I have the opportunity to hunt bobcat in 2 weeks over bait. If I'm successful, the plan is to have a full body mount done. I'd prefer not to have to buy a new rifle if possible so it looks like I'll be bringing my .223. What load will give me the smallest exit/ fur damage? I currently have 50 grain VMAX, 53 grain SMK, 55 grain FMJ, 55 grain SP, and 69 grain SMK. If none of these are ideal, I can buy and load any other bullet. Depending on which bait is most active, i could be looking at a 25 - 75 yard shot. This hunt will cost me some money so I'd hate to destroy the cat and not be able to have it mounted. If a smaller caliber/ lesser cartridges decreases these chances considerably, I'd be ok with spending a few hundred bucks on s Bergara or Tikka 22 magnum.

I used xm193 with very minimal fur damage.

.17 HMR ??

Check your state laws, some states don't allow for FMJ rounds to be used. Tennessee being one of them.