vole Posted September 3, 2009 Report Share Posted September 3, 2009 I know there are much better dedicated fox rounds but is this calibre allowed for fox in any areas?I am joining a local club to gain firearm experience with a view to using it in the field. The farms I shoot on are fairly small and I am on a budget so wondered if this would do for an affordable target and hunting calibre. Also is it easy to moderate? I might be asking too much of a rf you might think,but fox is an occasional target anyway. Crow and rabbit are mainly what I shoot. Thanks very much for any info!There seem to be plenty of affordable WMR rifles around,I suppose because it is not a popular round but please remember I am a novice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glensman Posted September 3, 2009 Report Share Posted September 3, 2009 I use my 22 WMR for all the purposes you mentioned. I know people will argue, but it Easily out performs the 17 HMR, it just packs way more punch. Took 2 foxes for 2 shots in Roscommon last week- they didn't get back up. Obviously a CF would be preferable, but we all have to start somewhere! http://riflesintheuk.com/rimfire.htm For more info... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mr smith Posted September 3, 2009 Report Share Posted September 3, 2009 What sort of price does WMR ammo go for? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glensman Posted September 3, 2009 Report Share Posted September 3, 2009 £8.50 - £10 for 50 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vole Posted September 3, 2009 Author Report Share Posted September 3, 2009 As I say this is just as a practical gun for starting off. I love my shotguns so am in no rush to get onto more potent things but am looking for a good compromise between range and field use all being well.Thanks :blink: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glensman Posted September 3, 2009 Report Share Posted September 3, 2009 Then I would say a 22 Mag is the way to go, It's my favourite gun- probably even more so than my Beretta... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vole Posted September 3, 2009 Author Report Share Posted September 3, 2009 Thanks Glensman.The local shops have some s/h moderated and scoped BRNO,s for a couple 100 quid.You reckon these might be a good buy? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glensman Posted September 3, 2009 Report Share Posted September 3, 2009 (edited) Well the one thing I would say is that the range of the mag will surprise you for a rimfire, and you may be using it at night- so I'd make sure and get a decent scope. I went a bit overboard with my scopes- but you really shouldn't cheap out. If you were to go for something like a Ruger if you were ever unhappy with any aspect of it, such as accuracy, you can buy uprated barrels and all other parts. The thing I like about Rugers is you don't get tired of them cos there are LOADS of things you can buy for them when you have spare cash. Another consideration for me would be the magazine, I like a 'flush' mag... Edited September 3, 2009 by Glensman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr_Logic Posted September 4, 2009 Report Share Posted September 4, 2009 22WMR is a good close range fox calibre, unlike HMR. It will do what you want it to do, and is about the cheapest way of doing it, too. You shouldn't struggle getting fox for WMR either, AFAIK most Plods will say Yes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
al4x Posted September 4, 2009 Report Share Posted September 4, 2009 since when has shooting foxes at close range been a problem with an HMR its news to me and the numerous foxes that haven't liked mine very much to the OP though it'll be fine as a caliber not too sure how forces view it fox wise but ask the question if they say no then you have the perfect opportunity to go for a CF Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wymberley Posted September 4, 2009 Report Share Posted September 4, 2009 I'm with Glensman all the way. Good for 100 yards plus a bit perhaps between the eyes. As I'm sure you know, the best round is the one that is the most accurate in your rifle. Since they changed the 50 grain Federal spec. unfortunately in my case this is now the RWS 40 grain. Very expensive but the best ballistics on the market. Note your bit about budget, but if Charlie is an occasional target these may be worth a go. Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baldrick Posted September 4, 2009 Report Share Posted September 4, 2009 I had a .22 WMR up until July. It is a fantastic calibre, and it impressed me far more than the .17 HMR. Sadly the Remington 597 that I owned proved to be an absolute dog of a rifle. A properly-functioning semi-auto .22 WMR is quite a formidable fox/vermin rifle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest topshot_2k Posted September 4, 2009 Report Share Posted September 4, 2009 (edited) i own both and the 22WMR is a fantastic bit of kit for foxes unless you can get a .22 centrefire? even then its cheaper on ammo Edited September 4, 2009 by topshot_2k Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poorwullie Posted September 4, 2009 Report Share Posted September 4, 2009 since when has shooting foxes at close range been a problem with an HMR its news to me and the numerous foxes that haven't liked mine very much to the OP though it'll be fine as a caliber not too sure how forces view it fox wise but ask the question if they say no then you have the perfect opportunity to go for a CF If thats 17hmr? Think it was taken off the list for use on fox a couple of years ago. Check BSAC website. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave-G Posted September 4, 2009 Report Share Posted September 4, 2009 (edited) If thats 17hmr? Think it was taken off the list for use on fox a couple of years ago. Check BSAC website. I don't think it was ever on the list of approved cartridges for fox - as the current HO guidelines precede the introduction of HMR. WMR was not recommended for fox either. Centrefire seems to be the minimum HO guideline. EDIT: Scotland may differ though. Edited September 4, 2009 by Dave-G Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poorwullie Posted September 4, 2009 Report Share Posted September 4, 2009 I don't think it was ever on the list of approved cartridges for fox - as the current HO guidelines precede the introduction of HMR. WMR was not recommended for fox either. Centrefire seems to be the minimum HO guideline. EDIT: Scotland may differ though. Pretty sure it was legal when I obtained my HMR but was removed about two years ago. Albeit it is alegedly effective. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glensman Posted September 4, 2009 Report Share Posted September 4, 2009 My .22WMR was approved for fox no problems. I hear those RWS are a Great round, a real killer- never bothered trying them cos I couldn't be ***** re-zeroing my scope from Winchesters... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vince Green Posted September 5, 2009 Report Share Posted September 5, 2009 I had a .22 WMR up until July. It is a fantastic calibre, and it impressed me far more than the .17 HMR. Sadly the Remington 597 that I owned proved to be an absolute dog of a rifle. A properly-functioning semi-auto .22 WMR is quite a formidable fox/vermin rifle. I thought the Rem 597s were re-called by the distributor because of all the problems? A friend of mine, Greg, bought one and couldn't get it to work and there were so many others that the distributor bought a lot of them back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr_Logic Posted September 5, 2009 Report Share Posted September 5, 2009 Can we all be clear on something please? When it has been said "it was legal..." - everything is Legal, it's just whether you have the condition on your ticket. HO guidelines are not a legally binding document, they're a set of guidelines. WMR hits harder than HMR and is a much better fox round. HMR works on a body shot at the range where there is reliable expansion of the polymer-tipped bullet. That's around the hundred yard mark, but I've seen enough foxes shot with HMR need another one that I personally don't like it for fox. All th foxes I've seen hit with a 22 magnum in the body have gone straight down, job done. WMR may not be in the guidelines but I know from conversations with my FEO that Thames Valley routinely issue it for fox control, it's the smallest calibre they do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Baldrick Posted September 5, 2009 Report Share Posted September 5, 2009 I thought the Rem 597s were re-called by the distributor because of all the problems? A friend of mine, Greg, bought one and couldn't get it to work and there were so many others that the distributor bought a lot of them back. I wasn't aware of of any recall notice, as I bought the rifle second-hand off a relative (I was already aware that it needed some fettling). Caveat emptor, and all that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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