Centerfire small game

B

brybenn

CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Rating - 100%
53   0   0
Location
southern ontario
Everyone loves fast varmint guns myself included however ive been wanting a reloadable centerfire for close range small game hunting that wont destroy the edible game.
I used a jrc 9mm with fmj with great success but ive been thinking of something even less powerful sorta like the old rook rifles. I have several projects on the go now but thought if i had a good general idea i can buy up parts if i come across them. So far im thinking reduced loads in a 25/20 with cast bullets or a 25 acp with all its mighty power. After all a cotton tail rabbit may be the biggest game shot at besides a crow. Was wondering if there was something i overlooked. I do live in a caliber restricted area so anything under 275 is even better. I can only use my 9x19 when i travel north.
Ive looked into small caliber muzzle loaders and id rather stay with smokeless reloadable brass cased.
 
I have a lee metford i rebarreled to 25-20 using a win92 barrel
I load from 1000-2000fps with 90gr cast. Works well

Im also working on converting a cooey to center fire and rebarreling with a 25 stevens barrel and chambering it for 25acp

I also had a lee metford rifle chambered in 32 H&R that would shoot 32 S&W short and long
 
To stay under .275 doesn't leave too many options for readily available brass. .25-20 may be your best bet.
How about .25 Hornet?
 
Given the price of ammo/brass and availability, what options does he have?
If 9mm is doing the job, wouldn't a .22 be the next step down before going into obscure calibers?

I understand he doesn't want to damage the harvested meat, but wouldn't a .22lr do the job? One bullet, one headshot?
Please forgive my ignorance, I am sincerely asking this question.

I have always wanted to keep my stock of guns in common/available calibers. Perhaps I am not "advanced" enough in the hobby.
 
OP wants a reloadable centerfire, and because of his location, under .275 is desirable.
Of course .22LR would work fine - but he is looking for a project, not the easiest solution.
 
Why not just download a .223 or .22 Hornet?

I have TB loads for both and they work great... I even have a .22 Cal. 14.3 grain pellet pressed into the neck of a .22 Hornet case load propelled by the primer only... surprisingly accurate out to 25 yards and will easily take out grouse and rabbits... I did a post about it a few years back in the reloading forum. With reloading you have lots of options... from a "bullet options" perspective, I would stick with .22 cal cartridges.
 
tiriaq said:
OP wants a reloadable centerfire, and because of his location, under .275 is desirable.
Of course .22LR would work fine - but he is looking for a project, not the easiest solution.
Click to expand...

Thank you! I wasn't trying to be an arse!:redface:

hoytcanon said:
Why not just download a .223 or .22 Hornet?

I have TB loads for both and they work great... I even have a .22 Cal. 14.3 grain pellet pressed into the neck of a .22 Hornet case load propelled by the primer only... surprisingly accurate out to 25 yards and will easily take out grouse and rabbits... I did a post about it a few years back in the reloading forum. With reloading you have lots of options... from a "bullet options" perspective, I would stick with .22 cal cartridges.
Click to expand...

Interesting...
 
Brutus said:
Some Euro ammunition makers provide downloaded centrefire rifle ammo. RWS offers 22 Hornet loaded to only 2200 fps for taking hare and capercallie shorter distances.
Click to expand...

I like subsonic loads for grouse with the Hornet and .223... easily doable and quite accurate... 1000 - 1100 fps with a 40 - 50 grain SP.
 
Junction said:
Given the price of ammo/brass and availability, what options does he have?
If 9mm is doing the job, wouldn't a .22 be the next step down before going into obscure calibers?

I understand he doesn't want to damage the harvested meat, but wouldn't a .22lr do the job? One bullet, one headshot?
Please forgive my ignorance, I am sincerely asking this question.

I have always wanted to keep my stock of guns in common/available calibers. Perhaps I am not "advanced" enough in the hobby.
Click to expand...

I have ten 22lr rifles a 22mag and a 17 mach2 all of which work fine. I just want something to play with
 
hoytcanon said:
Why not just download a .223 or .22 Hornet?

I have TB loads for both and they work great... I even have a .22 Cal. 14.3 grain pellet pressed into the neck of a .22 Hornet case load propelled by the primer only... surprisingly accurate out to 25 yards and will easily take out grouse and rabbits... I did a post about it a few years back in the reloading forum. With reloading you have lots of options... from a "bullet options" perspective, I would stick with .22 cal cartridges.
Click to expand...

I have two 223 rifles. A beautiful winchester with flur de lis checking and perfect bluing that isnt accurate enough with light loads to hit paper at 30 yards consistently. Its not all that steller with any load for that matter. 1.5" 3 shot group maybe on a good day. My other is in a mdt chassis and set up for coyote hunting. I dont have a 22 hornet to play with yet
 
Brutus said:
Some Euro ammunition makers provide downloaded centrefire rifle ammo. RWS offers 22 Hornet loaded to only 2200 fps for taking hare and capercallie shorter distances.
Click to expand...

2200fps is still pretty hard on small animals if i were to take anything but a head shot. I was hoping for something like a pistol velocity
 
rkm456 said:
221 Fireball is the answer you seek.
Click to expand...

That was my original intention with the last 223 i bought but the folks at mdt stated it likely wouldnt feed thru their mags so i decidied on a 20 tac but i made the mistake of shooting the original 223 and well it shoots to good to rebarrel so ill rebarrel after i wear the barrel out.
 
brybenn said:
2200fps is still pretty hard on small animals if i were to take anything but a head shot. I was hoping for something like a pistol velocity
Click to expand...

I was thinking the 25-20 or 25 Hornet might have been the answer but those are a little hotter than you are looking for too I suspect.
One of the 32 revolver cartridges would be nearly perfect except for the diameter restrictions.
32 S&W long necked down to .257" is the best fit I can think of but getting dies and a reamer made might be expensive. Take a look at the listings of Ch4d for ideas.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom