Fox / Bobcat Loads for 222?

[Anchorite]

I’m thinking that rather than buy a new rifle in a different caliber (and dies and bullets and cleaning stuff), I’ve got a perfectly suitable pest gun in my Deuce.

Was considering a .17 or a .20, but why not stick to the easy choice and run my .222 this fall for cats and Fox? I know, that’s not logical - as if we need any excuse to buy a new rifle - that said, what’s been your experiences with a 222 on bobcat and fox? I am even looking at my old Bluedot data for ideas. TIA

 

[BigBlue 94]

No experience but the triple deuce should handle either out to a few hundred yards. People use 223 successfully on whitetail and they are significantly larger than Wile-E or bobcat.

Plus the triple deuce is just a classy cartridge. Mine is a Rem 722.

 

[horsemen61]

Ttrl

 

[Fyrstyk]

I use 19.0 grains of IMR 4198 with a .55 grain Hornady spire point in my triple deuce, and it has taken fox, wood chucks, coyotes and coon without a problem. Loaded down with 7.5 grains of Unique with the same bullet makes an excellent squirrel rifle out to 100 yards.

 

[Anchorite]

I use 19.0 grains of IMR 4198 with a .55 grain Hornady spire point in my triple deuce, and it has taken fox, wood chucks, coyotes and coon without a problem. Loaded down with 7.5 grains of Unique with the same bullet makes an excellent squirrel rifle out to 100 yards.

Exactly what I was looking for. Thank you.

 

[FL-NC]

I've never used that round but I imagine any load that shoots accurately from it at the ranges you anticipate should do fine on either of those critters. Don't know what kind of fur damage you would end up with, or if that is even a concern for you.

 

[Anchorite]

I've never used that round but I imagine any load that shoots accurately from it at the ranges you anticipate should do fine on either of those critters. Don't know what kind of fur damage you would end up with, or if that is even a concern for you.

I’ve run Blue Dot loads in years past with cast bullets. Figured I’d try it for vermin and use a jacketed bullet for a change. Probably be same POI.
I’m not far from you geographically - I know some old timers that swear by the 22 Hornet for everything up to and including deer - there is no reason the 222 can’t be down loaded to duplicate Hornet level loads. Disclaimer: I am not going to try deer with it.

 

[horsey300]

I’ve run Blue Dot loads in years past with cast bullets. Figured I’d try it for vermin and use a jacketed bullet for a change. Probably be same POI.
I’m not far from you geographically - I know some old timers that swear by the 22 Hornet for everything up to and including deer - there is no reason the 222 can’t be down loaded to duplicate Hornet level loads. Disclaimer: I am not going to try deer with it.

Ok so my fox and bobcat loads are in .223 but you should be able to copycat a close enough, 50 gr spsx and 40 gr vmax, first fox these were tested on was with the spsx at roughly 60-100 yds (buddy's shot with my ammo, I wasn't there) 1 hole in, no hole out. Tested the 40 vmax, bucks the wind better, and same amount of splodey, maybe even more if that's possible, no complaints, not THE max loads but using benchmark, closer to the top end, 20" barrel and we haven't had to sew ANY hide, nor go tracking yet good luck, hope this helps.

 

[MacAR]

This thread reminds me that I need to check the zero on my old Deuce and see if it's still "on".... the groundhogs are starting to move again after the heat of the summer.

Anyhow, I use a 50gr Sierra over 22.2 grs of H322, Super X cases, and Winchester SRP's. My Deuce really likes this load, and it's never failed to knock the critters down. I've tried 55's and they won't stabilize in my rifle. I've also got some 40 and 45 grain Sierras to try at some point, but I just haven't had the time and really don't see the need. If it ain't broke....

Mac