Advice for someone new to shooting please

[tisme]

A friend of mine has been helping me to shoot fox, he is now thinking of getting a FAC so he won't be just lamping but shooting as well. I'm happy to give permission for this land to be used so he should get it.
But what rifle should he get?
I suggested he get a 22rf to practice with and he has been looking at 17hmr will this do the job or is he better off going for a 204 or 222 223?

What do you think guys

Pete

[Robin128]

17HMR with you named as mentor for 6 months.

Not all land will be 'suitable' for bigger calibres in the opinion of many Police forces.

[ovenpaa]

Alternatively .22LR gives a very good choice of rifles of varying prices and ammunition is cheap, you say he comes out with you for Fox so will he also be out after Charlie on his own or will it be more for rabbits?

[Robin128]

22LR not that good for Fox at more than say 40.

[ovenpaa]

Agreed, 22-250 on the other hand does work rather well with Fox, and .223 is another good choice.

Choice of rifle will be down to so many factors, including safety and back drop, what you intend to shoot, how much you want to spend, how many shots you plan on taking a year, as an example I know a local farmer that shoots a 22-250, he buys a box of 20 rounds at a time and may just open a second box in a year, he also owns a .22LR and must get through thousands of rounds in a year bunny bashing.

[Blackstuff]

22LR not that good for Fox at more than say 40.

Some Police forces share the same view for 17HMR :(

I'd ask the FLD if they have a calibre choice/preference for foxes if thats what the rifle is going to be mainly used for

[dromia]

.222"!

Best centrefire 22 calibre round bar none.

[barney57]

22LR not that good for Fox at more than say 40.

Some Police forces share the same view for 17HMR :(

I'd ask the FLD if they have a calibre choice/preference for foxes if thats what the rifle is going to be mainly used for

Took the words right out of my mouth,,,,,yet I have had one shot straight kills on Fox with my .22 but all under 50yrds,,,I'd say .223 at least,, also good for small deer species in England and Wales,,,but ok for Roe in Scotland,,, never did understand that one??

[tisme]

Alternatively .22LR gives a very good choice of rifles of varying prices and ammunition is cheap, you say he comes out with you for Fox so will he also be out after Charlie on his own or will it be more for rabbits?

Just fox the rf will be for target practice only. I though it would be a cheep way for him to start. He will be after Charlie on his own as well as with me.

Pete

[tisme]

17HMR with you named as mentor for 6 months.

Not all land will be 'suitable' for bigger calibres in the opinion of many Police forces.

I've been given .223 for this land so should be ok for bigger cals. I've not heard of being a mentor on anyone's licence before but happy to do it for him.

Will 17hmr take out a fox ok?