I’ve heard the triggers are very heavy on the new Winchester Xpert rifles… I also have the opportunity to buy a savage a17 in 17 WSM. But, there are VERY mixed reviews on that rifle.

Thanks yoyetrapper30. I missed the last sentence.

On that note I would vote Fireball. Easier to get super accurate loads vs Hornet.

Yeah,bud. Been hearing that,too.

my son bought a ruger 77/17 WSM and that thing don't group worth a darn. It's a nice rifle but just don't shoot good

My experience is fox are very easy to kill, bobcats are much tougher unless solidly anchored. Many others have given some great advice. A rimfire will/has worked in a pinch, but would not be my first choice if a suitable centerfire is available. A 222/223 with a 50/52 gr bullet has always given acceptable performance in both killing and minimal pelt damage. A 204 with 32gr V-max has worked great for coyotes, have not shot a fox/cat with one so may be a bit much. 22-250/22-250AI shooting 52gr A-max has given some unacceptable damage on coyotes so wouldn’t want to use for fox/cat.

First one I bought was a Savage and it did not like the lighter loads one bit. Went to the 25 gr and the rifle is incredible.
I was on the range with it some years back, dead calm, and one of the guys put 5 consecutive rounds into a group at exactly 235 yards that you could cover with a card from a playing deck, I know because that’s what we did.
The gun was locked in tight with a lead sled and bags.

I believe any .17 with the proper bullet will do just fine on cats, fox, and the occasional coyote within reasonable distances and in qualified hands.

Osky

then buy another rifle

if you are looking for versatility to do many things , then ammo change is a way to accomplish it when projectiles are basically the same.

want to shoot fox part of the year and play rifle games out to 1/4 mile or so another part of the year , you get good with what you practice with and what you challenge yourself with.

I see too many people shoot from the bench and wonder why they aren't hitting away from the bench

getting off the bench , forcing yourself to take the shots from uncomfortable positions kneeling , prone , sitting , standing , hood of truck , holding a sapling for support , shots that need to be taken quickly

my theory is go with a good and available ammo so you are not fighting to get brass and components and off the shelf loaded ammo is always an option , then shoot it a lot in what ever load you choose.
one day you might get too busy to load a bunch of ammo and then you are a trip to the store buy a few boxes , take a few rounds to sight in and go hunt , shoot , defend , what ever your need/want is then.

and absolutely get another gun. heck build 2 exactly how you like so you have a backup.

This was my favorite .204 Ruger round for called coyote and cats. I really don’t have fox . But this was so consistent. Never had to sew.

Here's a link to some bullet and loading data from a users forum:

https://www.xxlreloading.com/caliber-load-data/.221-rem.-fireball

The Fireball avoids the problems the Hornet has with rim configuration. Also more versatile for powders and bullet selection.
,
Aaron,
I like the .20 calibers, but for someone starting out maybe not the best first choice.

And the centerfire .17's work wonders on woodchucks. Barely see the entrance hole, and I've never seen an exit. Chuck is mush inside. Don't see why, if someone reloads, that any of those won't work. Keep velocities @3900 or less reduces much copper fouling noticeably.

Bob cats are thin skinned. The 5.7x28 is becoming really popular amongst fellers in bush villages. Very similar ballistics to the .22 Hornet, doesn't mangle hides, more bullet options and gun options than a few years ago. Very capable at the range you originally quoted, 100 yards. I've killed fox and lynx out to 200 yards.

I used to hunt with a few hound guys. 2 of us used 12ga. 31/2 inch with success. I also used a 17hmr with good success out to 100yd. The other guy always used a 22 mag, and he was very successful.

I’m really considering a 20 practical just to eliminate the “issue” of acquiring brass