Small game centerfire cartridges
- Thread starter brybenn
- Start date
How about the malin levers in 38/357magnum? Load any one of a pile of different options at exactly the velocities you mention.
I loaded up 158 grain semi-wadcutters and round nose with unique powder, to around 850fps. They were very quiet, didnt blow up the bunnies, and was cheap as can be!
You can also load up some high power loads in 357 and shoot deer easily, inside the 125 ish yard disrance. Knocks them down just fine.
I loaded up 158 grain semi-wadcutters and round nose with unique powder, to around 850fps. They were very quiet, didnt blow up the bunnies, and was cheap as can be!
You can also load up some high power loads in 357 and shoot deer easily, inside the 125 ish yard disrance. Knocks them down just fine.
Needs to be under .275 caliber in my area for small game
I've used 9x19mm in my jrc for small game in other areas and it was glorious. However I can use a 270wby but not a 9x19
OP indicated hunting in Southern Ontario where there is a 0.275" caliber restriction. So unfortunately no 38/357 carbine.
Maybe 243 Winchester with TrailBoss?
Just read every post in this thread, and can't help but wonder about what gun/action the OP sees himself carrying when this is all sorted-out. My first inclination is to suggest a CZ527 American in 22Hornet, being a rimfire-sized gun and a caliber that seems to check all the boxes. Handy size/weight. I have no experience loading/shooting the K-hornet, can't comment on that but extra velocity wouldn't probably be required. Which brings me to my next point...
When I tried for almost a year to find ^that exact rifle, I ended-up with a 527 Varmint in 17Hornet. I had been hunting groundhogs for years and spent season #1 with a 17HMR, #2 with a 22WMR, then 223, 243, 204 etc. To be honest, I wasn't sure where the 17H would fit into that. Anchored them out to 200 yards, no exception, but damage was less than 223/204. Report (anecdotal) seems closer to 22WMR than 223.
17 Hornet is not that tricky to load, I use a single-stage press but also use snazzy caliber-specific funnels. Seating isn't as easy as .20/.22 but not bad either. Strikes me that 17 could maybe be loaded down, there are certainly a few bullet options. I've read several accounts of 17H being coyote-capable, I've never tried it myself.
Then there is 218 BEE=at least once a year for the past 3, I've toyed with the idea of playing with this caliber. First time I looked in 2022, there was a Ruger #1 in 218 posted here on CGN. Too much gun for a caliber I was unsure about, but the temptation was there. I also look at 220 swift about as often, no action there either. lol
When I tried for almost a year to find ^that exact rifle, I ended-up with a 527 Varmint in 17Hornet. I had been hunting groundhogs for years and spent season #1 with a 17HMR, #2 with a 22WMR, then 223, 243, 204 etc. To be honest, I wasn't sure where the 17H would fit into that. Anchored them out to 200 yards, no exception, but damage was less than 223/204. Report (anecdotal) seems closer to 22WMR than 223.
17 Hornet is not that tricky to load, I use a single-stage press but also use snazzy caliber-specific funnels. Seating isn't as easy as .20/.22 but not bad either. Strikes me that 17 could maybe be loaded down, there are certainly a few bullet options. I've read several accounts of 17H being coyote-capable, I've never tried it myself.
Then there is 218 BEE=at least once a year for the past 3, I've toyed with the idea of playing with this caliber. First time I looked in 2022, there was a Ruger #1 in 218 posted here on CGN. Too much gun for a caliber I was unsure about, but the temptation was there. I also look at 220 swift about as often, no action there either. lol
...and then there is this, which I'm sure you've guys have seen. No buy-in from me personally, but that's $-related. I'd love to try this! 
I bought a single-shot adapter for my 527 from him.
http://www.jamescalhoon.com/19caliber.php
I bought a single-shot adapter for my 527 from him.http://www.jamescalhoon.com/19caliber.php
The 19 would be cool but hard to source bullets I assumed. I'm trying to avoid the 17s as my daughter will be helping me load and tiny bullets and lil fingers I don't want her pinched.
The cz was one of my top choices but if I go with the 22tcm any 223 will work and I can slap on a lightweight short barrel.
