dispatch gun. .22LR, .22win mag or .17hmr?
 

I am about to purchase a new rifle and need input. I will be using mainly for a dispatch gun on the trapline and to shoot beaver.

Please give me you opinion on calibre.

thanks

If you are going to shoot beavers, buy a 17 cal. 22 doesn't work well for them, but is better for dispatching. 22 mag is the same as a 17 power wise, but the 17 shoots better, and the bullets never exist. 17 shells are also easier to find. I use a 17 because of it's versatility.

Spruce

I use 22 magnum. Haven't had issues finding shells for it in a while.

A wise fellow once told everyone to listen to the spruce..that old fellow was correct ... the spruce has never steered me or anyone wrong. When a fellow like him that puts up the numbers like him says use the 17 save your money and the hassle or disappointment and take his advice. I've met him a couple of times... great fellow.

Bill

If I am shooting beaver I use a .17 but I also use 20grain full metal jackets. The Vmax or other varmit rounds like to explode. Hit a beaver in the head with a vmax and its gonna explode against the skull tearing the hide wide open. Just my experience.
If I need to dispatch any animals on the trapline I use .22 shorts. I bought a little single shot Henry mini bolt that is always on the line with me. If I am driving around and think I might see a lynx or coyote I will pack the .17 with me for distance shots. I have shot a couple of Lynx with the .17. Had a bit of sewing to do but wasn't too bad.

I use 22 shorts
Beaver 22 mag
I have a buddy who loves his 204 body shooting beaver and it puts a tiny hole you can hardly see in the hide and kills them dead.

I shoot 17 grain HMR in VMAX, they are the best hands down. When shooting an animal that fur will be harvested from, it is very important that the target is at a 90 deg angle, or very close to it when shot. Bullet will then do its job properly, and not deflect into hide. I have shot hundreds of beavers, coyotes, lynx, wolf, etc. with the 17 HMR. Never an exit hole on a skull shot....that being in said, I don't shoot them from 2 feet away either. 10-20 yards preferred, 17 will shoot a sub 1/2 MOA at that distance. 22 is best at close distance, but I refuse to carry 2 guns, I have enough crap already. Since I learned to shoot at a 90 deg angle, I have never had to sew anything with a 17. 3 eyed beavers, can't even tell there is a hole in a Lynx or Coyote. My 2 cents for what it is worth, everyone will find what they prefer.

Spruce

I'm a fan of the .22 Magnum. I consider it the reigning king of the rimfires, due to the bullets available, from FMJ, to moderate expansion, to highly frangible. And the increased bullet weight and controlled expansion is better for going in or through at a slight angle. For non-exits I believe the V-Max as well as a couple others might be the ticket. You can also use the Winchester Rimfire, as a reduced power load if you can find it.

That being said, I don't use one on a trap line.

Dispatch
 

17. All the way. 22. Might as well have pellet gun. Coyotes or bigger. Anything smaller kill by hand/stick. 17 kills beavers 👍👍

For dispatch 22short
Lynx on the trail 22lr anything else puts too big a hole
Beaver love my 22 mag never had any problems getting shells
cyote 223
I have never used a 17 but have herd a lot of good about them and according to my wife i already have enough guns
Would think with a 17 bullet weight and type right bullet for the job would be the most important factor

I use 22 mag on beavers.
my dispatch gun is a 22 cal

Rick

Dispatch gun
 

.22 mag for beavers, .22 shorts for dispatch.

22shorts for dispatch, and 22lr for beavers. Most shots at beavers are under 50 yds where I shoot.

I use a 22lr to dispatch pretty much anything I come across that needs it. Doesn't matter if it is an trapped bob cat or mountain lion, all the way up to deer/elk. For distance shots on the animal forget it, I would choose something with a bit more umph but up close n personal the Savage 64 gets the nod.

on a related note if I'm carrying a 22-250 to shoot coyotes could I load down to something that won't blow them in two pieces at 20 ft? if so any recommendations?

Mattrapper, your 250 is a little to much umph regardless of load. I knew a trapper that always shot his moose with 22lr, guess 22 has complete range covered even largest grizzly bear ever shot in Alberta.

put
 

An adapter in it to shoot ...........wait for it...............22LR

I usually carry a savage rascal when I'm checking traps but it just doesn't cut it when there's a coyote cruising across the field. 22-250 loaded down would work for the coyotes that are already detained and regular would work for the free ranging ones.

22 lr


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I did just that and it worked great for me. 40gr vmax loaded hot and fast to shoot coyotes when you see them, and I had a 30gr Barnes varmint grenade reduced load with Blue Dot powder for dispatch. Worked very well, shot behind shoulder.