Will this work? down loading 223 to 22 hornet levels
 

A gun chambered in 22 hornet would be an ideal gun for me to take predators without tearing up pelts. However, affordable guns in 22 hornet can be hard to find, especially for left-handers like myself.

I've had the idea of getting a 223 and handloading to performance levels comparable to 22 hornet, as lefty 223's can be found in entry level rifles (one is the savage axis).

I would be new to handloading myself, but I would be learning under experienced handloaders.

They are 500-600 fps slower then a .223, correct? I doubt you will find a published load that is that slow for a .223.

I wouldn't do it.

Can you use a different bullet to mitigate the pelt damage? Maybe an all copper bullet...

Speer actually lists a reduced load with 11.0 -12.0 grains of AA 5744 powder that is projected at 1,900 - 2,000 fps so I believe it could be done. That is slower than most Hornet loads. Accuracy might be a problem, or not.

I have not tried this load.

according to hodgdon any load that is suitable for H4895 powder, can be reduced as long as you do not drop below 60% of the max listed load, the 223 will work, do not try it with other powders, an under pressure load can be just as dangerous as a severely over pressure load. go to hodgdon's site and search youth loads.
RR

This is the kind of thing I am hoping to learn.

I curse the day they started bending bolts on rifles...It really is a problem for lefties.

I'm right there with Jeep. Rather than reducing your loads, go with a harder bullet. One that won't expand explosively like a typical varmint bullet. The 55gr FMJ hornady comes to mind. It should poke right through.

What I'm seeing repeatedly on predator hunting websites is that a .223 load will often give a large exit wound and massive pelt damage on fox and bobcat, especially if you hit bone. The 22 hornet greatly reduces that, at least that's what I'm seeing and reading.

I want this gun for fox, bobcat, and coyote, and I absolutely want to preserve the fur. The pelts will be displayed.

Get a .223 and shoot em in the head :party0005:

FFH, do you understand that a non expanding bullet will not do the damage an expanding bullet does? That is what these folks are trying to tell you.

Try the 223 and decide for yourself. I haven't had any problems with a .223. I have also dropped coyotes with larger calibers and heavy bullets like a 139 Interlock out of a 7mm-08 and a 180 grain XTP from a .357 magnum and didn't wreck the hide. Coyotes do not have a lot of density so with the right bullet, and shot placement, you will be good to go. Heck I killed a pesky Racoon with a .450 bushmaster, a 250 grain FTX bullet, last weekend and it wasn't as bad as I thought after seeing what it does to deer. I assume small predators do not offer enough resistance to allow a bullet of heavy construction to expand much.