, unless it was a custom with a turn neck.