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

[jigs]

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

[The Spruce]

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

[Sask Bearman]

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

[bill9044]

Originally Posted by The Spruce

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

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

[bullgetter]

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.

[nube]

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.

[The Spruce]

Originally Posted by bullgetter

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 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

[Tactical Lever]

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.

[flipkrak]

22 lr


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