Best Hunting Calibers for Bobcat: .223 Rem, .22-250 Rem, .243 Win, .204 Ruger, and .17 HMR Compared
Choosing the perfect caliber for bobcat hunting made simple.
Bobcats are elusive, cunning, and notoriously hard to hunt. Picking the right caliber for the job can make the difference between a clean harvest and a frustrating day in the field. With so many options available, hunters often find themselves asking: which caliber is truly the best for bobcat hunting? In this article, we break down five popular choices—.223 Rem, .22-250 Rem, .243 Win, .204 Ruger, and .17 HMR—to help you make an informed decision.
Caliber Comparisons
| Feature | .223 Rem | .22-250 Rem | .243 Win | .204 Ruger | .17 HMR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Effective Range How far the caliber can reliably take down a bobcat. |
300-500 yards | 400-600 yards | 500+ yards | 300-500 yards | 150-200 yards |
| Recoil The amount of felt recoil when firing. |
Low | Low | Moderate | Very Low | Minimal |
| Bullet Speed The velocity of the bullet, measured in feet per second (fps). |
3,200 fps | 3,700 fps | 3,000 fps | 4,200 fps | 2,550 fps |
| Pelts Preservation How well the caliber preserves the bobcat’s pelt. |
Good | Excellent | Fair | Excellent | Outstanding |
| Cost per Round The average cost of ammunition per round. |
$0.50-$1.00 | $0.75-$1.50 | $1.00-$2.00 | $0.75-$1.25 | $0.25-$0.50 |
.223 Rem
.223 Rem is a versatile and widely available caliber that excels at medium-range hunting. Originally developed for military use, it has become a favorite among varmint hunters due to its accuracy and manageable recoil.
Pros
- Affordable ammo
- Low recoil
- Good accuracy
Cons
- Limited range compared to larger calibers
- Can damage pelts if shot placement is poor
Interesting Fact: The .223 Rem is the civilian counterpart to the 5.56 NATO, but they are not always interchangeable—check your rifle’s chambering!
Consider this Caliber If…
You want an affordable, reliable round for medium-range bobcat hunting.
.22-250 Rem
.22-250 Rem is a high-velocity caliber known for its flat trajectory and precision. It has been a favorite among varmint hunters for decades and is especially effective at longer ranges.
Pros
- Exceptional accuracy
- Flat trajectory
- Great for preserving pelts
Cons
- Slightly more expensive ammo
- Overkill for close-range shots
Interesting Fact: The .22-250 Rem can reach speeds of up to 4,000 fps with certain loads, making it one of the fastest calibers available.
Consider this Caliber If…
You need a long-range caliber that minimizes pelt damage.
.243 Win
.243 Win is a versatile caliber that bridges the gap between small game and larger predators. While it is more powerful than the other calibers listed, it can still be used for bobcat hunting with proper shot placement.
Pros
- Excellent range
- Can be used for multiple game species
- Widely available
Cons
- Moderate recoil
- Can cause excessive damage to pelts
Interesting Fact: The .243 Win is often recommended for beginner hunters due to its manageable recoil and versatility.
Consider this Caliber If…
You want a multi-purpose round that can handle bobcats and larger game.
.204 Ruger
.204 Ruger is a modern varmint caliber designed for speed and precision. It is ideal for small predators like bobcats, offering minimal recoil and excellent pelt preservation.
Pros
- High velocity
- Minimal recoil
- Outstanding pelt preservation
Cons
- Less common than other calibers
- Limited availability of ammo
Interesting Fact: The .204 Ruger was introduced in 2004 and quickly gained popularity among varmint hunters for its blistering speed and accuracy.
Consider this Caliber If…
You want a fast, accurate round that preserves pelts beautifully.
.17 HMR
.17 HMR is a rimfire cartridge that excels at close-range precision. It is perfect for hunters focused on preserving pelts and minimizing damage.
Pros
- Minimal pelt damage
- Low cost per round
- Very low recoil
Cons
- Limited range
- Less stopping power for larger predators
Interesting Fact: Despite its small size, the .17 HMR can achieve speeds of over 2,500 fps, making it surprisingly effective for small game.
Consider this Caliber If…
You prioritize pelt preservation and hunt bobcats at close range.
Conclusion
Choosing the right caliber for bobcat hunting depends on your priorities—range, pelt preservation, or versatility. Whether you opt for the speed of .22-250 Rem, the precision of .204 Ruger, or the affordability of .17 HMR, each caliber has its strengths. Now that you know the pros and cons, it’s time to gear up for your next hunt!