Introduction to Stalking - Advice needed!

[Johnny D]

Hi Folks
After reading threads on the forum for the past while I’ve taken the plunge and became a member!
My hunting is mainly vermin, bunnies and foxing.
I’ve got a beretta under and over and a Bruno .22 Hornet.
I’m looking to upgrade to a rifle with some more range for foxing, max. Would be 250yds.
I’m also looking to get a good entry level thermal spotter. I’ve been out with friends who use them and I’m very impressed to say the least .
If anyone has any recommendations it would be greatly appreciated

 

[Tim.243]

Hi Folks
After reading threads on the forum for the past while I’ve taken the plunge and became a member!
My hunting is mainly vermin, bunnies and foxing.
I’ve got a beretta under and over and a Bruno .22 Hornet.
I’m looking to upgrade to a rifle with some more range for foxing, max. Would be 250yds.
I’m also looking to get a good entry level thermal spotter. I’ve been out with friends who use them and I’m very impressed to say the least .
If anyone has any recommendations it would be greatly appreciated

if you get a 22-250/ .223 then if things fall into place and a bit of stalking then over .240 will fill the bill for both fox/deer.
Any of that size is a tad big for the rabbits vermin
I use a .22lr also .243 the .22 was Dads so was free and I shoot fox/deer with the .243.

 

[artschool]

welcome!

 

[25 Sharps]

Hi Folks
After reading threads on the forum for the past while I’ve taken the plunge and became a member!
My hunting is mainly vermin, bunnies and foxing.
I’ve got a beretta under and over and a Bruno .22 Hornet.
I’m looking to upgrade to a rifle with some more range for foxing, max. Would be 250yds.
I’m also looking to get a good entry level thermal spotter. I’ve been out with friends who use them and I’m very impressed to say the least .
If anyone has any recommendations it would be greatly appreciated

.223 for the win.

Thermal I’m still on a mk1 helion xq50 so can’t offer up to date advice.

Welcome along.

 

[roebuckboy]

Same as above if I was just shooting foxes the 22.250 is an incredible tool for the job.
If you want deer as well the 243 should definitely be considered.

 

[VSS]

Welcome aboard!

Same as above if I was just shooting foxes the 22.250 is an incredible tool for the job.
If you want deer as well the 243 should definitely be considered.

What he says

 

[WalkedUp]

For Sale: - ATN July 50% off clearance sale!! Perhaps?

 

[WalkedUp]

Same as above if I was just shooting foxes the 22.250 is an incredible tool for the job.
If you want deer as well the 243 should definitely be considered.

.243” WIN is ideal. Rather than spend money on two rifles in two years (you will inevitably want a deer legal chambering) and two scopes etc you would be well placed to know that from the start. A good Tikka T3 in 243 with a Hik Alpex 4K day-night scope with LRF and you are away.

 

[T.eddie]

Welcome from Essex

 

[twoseventy]

Hi Folks
After reading threads on the forum for the past while I’ve taken the plunge and became a member!
My hunting is mainly vermin, bunnies and foxing.
I’ve got a beretta under and over and a Bruno .22 Hornet.
I’m looking to upgrade to a rifle with some more range for foxing, max. Would be 250yds.
I’m also looking to get a good entry level thermal spotter. I’ve been out with friends who use them and I’m very impressed to say the least .
If anyone has any recommendations it would be greatly appreciated

Welcome to the forum! I note from your profile that you're in Aberdeen, so if you are mainly shooting foxes and Roe in Scotland, then you can get away with a .22 centerfire (as long as it meets minimum energy requirements). if you chose to go the route of a .243, then just be wary that you'll need something that will shoot 100 grain bullets to ensure you meet minimal muzzle energy requirements for larger deer. You may find further issue if you have to shoot non-lead, in that the heavy bullets maybe to long to fit in the magazine of your rifle.

With this in mind i'd use it as an excuse for something larger to make sure you're covered. eg 270 win shooting 110 g bullets will be nice and flat out to 250 yards for your foxing, and still put the deer down without worry about minimum energy requirements. Other calibers are available that will do a good job if shooting "light for caliber bullets".

i'm sure someone north of the border will come along shortly and correct me on any of the above.

 

[Johnny D]

Thanks for the replies guys. They are all very helpful.
For the time being I will be mainly foxing. Stalking deer is not on the cards for some time yet. I have been impressed by some .223's I've seen, particularly the Tikka's. As a matter of interest what kind of range would a .223 take down a fox at comfortably?
Also I'm left handed but have always used right handed rifles, TBH I've never shot a left handed rifle. Would any other left handed shooters out there think it's a big advantage to get a left handed gun or better to stick with what you know?!!