Predator caliber.

I'm really not wanting to spend the money on a 223 so I was wondering if a 22 or 22 mag would work for bobcats, coyotes, and Fox.? I don't do very many predator hunts so it's hard to spend a lot of money on a rifle for it.

night...
full-choke 12ga...
#2 shot...
50yds...

Depends...if you are close enough and you have good bullet placement sure but if you're looking to stretch it out then not as much. You can pretty much pick up a .223 in an AR platform for a little more than what a decent .22 mag costs....I think.

Here in Tennessee we are limited to rimfire cartridges for a good deal of the year. We do hunt with the 22 Mag and have killed several dozen coyotes with it. We have also had 5-6 run off that were not recovered. It isn't the best choice, but it will get the job done if you place your shots carefully. Same goes for bobcats and fox. Well placed shots will kill them.

Be prepared to pass up shots if they aren't definite killing shots. It's frustrating to do but necessary.

I wouldn't depend on the 22LR at all. Not enough gun to get the job done reliably.

If you are not selling pelts or wanting to mount the animals, just shoot whatever caliber you hunt deer with.

Give us a bit more information about your "normal" hunting conditions. If all your opportunities are in the 50 yard range, a well placed 22 mag will take out the predators you mention. Out any further than that, chances are you'll be able to wound them and/or maim them more often than you will kill them. The 22 mag just doesn't retain much energy and therefore killing shots at longer ranges really become problematic. Get yourself an inexpensive .204 or .223; they won't cost much more than a good 22 mag.

A H&R single shot 223 would be pretty cheap. Very accurate gun as well. If you use a 22, buy stinger shells. If you keep the range 50 yards and less and can shoot, they will kill any that you mentioned.

[quote=therock]A H&R single shot 223 would be pretty cheap. Very accurate gun as well.
Yea you can pick up a used rig for around $200

I say.243 that way you can deer hunt with it and shoot pigs also

With bottom end Savage rifles to be had for $200 or less, I wouldn't even think about the Handi Rifles. I've had numerous and liked them but they don't compare to a good bolt action for your only rifle.

If your wanting a .22 or .22 mag I would get the .22 mag. It's a great gun. I shoot hogs with them all of the time

My old tube feed Marlin 22 mag made me allot of money back in the 70's when I was selling hides and this was before the hi-velocity 30 grain rounds were available. Head shots were the shot of choice and keep it inside 50 to 75 yards, on yotes and cats I prefer it over the 17 HMR. With that said you might want to take a look at the 17 WSM with the 25 grain bullet. I've taken 3 yotes with my Savage B-Mag, one head shot and two body shots to the chest, they wasn't running but they was walking either. Both of the body shots went down inside 25 yards. If your going to stick with the 22 caliber then go with the 22 Mag.

Hmmm.......I've got a Handi-Rifle in .223 with a 3X9X40 on it and it's a dadgum tack driver. Ear shots on hogs at +/- 125yds all day long using 55gr SP's.......

what are you looking to spend? theres lot of pre-scoped bolt gun Walmart options in 223 for around 300. but they also have some pre-scoped 22s for around 200.

I like the recommendation of using your normal deer rifle rather than limiting your self and at some point being disappointed. If you have the correct caliber look at even using Reduced recoil ammo ... I have a buddy who uses 308 reduced load Rem ammo.

you could prob find a solid deal on a 223 not much more than a 22 mag

X2

I have three .223s, but it seems that I kill way more coyotes while deer hunting. Most that I take seem to fall to a .30-06, .270, .308, or a .243 as targets of opportunity.