What is the best round for shooting a cat to not tear it all up (wanting to get a mount)? Would a 17 HMR work, or get up to the 22 calibers?

What distance?

I like a 12ga 45 yards and in. More I’d go with 22 mag and copper plated lead. 17hmr will do just fine but I have seen on some shots where it end ups blowing up on the body and messing up the pelt. It’s definitely not the norm but never seen a 22 mag as described do that.

I guess distance could vary on my patience, lol. I haven't dedicated a hunt for bobcats, so I haven't really been able to study their habits, reactions to call, day time - night time, etc.

We've always shot them with .223 and the mounts turn out great

.22LR

223 and 40 gr Nosler BTs didn’t tear em up. 220 with 55 gr NBTs did

Good choices

I shy away from 22 Mags and 17 HMR's.

Just a .223 with 55 or 60gr VMax bullets works great. Not torn up many bobcats with that load.

17HMR, 22mag, 22TCM. All work just fine 0-100 yards. I can tell you with absolute certainty that a 30-06 and 178eldx is too much for 15 yards

17 Remington is probably the best but the suggestion on a 223 with 60gr VMax was a good one.

17 Remington is my favorite for things like this and inside 300 yards is my favorite coyote rifle. Most have been just a bang flop.

Thanks everyone. Good information by all

I have killed lots of them with a .22 LR and even more with a .22 Mag but most of them were when the dogs had them treed. When calling, I use would recommend a .223 with Hornady Superformance 50 grain V Max ammo.
Adios,
Gary

I always have a 12 gauge with #4 buck on hand when calling cats, coyotes & fox for shots under 50 yards. I also carry a 22-250 with Winchester 45 GR JHP. Very fur friendly load. I would stay under 50 GR bullets IMHO, if you're worried about fur damage. I don't have much experience hunting with a 17, so I wouldn't know about those. I think when it comes to cats though, shot placement is key. Bobcats are tough little suckers... Good luck.

.17 HMR with a 17gr. 'TNT' bullet will NOT exit and generally makes a small entrance hole as well. Keep shots under 125 yds. 50-100 yds being ideal. Stay OFF of the shoulder.

Cats are not hard to kill....so any small caliber round will do.

223 with 40gr BNT has worked great for me as it doubles as a mediocre hog round too if I see them when calling. I've shot many foxes and cats with a 17hmr as well. Just keep your shots close if you can.

17 Hornet up close 125yds and in, 204 40gr from near to far.

,221 fireball

If you can get close, say within 50 yards a .22 short. Or maybe a PCP airgun like a .257 caliber Airforce Texan shooting a 80 gr Hollow point.

.223

I shot a few w my 17 hmr

Works great

Back in the 70's I used and old tube fed Marlin in 22 mag and rarely messed up a hid, I can only imagine the 17 HMR doing as well or better.

Let us know what you pick