welshwizard

I was faced with the same dilemma as you I had a .223 Remington 700 and lethal for fox but I wanted a small vermin gun as well as the odd fox to 300yds. I bought a .17 hornet and put a digisite on it for evenings/night. Perfect in still or light wind, back to the .223 in blowy conditions or the .308 for the odd night foxing in really windy conditions. The choice was perfect for me - .22 rf .17hornet .223, 308. i shall now replace the .308 for tikka/sako probably I use the heavier 20grain/25 grain when I can get the latter. MV of 3600, same as my load for the .223.

Another vote for .223,. Mine is good to 250yds without altering the scope - I boil my own and a 40 grain V max with N133 suits it perfectly. Being a Remington it also seems happy with Privvi. Recently purchased a .17 hornet - turning out to be a better choice when going for rabbits and seeing fox again out to .223 ranges and beyond - without the carcass damage.