22 mag

[model 12 toby]

is a 22 mag too much for a rabit or squirrel? any meat damage?

 

[K0na_stinky]

I'd say its about perfect for rabit hunting. Maybe alittle to big for squirrel.

 

[model 12 toby]

Thanks. Good deal. Littlest gun I got right now is 221 fireball. Itd prob make a mess.

 

[tdnichols]

Load the 221FB down and get some cast lead bullets from Montana Bullets or Beartooth bullets...I use them all the time in my 22Hornet

 

[model 12 toby]

i got some 55 grain v-maxes loaded right now with 15 grains. i'm going to chrono them today. i'll let ya know what happens. people mentioned fmj bullets too. i don't know if the v-maxes would expand going slow or not?

 

[DTF]

The 22 magnum is an excellent choice for both animals with one clear piece of advice "HEAD SHOTS". You will destroy meat with any other shot. Patience is a beautiful thing, you will need it for the squirrel shots.

 

[bheadboy]

my 221 loves the lyman 224gascheck 47gr cast at about 1400fps, very accurate little meat damage and fun to shoot

Bob

 

[markr]

The 22 Magnum is way more than plenty for squirrels, especially small greys. I wouldn't use any of the newer light bullet, high performance ammo especially for squirrels, as a matter of fact, I used to buy 22 WRF ammo when it was readily available to use on squirrels. On Rabbits, a clean head shot from the side will work perfectly, if you go through the head and then into the body, any meat that is hit will likely be destroyed. It's great for Jackrabbits, ground squirrels, PD's, groundhogs and other vermin. Oh teah...don't forget Alligators!

 

[TRECustom]

Some landowners won't allow any rifle for squirrel hunting, but will allow shotguns. I have hunted with .22 shorts because shooting up into trees is problematic due to the distance a .22 lr can travel, and the shorts are deadly. In some places, even shorts may not be safe. I enjoy hunting squirrels with a .22 rimfire more than with a shotgun, but have had to pass on some shots when a squirrel was skylined. No backstop. The .22 mag or a .222 would be too risky for me.

Just my 2 cents, Tom

 

[matthias]

for small game i use fmj rounds from cci standard velocity. it groups pretty well and head shots are possible but body shots are acceptable as they pass through with minimal meat dammage. on the squirels around here there is not much meat so that is a good thing not wasting any.