Fox rifle
 

So I'm thinking of picking up a new rifle for fox hunting and possibly woodchucks as well. It will be mostly used for game but I suppose I might keep the pelt occasionally.

I've been looking into either the Remington Model 7 CDL in .223 or the Savage 93R17 BVSS in .17HMR. And if I must use a scattergun I suppose I would.

Also what ammo/loads do you recommend (I'm not a hand loader)? If it helps, most of my hunting will be done in semi thick PA woods with fairly good visibility.

Also most shots will be around 25-50yds.

You are asking a cartridge to do two completely different tasks.

Groundhog (woodchuck) hunting can require some long shots, so a centerfire .22 like a .223 would be the best choice. A good groundhog rifle will kill any fox alive, but ruin the pelt with a very large exit hole. The only .22 centerfire that I know of that does not leave a very large exit hole is the .22 Hornet - and you really need to handload if you want a Hornet to shoot well.
I had a Savage in 17 like you mentioned. Mine wouldn't shoot very well. With most ammo it was a 2" rifle (at best) at 100 yards. It was even worse if there was any wind at all. However, most guys seem to like the rifle and cartridge.
If you don't handload you might have a tough time finding .223 ammo for a while. I have killed a bunch of foxes with a regular .22 long rifle rimfire, and it works very well at the ranges you mentioned

Lots of options out there if you're willing to reload.

For a non-reloader: .22Win mag or .22 Hornet.

The 17cal rimfires are fine and dandy, but they haven't proven anything to me that would make me put them over the .22WMR.

For 25-50yrds, any of the rimfires would be fine.

I'd be going with (and do use myself) a .22WMR when Fox are the target of the day.

A .223 will give you more versatility, where the .17 HMR is best for head shots inside 100 yards.

I use Hornady V-max for varmints & predators.

22 Winchester magnum will do all that you ask. On a headshot on a large coon, it will blow both eyeballs out of the sockets, flatten foxes without ruining the pelt and buck wind much better than a 17.

OK, I think I'll save up some cash and go with the Savage. Thanks for all your input guys.

Check the CZ Model 527 "American" in the .22 Hornet,good low recoil caliber that easy on the Foxes fur/hides and it would work well for Bobcats and Coyotes!

Good choice.