I'd get more use out of a small game rifle then another big game rifle and this way I can teach my daughter to reload for it shoot it and eventually take game with it for the table
The cz was one of my top choices but if I go with the 22tcm any 223 will work and I can slap on a lightweight short barrel.
I'd get more use out of a small game rifle then another big game rifle and this way I can teach my daughter to reload for it shoot it and eventually take game with it for the table
Usually when I see people complaining about reloading 17s is that the tiny bullets are too small for their big ol' sausage fingers. Most of 'em would love a set of lil fingers to deal with the bullets for them lol
Ardent
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
If building on a 527, you’ll want a .221 Fireball (at least the mag) if committed to this TCM idea. Problem with a .223 length mag is there’s a risk they can tip forward when they pass the shoulder of the round they’re sitting on, and likely won’t feed. I’d make a strong argument to just find a .221 Fireball 527 or .22 Hornet and get afield, both are a TCM that’s much easier to live with. And the .221 gives you the option to up the jam when you want.
I'd forget that gimmicky TCM and stick with one of the more common cartridges. You can buy factory 527's in Hornet or Fireball. The 527 American in .221 Fireball would be worth keeping and will hold its value... with the TCM you drop half the value as soon as the chamber is cut... or you have to cut a new chamber to resell... save yourself the headache, the Fireball is a good little cartridge.
Ardent
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Second the motion, and the Hornet really isn’t hard to live with or load for that matter, either. Always heard the “hard to load” Hornet talk, and I’ve collapsed a few… in hundreds loaded. It’s easy to live with. Or, if the weird and wonderful is welcome, my old favourite the .218 Bee. Really, I’d stick to a factory chambering, it’ll provide more miles afield sooner and more smiles in the end.
This all coming from a wildcatter who’s had the illness bad.
This all coming from a wildcatter who’s had the illness bad.
Ardent
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Same mag well, however the mags have a block at the back to keep the cartridge forward and preventing feed issues. The .221 Fireball mag is the same, I’m not confident the Fireball mag would reliably feed the TCM, either, as the TCM case is so short. It’s designed for pistol mags.
A friend came thru and offered to let me use his 25/20 for next squirrel season to see if I like it. Said if it works we could work out a deal which is usually a top shelf single malt a fine cigar and a 4 finger thick ribeye steak. So I think I'm going to shelf the plans on building a rifle for now.
If I find a good deal on a 527 in a hornet the temptation my over come me though
If I find a good deal on a 527 in a hornet the temptation my over come me though
cdn1canhunt
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- southwestern ontario
Not really understanding your need for centerfire .22 for small game. Unless it’s fox and Coyote? The .22 LR rimfire is better medicine less meat damage if shooting for the table. They are less noise and cheaper to shoot. If you are looking for a double duty round for small game and predators I’d go 22WMR but it’s a bit light for coyote and a bit heavy for rabbit and squirrel.
Here in 93a coyotes are the only critter I chase is coyotes with a centerfire rifle and the .223 is lots to kill them. But .204,222,223, 22-250, 243 even the odd guy carrying a .270 they are all pretty common. This is shotgun/muzzle loader only deer hunting country so no use for centerfire rifle for them.
Here in 93a coyotes are the only critter I chase is coyotes with a centerfire rifle and the .223 is lots to kill them. But .204,222,223, 22-250, 243 even the odd guy carrying a .270 they are all pretty common. This is shotgun/muzzle loader only deer hunting country so no use for centerfire rifle for them.
The 25-20 is an excellent choice for squirrels and rabbits. The 86gr jacketed, or similarly weighted cast bullets driven between 1100-1300fps are perfect for small game that you actually want to eat, as the velocities cause little meat damage. If using the cartridge for pests, you can "pump up the volume" considerably, with both 60gr jacketed at almost 2300 fps, or 86's at around 1800-1900 fps.
One fellow claims that the 25-20 is far superior to the 22LR when used on the larger Fox Squirrel species.
I wish someone would chamber the 25/20 in a new gun. As older ones in good shape are not cheap nor easy to find. I'm looking forward to this coming fall. I have a pile of 60gr cast bullets laying around somewhere to play with and I'll pick up some 86gr as well
