I’ve decided I need a rimfire with some power behind it. It’s intended purpose will be bobcat and fox hunting, with emphasis to the Bobcats. Maximum 100 yard shot distances.The ability to ethically kill a coyote if one shows up would be good as well.

My only experience with rimfires is a 22LR so input and experiences are appreciated

I’m looking at Ruger American rimfire rifles

EDIT : i’m not tied to a rimfire cartridge, but I definitely want a more fur friendly option than my 223 for Bobcats/fox. I would also consider a 22 hornet or 17 hornet.

I have a buddy that bought a CZ512 22 mag semiautomatic that shoots very well out to 100 yards.

I have taken many coyotes, cats and fox with my 22 mag. over the years. Good shot placement is always key particularly when using this caliber rimfire.

I'd like a .17 Hornet but most of the ammunition I'm seeing for it are the polymer tips ,which I loathe .

In a past life, I relied on a .17 Rem for the very job you're describing. I shot .25 gr. Berger match bullets. I got similar results with a .204 Ruger , also shooting Berger match bullets. The outcomes were always predictable. Bang,flop and no exit. Small entry but the damage inside the ribs was audible when I'd shake them. Sounded like Jell-o in a pillowcase.

Funny, you mentioned that, 17 fireball is high on my list as well, along with its center fire cousins

Bullet selection has a lot to do with how fur friendly a cartridge is. Ive shot a fair number of cats with my 243 and with heavier constructed bullet im happy with the outcome. Shotgun is very underrated from 50/60 yds and in.

I would think .17 hmr I've heard how they have almost no drop

and they are powerful

I'd recommend that one, too. Be careful , though, my friend ; you can find yourself going down a very fun rabbit hole. Lol

The .19's are so fun , too.

Curious on your .243 bullet choice for fur. I personally like a 80-90gn soft point as an all around, but haven't hunted many furbearers.

17 hmr would work fine but if it's not for fur dead is dead so we love 223 with varmet bullet and shoot them through the solder for less damage.

Shoulder

Grandson has a 17 rimfire. Really likes it. I have a 22 hornet. Does a fine job with 40 grain nosler ballistic tips. (vmax are NOT the same at all) Never had a reason to get something else.

Yep that's what I was using. Rem cor-lok. Those varmint bullets in a 243 were not fur friendly for me

I've tried that. Here's the issue , when I was using a .17 HMR for coyotes I was also using an Airedale terrier as a decoy dog . Sometimes , the coyote would drop at the crack of that little gun . But more often than not, they would run leaving zero blood on the ground. Thankfully , my dog would be able to followup and recover the coyote. Never had the chance to see the result on bobcats. It'd probably be pretty decent on cats ,but if you're also wanting to be able to take coyotes ,too, I'd leave the HMR at home. Unless you have an Airedale who's looking for a fight ,regardless.

Thanks Yessir

I will add the remington core lok ammo ive bought in the last 8 years doesn't shoot anywhere as good as the older stuff I have.

I shot a lot of coyotes with my 270. I also had a 30-30 back then but its tough to hit a coyote at 250 yards with iron sights and a 30-30. Loaded the 270 with 130 grain sierra game king boat tails. They were dead right there almost always. When you get to them the exit wound will make you think the pelt is worthless. After skinning and washing though there is really a tear stead of a softball size hole. About 4 inches long. After sewing and stretching they are still very marketable. I imagine a lot of cartridges/bullets are like that. The question was bobcats though. Best not to need to sew or wash bobcats.

who made or makes a 19?

You can order custom barrels for the .19 Badger , .19 Calhoon, and .19-223.
www.jamescalboon.com