"I only shoot my 204 now at dogs, it's by far the most enjoyable gun for shooting dogs I've ever owned and I will use solid's in it when I start to reload for it, now I use the standard varmint round, and continue to sew when I don't get the front or boiler room shot."
GRitguy, what is your 204? what brand is it, is it an automatic? that is a gun I have been hearing a lot about.

Aaron put me down as a maybe. I would love to go there.

Maybe I missed it what is a good overall caliber for all around predator hunting? I don't want to destroy bobcats and fox. I just want to put them down not explode them

Elitebowman, my 204 is a Ruger M77 Hawkeye special edition made for the FBU as a one of a kind for the NTA convention in New York in 2008, bolt action matted stainless Composite stock, I did put a Timney trigger in. I have an Eagle Eye Optronics adjustable illuminated 6X24X50 scope on it and yes it can shoot just as far as any 22-250 as thats what it displaced I was using for decades.
I am a solid Ruger fan, however I feel that most fine gun makers would do this caliber fine service as well

Was just about to buy one when my friend put in for the raffle for me when I found out they were having it on the raffle. I'm in the scope more than the raffle tickets cost me, one of the few times in my life I really won something nice !

My boy builds AR's and I'm going to have him build on on that platform as soon as parts come available, I've always wanted a caliber with the knockdown at the ranges I shoot in an auto, this one is what I feel would be perfect for me.

The best thing I like about this caliber is staying on shot in the scope, no heavy recoil more like a 223 really but the speed and power are comparable to the 22-250. Such a great feeling to be able to see where you hit instead of just picking them up after the shot. I plan on reloading solids as soon as I'm set back up for reloading.

I've not been bothered by wind or distance either, but must confess I still don't take long shots unless dogs are standing barking and don't leave, I always carry a range finder, and use it first on those dogs due to distance.

It's a great caliber you won't be disappointed with it !

Adam, give me a shout sometime. Heck , I wouldn’t mind going back to NM.

Far as fur friendly calibers go , I’m an ardent fan of sub-.20 calibers with good bullets . Not varmint bullets with plastic in them , but solid performers like Berger .

Thank you Gritguy for the reply. . I don't want the AR style gun, just an automatic , regular style gun. If they make an auto in that style. I am just getting into calling more, just got a Patriot, FOxpro. I want to get as good at killing Yotes as I am with Turkey and deer calling. Would like to have a gun I can shoot well up to at least 200 yards. I have a 22 mag. and I know I can't hit that well out to that with this gun, and my 243 is bigger than I want to save the pelts.

elitebowman....as far as I know no one makes a semi auto in what most would call a predator round.

As far as what caliber? You will find in most cases it is more about the bullet than the caliber. Even your 243 can be used with the right bullet and some one to load it right. That doesn't mean it would be one I would recommend.

I have been reading alot about the 20 tactical and 20 practical. Seems they are so close to my 204 it wouldn't be sensible for me to switch. Although using the less expensive brass of the 223 to make the 20 practical would save me some money.

Aaron Proffitt what sub 20 are you shooting?

Sounds good Aaron. Thanks. What kind of sub 20 do you shoot

I use a 22 Hornet for fox and coyote, I have a friend that uses a 17 Hornet, 25gr hollow points

I have called in coyotes, grays, cats and used all kinds of sounds but have never had any red fox come in and there are a few around. Does anyone know a good sound to use for Red Fox. I have tried red distress a few times with no luck.

On my foxpro I use babee cottontail for red fox, another good one is titmouse tantrum

Adam and il. trapper,

Far as I’m concerned two calibers are the cat’s meow for ammo availability . The . 17 Remington/Fireball and .204 Ruger. There are other great ones by Calhoon , . 19 Calhoon comes to mind .

Here’s the deal. If we’re talking called predators, .204 on down are spectacular as long you don’t use a bullet designed for prairie dogs.
And choose your shots carefully just as you would Big game hunting.

Fact of the matter is , I’ll never understand blowing up good fur . Never.

I’m very intrigued by the . 17 Hornet.

I've carried both shotgun and rifle and there have been hands down more times I wish I had the shotgun than the rifle than the opposite. Shotguns with the right load and right choke are deadly when calling and the pelt damage isn't that bad.

Second that 100% .

What size shells would you guys suggest if shooting a 12 ga shotgun?Would be for fox.
Usually i use my .22 mag,have killed alot of fox with it.

I shoot 3 inch shells in my 12 guage. I like bb size lead or number 2 but a lot of people shoot 4 buck. I've killed some coyotes farther than most people would believe with a shotgun.

X 2
Shot a pile of coon and gray and red fox using a 12 gauge 2 3/4 load of Hi Brass lead 2s....killed coyotes too but like BBs in lead or 3 inch 3 1/2 inch waterfowl T loads in steel...and of course the buckshot loads. Old timer that I was fortunate to have hunted with used to handload wax coated shell buckshot loads in all varieties. He shot a side by side and was deadly with it.

Copper plated B.B. ‘s were hard to beat, now they are hard to find !

What kind of chokes do you guys recommend