The ultimate (affordable) FOX Rifle

coobie · Jun 22, 2014

Piston said:
I just learned that I can't shoot anything over 22 caliber after dark. Hmmm.

Not really a show stopper since I really don't see myself shooting much at night, but supposedly it is more of a noise concern than anything.

I'm wondering how much louder is a .223 than a .22? Is it a world of difference or just a bit louder?

My .357 revolver is very loud, so compared to something like that and a 22?

I'd like to hold the rifles in my hand before buying, but the fun shops near me don't have tons of options. Also, I don't enjoy the gun shopping process much so I don't see myself driving a couple hours to hold a gun.

I'm not worried about ammo availability in the least bit.

If that's the case I would go 22 mag with a 40-50 grain bullet.

Piston · Jun 22, 2014

Bigfoot62 said:
MidwayUSA is one of the largest online ammo supplies.
They only have TWO choices available in .223: Full metal jacket for $33/box or ballistic tips for $77/box (50 count boxes)

A couple years ago, I could walk into a gun shop and choose from a dozen or more varieties in .223.

IJS, it ain't like it used to be.

I wasn't doubting what your saying Bigfoot, I'm just pointing out that for my uses and the amount I shoot, it's relatively easy for me to get enough ammo. If I shot even half as much as a lot of you guys, I'd be a lot more concerned with it, and I can see why other people are concerned as well.

Bigfoot62 · Jun 22, 2014

Piston said:
I wasn't doubting what your saying Bigfoot, I'm just pointing out that for my uses and the amount I shoot, it's relatively easy for me to get enough ammo. If I shot even half as much as a lot of you guys, I'd be a lot more concerned with it, and I can see why other people are concerned as well.

Understood.

And, I wasn't schooling you either. Just pointing out that WHEN you can find ammo in the caliber you need, it may not be exactly what you wanted. For instance, if you have your scope dialed in for a 40 grain ballistic tip and all you can buy is a 55 grain FMJ.

k0ua · Jun 22, 2014

What is interesting (or disgusting) is that .223 and 9MM and other common calibers are a lot more available than the .22LR round. I found about 6 or 7 thousand rounds in a gun shop the other day, but the cheapest they had was $60 per brick,( imported brands) and went up to $100 per brick for the domestic brands like CCI. At least common centerfire rounds are available if not in the quantities and selections you would always want, but the .22LR remains an elusive beast unless you want to pay a real premium for them.

Bigfoot62 · Jun 22, 2014

James,
Unfortunately, you're correct. Price gouging seems to be the norm now. That's the reason I haven't bought any lately. I don't have to, so I choose not to.
There is a LGS near me, (my favorite BTW) that is not jacking the price up. Their problem is supply. They just can't seem to get their hands on much .22lr. When they do get a small shipment in, they limit sales to 100 rounds per customer. They try to save enough to give everyone who buys a new .22 a box with their gun. I respect that, and haven't even asked them to save me a box or two, even though I know they would. They are really good folks, and I love doing business with them.

Dozernut · Jun 22, 2014

I have a .17 HMR Marlin rifle with the bull barrel and a 3x9 variable power scope. It is a tack driver and I have no doubt a well placed shot will take down a fox or coyote. The bullet is frangible and does a lot of damage when it hits. You do not want to hunt game that you will consume because it will fairly destroy a small animal or bird. I really like this gun and is one of my go to guns, the downside is the small round is affected by the wind. So on a windy day choose another heavier caliber.

whistlepig · Jun 22, 2014

I have never hunted coyotes but killed many fox with a rifle. .222 or .223 has always been the ideal cartridge for me. I have several guns mounted with 3x9 Leupolds. Still for fox hunting a 4x12 seems the best power scope for me.

oosik · Jun 22, 2014

Dozernut,
I know what you mean about wind drift. My custom 22-250 shoots a 64 grain bullet. At times I wish I would have had the rifle chambered for 25-06.
Whistlepig,
Coyotes are easy to call. I use a tape loop of rabbit screaming & boom box. Problem with coyotes - they are about 60-75% hair ball and the remainder is body. The shot must be center mass or it just zings thru the hair.
Ammo of any type is so expensive now, and there is no longer a bounty on coyotes, that I only actually hunt them a couple times/year.

Piston · Jun 22, 2014

Well, I'm already sick of shopping/researching the next rifle.

I figured if I wait to get too many choices I'll never decide, so I just placed my order for the Mossberg MVP Predator with 20" barrel.
Mossberg MVP PREDATOR 20" FLUTED 223 LAM 10RD $500.00 SHIPS FREE

Next up is which scope to go with. I think I'm going to go with the Leupold VX3 but I'm going to hold off ordering it until I look into it more. I'm not sure what mounts I'll need or whatever else I may need.
VX-3 Riflescopes Archives - Leupold Optics | Leupold Optics

Deerherd · Jun 23, 2014

You will really like that gun! I put a 3x12 Nikon on mine and used medium height rings. Anything that fit's weaver/picatinny will work. Good luck, be safe and the yotes are already getting nervous!