Personally, I'm a firm believer that controlling pelt damage has as much to do with choosing the proper BULLET as it does with choosing a given cartridge.

For most fur hunting I do, I like to have a moderate expansion bullet, more like that of a deer or elk hunting bullet, rather than an explosive expansion varminter bullet. I'm much more prone to suggest something along the lines of a Hornady Interbond or A-Max than I would be a Varmint or V-max. Using a bullet that has "explosive expansion" for coyotes or bobcats is a no-no in my book during prime season.

I have to say, the .223rem is far and away my favorite varminting cartridge. If I KNOW where a bobcat is, then I'll often take a .22lr, .17HMR, or .22WMR with a .223rem for back up. That gives me the option to minimize my damage with the rimfire weapon if I get him in close enough, but still gives me the opportunity to reach out and touch something if needed (another part of why it's very nice calling predators with a partner!).