is the .223 too strong for rabbit?

Not unless you don't plan on eating it! Seriously though, any rifle chambered for 22lr (or 22 Rifle or Short) will do fine.
 
.223 is overkill if you want to eat it or save the pelt. If it's for pest control... it's PERFECT! :)

Sounds like you want to 'hunt', meaning for food... if so, FMJ centrefire is likely not allowed anyway, so .22LR or .22Mag will work just fine. Easy kills at 100 yards or less.
 
Consider the .17hmr, works beautifully on jacks. Keep it to headshots to save internals with 17gr vmax, body shots have been fine for me with the 20s
 
Where you are matters. Wasting game meat is illegal in most places. A .223 will do that.
Rabbits are hunted with shotguns or .22's.
 
Head shots and hollow points. A winning combination.

If you only plan on hunting rabbits with your new rifle I would recommend a. 22lr which is also good for grouse hunting, again head shots are preferred.
 
Give us the complete picture as to what you want to do with this new rifle. Maybe its a reasonable choice, maybe not. If you need it to shoot coyotes as well, 223 might be a reasonable choice. If its just for gophers, rabbits and tin cans, a regular 22 rimfire might be the best bet. 223 ammo is $12 and up per 20 rounds. 22LR is $20 for 500
 
ok thanks everyone i'll go with a 22wmr since i'll maybe hunt some yotes too... but it more for rabbit and gophers.
thx again
 
.223 will leave only pink mist. .22lr or .22wmr is the best choice. .17hmr will do as well. Hell even a higher power pellet rifle, would save the most, if just for gophers and wabbits.
 
mbogo3 said:
Do you eat the head? Head shoot them................Harold
Click to expand...

good point. i have never shot a rabbit in the body even with a 22lr. a 30-06 would work on this theroy a little loud and large but once the head explodes you can get the stew pot ready. why not... get the 223... and if you see a coyote chasing your rabbit you then can drop both ;)
 
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