Good .22lr ammo for small game

andy* · 07-07-2009, 09:40 AM

Hey alwaysaz, I found some federal hollow points in stock, they sure work fine in my rifle. Out where I live 100yrds is a long shot. Most of my small game shots have been at 50yrds or less. Got to be sneaky to come up to grouse and rabbits at that range.
Hey Jerry, Amen to your comment on the hyper velocity rounds being destructive !!!
My Winchester 69a is a little picky with ammo so I think I will use my Winchester 67a as it dosen't seem to care what it shoots out to 50yrds .
Thanks fellas for your replies, Andy

alwaysaz · 07-11-2009, 12:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andy*

Hey alwaysaz, I found some federal hollow points in stock, they sure work fine in my rifle. Out where I live 100yrds is a long shot. Most of my small game shots have been at 50yrds or less. Got to be sneaky to come up to grouse and rabbits at that range.
Hey Jerry, Amen to your comment on the hyper velocity rounds being destructive !!!
My Winchester 69a is a little picky with ammo so I think I will use my Winchester 67a as it dosen't seem to care what it shoots out to 50yrds .
Thanks fellas for your replies, Andy

I am with you. I think the fun is trying to get in close. I live in a desert area and if I used a different round like the .17hmr there are times where you could take much longer shots than 100 yards if you glass, but I don't want to. It's more fun for me to walk and see them. I haven't taken a longer shot than 40 yards in months. I have been waiting for a part on my .22 for the last couple of weeks (another story) so I have been taking the shotgun lately and that has been fun too.

andy* · 07-11-2009, 09:41 AM

Hello alwaysaz , how do you like the .17hmr? Andy

alwaysaz · 07-11-2009, 05:01 PM

Hey Andy, I have an uncle who has been hunting rabbits for 40 years and it's his favorite hunt. He switched over to the .17HMR years ago and he loves it. He glasses from a distance and is able to take head shots at a very long range. Everyone I know who has one will need at least 5 minutes to explain to you how it is an absolute tack driver, and they will have great stories to back it up. From what I have seen is they are extremely accurate and very flat shooting. I know guys who think it is the ultimate coyote round. Those guys have tons more experience with rifles and hunting than I do.

I have fallen in love the the .22 I have my eye on a couple different models to add to the collection. I have a Ruger Mark III handgun on order I think will be great for rabbit hunting out to 50 yards. I was about to buy a .17HMR but decided not to.

The only part of hunting I don't like is waiting for animal to die after I shoot them. During that brief time I don't want to wonder if I used the right round. I think the .17HMR is devastating, but it seems to me like an icepick and not a fast enough way to kill a large animal like a coyote. I think the .22lr is probably already overkill for the cotton tail and If I want to get into varmint calling a .223 will be a better choice for me. If the ammunition wasn't so pricey I would proably want one to plink with with.

If you decide to get one you will love it though. Please come and let us know what it can do if do get one!

andy* · 07-12-2009, 09:51 AM

Alwaysaz, thanks for the info on the .17hrm. I have had a lot of experience with the .223/5.56 round. That would be an excellent choice for varmints. I used to "plink" with it but that was when the Army was buying the ammo...Andy

alwaysaz · 07-12-2009, 10:21 PM

Uncle Sam is a great shooting sponsor

Dakoma · 08-02-2009, 07:21 PM

Anyone shoot any of the Armscor 22LR the 36gr.HP high velocity,is it any good?I see where you can buy 5000 rds for $249.99 with free shipping,was just wondering?

Chromie · 08-08-2009, 10:46 AM

I've picked up some Winchester Subsonic HP's and had great luck with them, the shoot accurately, clean, and get the job done just fine....
headed to Bass Pro this after noon for more.....

DaTeacha · 08-08-2009, 11:09 AM

Use what shoots best among the stuff you can find. Even if ammo is scarce in your area, you can invest 5 rounds off the bench to see what gives the best group and go with that. Any .22 will drop rabbits and squirrels, especially with head shots.

