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Hi Guys. I was not sure whether to put this post in 'Rimfire' or 'Full bore' section, you decide.
Advice time. I am looking at the idea of getting a 17 Hornet to use on long range rabbits and crows as well as possible foxes.
I have a large farm permission where the extra range would be an advantage, I have a17HMR for the closer stuff. I know the cost of ammo is a lot more and the effect range is not so much more, 350 yards max. I don't really want to go up to a 204 or 223 as I don't think my local FAO would let me go to that (I have tried before) But what do you guys think, make the investment in the Hornet ? stay with the HMR, or try again for a bigger centre fire. Let me know.

....aye. NOT a rimfire is it?

I'd go to .22 Hornet in preference to.17 Hornet: more loads/bullets choices, more available platforms, time proven performance & very overlooked.
.17 is aFreedom Group invented fad to sell guns/ammo

Try again for a .223, tell him it's only just a fraction bigger than a 22. The ammo is cheaper and it will do everything you want.

PS, When I lived in Ireland the cops told me I could only have a .22. When they gave me the piece of paper I needed to buy one it said .220 only. So I bought a .220 Swift.

Whatever caliber you end up with, if it's small I recommend a CZ mini mauser action. They chamber them for .17, .204 and .223 The set trigger on mine is set at 13 ounces. Mine is a .223, it's a tiny little rifle and accurate as can be, I love it.

Friend had a .17 Hornet, fouled really quickly and accuracy then plummeted. Cases aswell seemed to have issues with primer pockets not being uniform and leaving proud primers. He soon got rid.

I'd try for a 22 Hornet, you have the availability of all the 22 calibre bullets plus cast bullet moulds.

Plod might also look more favourably on it as it doesn't have the same carry as the .222" family.

My 22 centre fire battery consists of 22 Hornet, 218 Bee, 22 Savage Hi Power and of course the best of all the 22 calibre cartridges the .222 Remington. Personally I'm no fan of the 223 but it will do the job, as cheap surplus isn't so readily available now I can see no reason for getting a 223 over a 222 especially as you will be wanting expanding ammunition anyway.