Farm Caliber for varmints

GP11

GP11

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Got a question and I need some help. I am not a hunter but I do have a farm with some chickens and a large garden which attracts varmints during the year. I live out in the forest which is quite wooded except for my property which is open. Whenever I have to shoot anything its within 100 yards and for varmints I have been using my 22 k-hornet which works great on groundhogs and raccoons. The problem I am having is getting the 22 hornet round, its starting to get expensive and I am really not having the time I used to, to reload. I shoot targets quite frequently so that is where the ammo is mainly going. My question is.... What other caliber should I be looking at to look after the varmints? I have a CZ 452 in .22 but I am afraid its a little under powered within 100 yards.... or is it? I know shot placement is the key, and I am a decent shot at 100 yards. Use the .22? Or use something larger?
( I do have a .308 for anything larger that decides to come around )

Thanks!
 
go get yourself a 17hmr or a 22wmr. both of those will make short work of a groundhog or similar sized varmint at 100 yards or more. and either one will take care of a fox or coyote out to 100 yards.
 
GP11 said:
I have used the 17hmr before and I was amazed how accurate it was, and it would be fine on fox or coyote within 100 yards?
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I wouldn't use it on coyotes, it's really quite small for that. I've shot a few with the 17, and they always require several rounds unless you get them in the head at relatively close range. Are you concerned about pelt damage or are you just trying to eliminate them? If the latter, just use your 308.
If you need an excuse for a new gun, get a 223. Cheapest ammo for a centrefire varmint caliber.
 
Anything coyote size & smaller inside 150-200 yards is .223 bait. This will be the best round for the economy to deliver both your target needs and 150 yard varmint!!!
 
So if I reserve the .308 for coyotes and pick up a 17hmr for foxes, raccoons and groundhogs I should be fine? It just seems like I can get more 17hmr rifle for the price, than I can in .223.... just trying to keep the cost down.
 
GP11 said:
So if I reserve the .308 for coyotes and pick up a 17hmr for foxes, raccoons and groundhogs I should be fine? It just seems like I can get more 17hmr rifle for the price, than I can in .223.... just trying to keep the cost down.
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I think that would be a fairly good set-up. I've used a 17hmr to dispatch quite a few varmints up to fox size. It works wonderful I'd say. That said I now own a 22mag just cause I'm a junky :)
 
Get a CZ in .22 Mag and you are good to go.
How many racoons do you shoot at the 100 yrd. mark?
Are you practicing for raccoon sniper school?
Now, if your need is for a 100 yrd gun then there is a different tool in the tool box and the .223 might fit the bill.
Thats just my take on your situation this morning.
Rob
 
When I saw the title, I thought "K-Hornet..." I would stick with it... I love mine, but I reload for them. 40 V-Max over 13.5 grains of Lil' Gun... Git r' dun, son!
 
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unless you are wanting a new iron, the time and money it takes to go buy one would be better spent building ammo for your K Hornet.

You could always waste less ammo on targets and have it for varmints...which incidentally make great targets.
 
BrotherRockeye said:
unless you are wanting a new iron, the time and money it takes to go buy one would be better spent building ammo for your K Hornet.

You could always waste less ammo on targets and have it for varmints...which incidentally make great targets.
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This makes the most sense to me.

You already have a .22 rimfire, and a K-hornet and a .308. Sounds like you're pretty covered for farm varmint work.

Only reason to get another rifle is you just want one, otherwise get more ammo, or into reloading.
 
a good .222 or .223 will fit the bill to over 200 yards no problem ( i love to reload). Closer in just a .22 or .22 mag. will fit the bill. Head shots are the ticket. just put on a scope and practice, that will give you the confidence in your shots.
 
You're not hunting, but were your forest is matters somewhat. Raccoons are a small game species, not varmints. So you need to CYA yourself and make sure it's legal where you are. .22 Mag and any other odd rf cartridge will be expensive. In any case, the .223 is what you need. Think bolt action vs something like a Mini-14. Mini-14's are fun, but are not accurate and are way over priced.
 
Another vote for 22 mag here. Flat enough at the 100 yard range your looking at and adequate for a coyote at that range. Will be hell on the coon population as well.
 
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