abvice needed on foxing?

[marshall]

Hi there,

I have recently got permission too shoot foxes on a farm
where theres 300 chickens.
Ive taken 2 in the last 3 weeks with a 243 using 100gr RWS T mantles they work well but think the 243 is too much gun,was thinking off buying a 223 and a lighter weight off bullet would this be advisable
Waiting on a lamping set up too come this week, its a tracer 170, heard they r quite good so thought id try it, any advice on using it and any foxing tips would be much appreciated

regards marshall

 

[provider]

Hi mate

Rather than go for a smaller caliber why dont you drop your bullet weight to say 75gr. The .243 is mustard on foxes and a dead one is dead so does too much gun really matter.

 

[ferretmanabu]

Why do you think it's too much gun? A dead fox is a dead fox, and you won't be eating it so meat damage not a problem. In terms of safety, I don't think there's a shot that you wouldn't take with the .243, which you would with .223. I would think it has the same backstop requirements etc.

 

[.25-06]

You could umm and arr over the caliber but you have .243 it is fine. (they all go bang whizz smack)
Try a lighter load, 70grn you will then be able to watch the impact and reaction of the shot.
You have the chickens to attract them, so try and keep calling to a minimum just to stop the fox for the shot

Make sure any round you send towards the fox is a kill, better to try again next time than scare him with a shot.

 

[Gazza]

There are plenty on here that will agree that too much gun is not a bad thing but a .223 is a very good addition and is a very capable fox rifle using 40 to 55 gr. There is little doubt that lamping is an excellent tool in the war against fox but I believe in that getting to know your foxes is well worth the effort. Early morning and late evening before it gets dark can be as productive as lamping or using NV.

Your landowners 300 chickens will certainly be a centre of attention for the local fox population but I would suggest you spend a bit of time finding your fox holes and paying attention to these areas before they get near the chickens.

Never used a tracer 170. Lightforce lamps using the 100w horizontal filament bulbs are without doubt the best (IMO).

 

[logburner]

Why do you want to go to the expense of another gun.Just reload lighter bullets if it bthers you that much but in my opinion you should just shoot your normal ammo.

 

[Paul at Fechan]

55gr hollow points, that will say hello. Good for rabbits too!

 

[basil]

I use 100 grainers on deer and foxes.
If it`s working why change it?
basil.

 

[limulus]

The more I learn the more I realise..........dont fix what aint broken.
.243 work well on foxes

 

[bogtrotter]

Why change? .243 will do fine, go for a lighter bullet if you wish , though I have never had a problem with 100g on Foxes

 

[Munty1]

243, ideal on foxes, why change? Very humain. Some times I shoot them with a 30.06, 220 gr or a marlin 444, never had one complain.

Why waste your money, if you want another rifle get one that is not a so close calibre.

 

[marshall]

Cheers for the replys,

Was thinking about getting the 223 because the 243 was going
to be used for roe so didnt want too zero every time,also the 243 leaves them dead and in bits, not too intrested in making a mess off them, just a nice clean kill.
The chickens do draw the foxes in, but the guy they had trying too shoot them just spooked them,.
Found their main path too the chickens so will just have to hit them on their way!

 

[news of the world]

Why change? .243 will do fine, go for a lighter bullet if you wish , though I have never had a problem with 100g on Foxes

I have never found a 100gn stuck under the skin of a fox, v max/mef etc is the way to go, breaks up when it hits the dirt...
Never seen a fox yet that can stop a 100gn bullet,last thing you need is a wayward bullet zinging off in the night..

NoW

 

[marshall]

I think the 243 is a great round, shot a fox at about 200yrds last night,right through the neck,
Wouldnt usualy try it out at 200 but came to the fox call then turned so let fly and it dropped on the spot,
Also have 17hmr on ticket.

 

[BIGRED]

I agree with most here .243 does the job lovely but if your set on another toy look at a .22-250..

 

[basil]

I think the 243 is a great round, shot a fox at about 200yrds last night,right through the neck,
Wouldnt usualy try it out at 200 but came to the fox call then turned so let fly and it dropped on the spot,


You just answered your own question.
basil.

 

[trouble]

just sit out evenings and mornings , keep the calling and lamp to a minimum until youve killed as many of the educated ones off

 

[Dickyboy]

If your buying another gun with decent scope you'll be looking at a grand, that could buy you some NV gear which would make you even more efficient, especially while sitting and waiting over bait(chicken huts)

 

[wayneinthepub]

I have just got my FAC and only wanted a 243 for fox and deer but was forced to get a 22CF as the police would not pass my local ground for a 243. My mate I go lamping with has used 58grain V Max in the past and they are fantastic. Serious amounts of damage

 

[Hornet]

I have just got my FAC and only wanted a 243 for fox and deer but was forced to get a 22CF as the police would not pass my local ground for a 243. My mate I go lamping with has used 58grain V Max in the past and they are fantastic. Serious amounts of damage

Ye was just about to say if you dont reload,get some 58gn vmax very good on charlie,or if ur reloading try 60gn sierra hp under 43-47 gns of h414 bye bye charlie