Can't decide on a caliber for fox/coyote/bobcat. I have lots of 22lrs and 30 cals but nothing that fits that need. I'd also like to be able to afford to shoot it as it's kinda expensive to shoot most of my bigger guns.

My requirements are:
-inexpensive to shoot
-ammo available
-range up to 150 yards
-doesn't ruin pelts if I do my part

Calibers I'm considering:
-22 Mag
-22 Hornet
-223
-243

I'm kinda leaning towards the mag or the 223 but one seems to lack range and the other a bit too much.

.223 with the right bullet make up and stay away from the shoulder shoot behind it. A lot of guys here load up their rounds then shoot the shoulder plate causing the bullet to do way more damage then needed. I bought a pile of 45 gr .223 HP when cheaper then dirt was just that and they work the best for me, just shoot and put up very little damage.

.223 or r.204

I like the sounds of that and the availability of ammo for the 223.

Out of those choices, the hornet. But the cheap shooting goes a little out the window with that one. the 22mag is marginal at best of 150 yard dogs and the 223 and 243 will turn a fox inside out in 150 yards or less.

Listen to Law Dog.^^^^

3 for the 223 and 1 for the hornet. I should mention that I haven't done it in a while but I do reload.

.223 from the back porch (125 yds) AR sited in for that 3 for 3 last year!

fox and 243winny is similar to prairie dogs and 22-250. Devastating. 22H if reload and .223 if don't

Just from your choices, the 223 and don't look back. Pick your shots when you have the time though.

If ya had the 204 in there I would have picked that one instead, simply cause I've been shooting mine quite a while now and I love it !!

Tactical.20 mentioned the 204 as well but I don't see any cheap ammo for that. I don't mind reloading for the hunting rounds but I'd like to be able to pick up cheap ammo at the store.

Nice! What about on fox/bobcat? Guessing clean hit is key?

To cover fox, coyote, and bobcat I would recommend .223 as well. I hunted predators for years with 22-250 before I bought an AR and started hunting them with it. I definitely like the .223 round better if you have a good chance of calling in a bobcat or fox. I had to try different bullet types before I settled on a simple hollowpoint for them. Out of my gun the Vmax was too explosive and inconsistent on performance but results vary depending on barrel length and twist. I shoot a 55 grain hollowpoint and I put it on the shoulder. Rarely have an exit and that shot placement anchors them. Bought a bunch of hornady steelmatch 55 hp when they were on sale a few years back and that is my practice and hunt round. It gets the job done.

I reload all my rifles and pistols, learned long ago it was way cheaper to do so than wander around or shop for cheap factory loads. However I don't just go out and plink either any more. Moved past that when the kids grew up and got their own stuff.

I simply don't trust old or cheap loads for fur work, to many things that may go wrong at the shot.

The 223 will do what you need, the 243 is over kill for your range and the others can't be trusted for sure kills. No matter how many people say so !!

If you reload the answer is .223 Remington. Starting loads would mimic a 22 Hornet or 221 Fireball and meet every one of your requirements.

Well that pretty much answer that I'd say. Anyone for any opinions on the Savage axis with the 1:9 twist rate?

I would vote for the 204. Clean kills on a coyote with almost zero fur damage and I would imagine would be easy on a fox if you stay away from the shoulder as Law Dog said. Ammo wont be as cheap as 223, but a cheap gun and cheap ammo might not make the best combo. But a 223 will do just fine.

For inexpensive and versatile I would recommend the .223, However, don't over look to .243 if you reload. You can get a nice FMJ from sierra and increase your range considerably when comparted to the .223. I have shot several prairie dogs at the 300+ range, never shot a coyote with it... but that isn't the guns fault, I get a little excited sometimes haha. My buddie took a coyote at 226 yds with my Howa .243 ranchland carbine, barely any hole at all.

I would say tactical.20, but then you have to load and make your own, r.204 I suggested because you can buy those bullets and don't have to make your own

222 lol my favorite for fox and yotes................

BUT I got a sweet 22 mag. 30 gr hornady does a number on all species without blowing a hole in them. Shoot yotes like you would a deer. Boiler room and 150 yrds. Shoot for the head or neck and your good out to 200............ optics optics optics !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!