I have been thinking about getting a new rifle for a while but want some help. I would like to be able to use it for rabbits, coyotes, prairie dogs, and antelope. I have been looking at a .17 HMR which should work for everything except for antelop. I have also been looking at a .223 wich would work for everything but rabbits. I think I would rather use a gun for antelope over rabbits because I already have a .22.

My dad just traded for a Mini-14 and is thinking about trading for a .17 so I am leaning towards a .223. I stopped in today and looked at a Howa 1500. They seem like a pretty decent gun for the price and from what I have read they are really accurate.

Does anyone have any other thoughts?

Thanks