.223 or .243

[lowlander]

sorry for annoying you all again but after a lot of thought last night i think i am going to apply for a 22 centerfire rifle for fox shooting on one of my permissions , but i dont know which one to apply for a .223 or a .243 which one would you apply for

Edited November 24, 2008 by lowlander

[Trussman]

Do you just want to shoot fox?

[lowlander]

yes... iv never ever a deer on my permission before

Edited November 24, 2008 by lowlander

[Trussman]

I'd get a .223 unless you can demonstrate good reason for a .243 i.e Deer stalking in the future.

[lowlander]

what do i put as my reason for fox shooting and does it have to be in BLOCK CAPITALS

[Trussman]

I'd put ground game and vermin aswell. Don't have an FAC so can't help you there I'm afraid

[kip270]

Put down Fox and Vermin control, that way you can shoot all manner of vermin

[Baldrick]

.223 in your scenario, particularly if you won't be reloading. If homeloading looks likely, a .22-250 is mustard on foxes. I use my .243 as a dedicated foxing rifle now (the added grunt gives outstanding results at longer ranges), but I got on well with the .223 and .22-250 I owned previously.

 

Do make sure that you specifically request a moderator on your FAC form.

Edited November 24, 2008 by Baldrick

[tinytim38]

as baldrick says I have a .243 spot on for fox out to 300 yds but I shoot deer with it as well if its fox only .223 is good however a few guys I know use a .204 ruger having previously owned a .223 and swear they are better

Tim.

[njc110381]

A .243 isn't a .22 centrefire for a start! It's a .240/6mm.

 

If I was in your position I'd be thinking very carefully about my future plans. If you only ever want to shoot Foxes then the .223 is a sensible choice. If you think you may want to take a Deer when you get more experienced (or more ground) then the .223 would be useless and you would need another gun. The .243 can do both jobs. If I could only have one centrefire I'd seriously consider one

[mry716]

Ask for whatever else you want and Pest Control NOT Vermin.

In law rabbits are Ground Game and fox are Small Mammals but all can be pests as can pheasant, hare etc etc

 

You will now be granted Pest Control nationwide - so ask for it.

 

Re 243 /223

I would suggest the most approriate (best) rifle for fox is a 243 and since the Police themselves came to the same conclusion after testing at their NI Forensic Lab they cannot refuse a 243 for fox alone. If you want a copy of their report email me on mry716@hotmail.com

[buchangun]

243 every time - a true allrounder - humainly control foxes and if you do eventually get deer you dont have to get another rifle.

If you shop arround you can shoot a 243 as cheaply as a 223 or 222 - I currently pay £12 for 20 x 243 rounds (PPU) - at this price its nearly as cheap as reloading!

[cleaner4hire]

243 every time - a true allrounder - humainly control foxes and if you do eventually get deer you dont have to get another rifle.

If you shop arround you can shoot a 243 as cheaply as a 223 or 222 - I currently pay £12 for 20 x 243 rounds (PPU) - at this price its nearly as cheap as reloading!

 

if you can justify it then it would definately be my choice

[LeeinVA]

I would have to say go with the .243.. And if the choice were a .223? I would go with the .22-250.. I have a few rifles for different application and have taken Fox and Coyote with them all.. I use my .45 Sam Yang Air rifle, .17 HMR, 204 Ruger, .22-250 & the .243 for Varmint as well as Deer..