Woodlander Posted April 9, 2014 Report Share Posted April 9, 2014 A replyer to a previous post pointed out that .223 is overkill for rabbit shooting. My problem is I will be shooting out to 200+yards,almost always in at least a stiff breeze,so I think that probably rules out a hornet,but I always try and eat what I kill,so I don't want to explode the bunny and a headshot might not always be possible. Would anyone recommend non expanding ammo,if indeed it is available,or have any suggestions regarding calibre,bullet weight etc. thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve_b_wales Posted April 9, 2014 Report Share Posted April 9, 2014 I would think that any type of bullet in .223 caliber will cause a lot of damage to the meat on a rabbit, if not head shot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fruity Posted April 9, 2014 Report Share Posted April 9, 2014 Anything in that calibre will cause damage,is using a smaller calibre not an option ?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pestcontrol1 Posted April 9, 2014 Report Share Posted April 9, 2014 not alot of meat on the frint legs anyway just dont shoot them up the a**e Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woodlander Posted April 9, 2014 Author Report Share Posted April 9, 2014 Is there a smaller calibre that will have the legs to reach out to 200+yards and retain accuracy in a stiff breeze. I would under ideal conditions like to get out to nearer 300 yards with some practice. There isn't much cover where I am and the bunnies are jumpy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Underdog Posted April 9, 2014 Report Share Posted April 9, 2014 There is no such thing as overkill, once something is dead you can not kill it any more. It is perfectly feasible what you wish to attain, been there and have the T-shirt. A mis placed shot may render a rabbit use less now and then but no worse than a bad shot one from a 22lr hp! Don't let the Na sayers put you off! U. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amazed Posted April 9, 2014 Report Share Posted April 9, 2014 I use a 222 for most of my shooting. 150-300 yards wind isn't too much trouble given practice. Try for the head and you will have plenty of meat left or if a little low just half them and keep the back end. I find 50 vmax I a nice bullet. And my area has the same wind issues they have just put 4 turbines up lol. All the best Karl. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woodlander Posted April 9, 2014 Author Report Share Posted April 9, 2014 Thanks again for all of your thoughts guys. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wymberley Posted April 10, 2014 Report Share Posted April 10, 2014 If you're that good a shot then the Hornet is for you - not the 22, but the 17. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kent Posted April 10, 2014 Report Share Posted April 10, 2014 you could end up very disappointed on this one if you want usable bunnies after being shot. Whatever centrefire you choose if you wish to shoot at 300 then your going to need a heap of training and experience to head shoot bunnies at 300yards remember you will need to be shooting comfortably, sub 1/2 moa to head shoot at that range (being frank with you that is delusional without sighters even for a good shot). If its windy you will find it a lot easier to get closer, if you cannot get within 150yards of a bunny on even a bowling green on a windy day its not a case of a bigger gun (rather improve your stalking). On a day of reasonable predictability and light winds a capable and well practiced shot can get out to 200yards with a hand loaded hornet The .22 Hornet is in itself not usually very rabbit friendly if you hit them in the chest at 200yards, a .222 or .223, .20 ruger whatever is going to be far worse. I am not guessing or surmising this off other peoples dreams, I actually do this a fair bit! If you choose a .223 rem .222 say look towards reduced loads (often termed as turkey loads in the USA) but you wont be using them to 300 as you will be looking at Hornet range energy wise at most and more likely .22 RF mag from such a load. Why do you think the Yanks developed these "turkey loads" ? FYI, 7 days ago I took a brace of rabbits out simultaneously at just over 170yards in with another four or five at more modest ranges with the hornet. The first was hit as aimed (and hit) back of the head between the ears (head mostly gone, very humane) the second after slightly hurried reload, was hit slightly low and the bullet impacted low slightly (about between the shoulder blades)- The rear end was cooked up for the dog! Sound like a bad shot? that was 1/2 moa approx.170 yards out on the first placement, think on as there aint many who can shoot sub 1/2 MOA without wind meters and rangefinders in the field at such range with anything let alone the least powerful centre fire round (that's meant as a fact not a boastful PW claim BTW) being real expansion is not the biggest issue on rabbits as you can buy bullets that expand too slowly to work on passing through a rabbits ribs but its kinetic energy you need to get to grips with here. A hand loaded hornet put out around 700 ft lb and that's about three times the level of a HMR, put a .222 /.223 into things and add another hummer on top. If I was only going out for rabbit I should drop a good 400fps from a hornet and run a 45 grain bullet at about 2500fps (RWS 46 grain TMS factory does 2550fps BTW). Fact is the Hornet gives me a cheaper to load, easier to moderate, light recoiling do it all gun capable of finishing anything short of deer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mentalmac Posted April 10, 2014 Report Share Posted April 10, 2014 Does a headshot with 223 damage rest of body? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kent Posted April 10, 2014 Report Share Posted April 10, 2014 Does a headshot with 223 damage rest of body? Generally it will remove it ,depends though. Head shooting bunnies and keeping the carcass does have an upper limit power wise in terms of kintetic energy alone. Fragmentation of the bullet and bone splinters etc. can create serious secondary wound channels. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mentalmac Posted April 10, 2014 Report Share Posted April 10, 2014 Generally it will remove it ,depends though. Head shooting bunnies and keeping the carcass does have an upper limit power wise in terms of kintetic energy alone. Fragmentation of the bullet and bone splinters etc. can create serious secondary wound channels. Thanks Kent - in reality it's probably also a quite expensive and lot of effort rabbit. Think I would rather just stalk in closer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
henry d Posted April 10, 2014 Report Share Posted April 10, 2014 Can you not build a hide nearer and use a .22lr or .17hmr? Obviously the rabbits need to get used to it first. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harnser Posted April 10, 2014 Report Share Posted April 10, 2014 Get your self a portable high seat . You will be surprised how close rabbits will come to a high seat . Harnser Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dougy Posted April 10, 2014 Report Share Posted April 10, 2014 (edited) Get some practice with your 223 and take those rabbits out at 250yards +. Are you loading your own What twist is it can you go heavier bullet wise??? You have a rifle use it, the more you do the better you will become, enjoy, just make sure your safe doing so. PS, head shots on bunnies with your 223 should be more than possible, get consistent with that range then stretch out a little. Edited April 10, 2014 by Dougy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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