I'm sure this is an age-old problem - fur friendly, yet put 'em down for the count.
I too am thinking the .17 Hornet might be just the trick. I know that 6x45 isn't - for fox, that is. It's not bad in general for coyotes, but it's definitely not fox friendly.
One other cartridge that comes to mind is the .19 Calhoon, which is based on the .22 Hornet case necked down to .19 caliber. I've read some reports about it's fur-friendly attributes and had a couple of guys tell me more about it. The only issue I see with this round is the bullet selection. It's pretty much a one-man show with regards to acquiring bullets. But, if it worked well, a guy could stock up on bullets. Anyone have any experience with this cartridge?
Maybe soon Obama and politicians will cease playing games with the American people, and just maybe Ruger .17 Hornets will become available at a cost a working man can afford.
Until then, well...................