Personally, I and my 10/22 seem to do best with CCI MiniMags. When I used the Mk I Target up in Michigan, I shot the MiniGroups. I used either for squirrels, taking only head shots. I just hate picking shot out of dinner.

timberlord · 08-15-2009, 06:19 AM

Winchester Dynapoints is what I normally use.
I'll "treat" myself with CCI's every now and then

pathdoc · 09-13-2009, 06:53 AM

Good info, people, and thanks a lot. I have recently been invited to help a fellow country-dweller with her rabbit issues, and because her acreage is rather small I'm intending a .22LR subsonic round for minimal noise and, should I miss, minimal downrange danger. I'm intending to sight in for 25yd for head shots (my rifle is accurate enough for this) and rely on bunny's body to intercept the bullet if I misjudge the hold-over at longer ranges. Usability of the meat afterwards is not necessarily an issue.

The question I was going to put was, "Is a subsonic bullet going to arrive with enough energy to slay cleanly at fifty yards?" The answer I'm getting reading between the lines here appears to be yes. Am I right?

johnc · 09-13-2009, 07:37 AM

Should not be a problem. Good hunting.

wjh2657 · 10-08-2009, 09:18 AM

CCI 40gr .22LR MiniMags for all game hunting with my .22 LR rifles. I use solid point because I am using tube feed (Marlin 60), although I have never had a problem with the HPs, I error on the side of prudence.

Zeroed at 21 yards and using PBR from then on (don't touch scope settings in the field), I can hit tree rats as far as I can see them.

I tried Stingers and Velocitors, too erratic for me. MiniMag is a solid performer and does the job to perfection in the close quarters of Tennessee woods.

wunhunglo · 10-08-2009, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pathdoc

The question I was going to put was, "Is a subsonic bullet going to arrive with enough energy to slay cleanly at fifty yards?" The answer I'm getting reading between the lines here appears to be yes. Am I right?

Absolutely correct, no problems whatsoever; virtually every sporting bunny shooter in the UK uses a silenced .22 with subsonic ammo.

wjh2657 · 10-08-2009, 09:41 AM

Pathdoc:

Where are you located?

pathdoc · 10-18-2009, 07:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alwaysaz

One time I only had .22 longs available. It is only a 29 grain solid point that shoots 710 feet at the muzzle. I was just going to target shoot with it out in the desert. Peter cotton tail came along so I could test the round out on him at only 20 yards. It was a very clean kill. You can check the data out here. CCI - Products/Ballistics At 50 yards it still packs 28 ft. lbs of energy, and it was easy to keep it accurate out to that range.

Lucky you! My CZ Brno takes the ballistically identical CCI version of this and scatters it liberally all over the paper. I literally CANNOT predict where the next bullet is going to go, even at 25 yards. OTOH, the fast end of the scale, the velocitors and stingers, shoots very nicely thank you (the fast, light projectiles possibly even more so).

Lost a bunny today despite aiming at his head at close range and the rabbit flipping up into the air and virtually turning over 180 degrees. He was half behind a bush when he came down, and appeared not to be moving, so I moved from my position in order to either retrieve the body or apply the coup de grace. When I got to where I expected a corpse to be, to my dismay and self-disgust he had vanished.

Yes, I did search for him carefully, because I desperately wanted not only to find him and dispatch him with a head shot but also to autopsy him and find out exactly where the first bullet had gone. Turns out from what I saw later that he was probably standing right at the door to his warren when I shot him.

My choice of ammo (RN subsonics) was dictated by what I thought was going to be a fairly close safety zone. In fact I wound up somewhere where I was shooting downwards into a shallow ravine (or steep creek bed) and thus my backstop is more than adequate.

Am going in future for maximum destructiveness to make SURE that I can kill them even with body shots (the intent is pest control; the meat is a bonus), and I know my rifle likes CCI's high-velocity numbers. The other thing I'm going to do differently next time is that if a rabbit's on the ground and looks down for the count, he's going to get a followup shot at once to make sure he stays that way.

(In answer to WJH - I'm in Australia. Wunhunglo, silencers, unfortunately, are banned here.)

Long Rifle · 10-20-2009, 03:48 PM

Does anyone use .22 Short or CBs for small game? I have high success on squirrels with them. I keep my shots under 25 yds. and always go for the head.

Swe_shark75 · 10-20-2009, 06:15 PM

i´m using RWS Subs or High veloctity. the most accurate cartrigedes in my CZ American. they puts out crows,badgers good...

Swe_Shark75

pathdoc · 10-21-2009, 07:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Long Rifle

Does anyone use .22 Short or CBs for small game? I have high success on squirrels with them. I keep my shots under 25 yds. and always go for the head.

I tried the CCI CB's but they have almost worse scatter at 25yd than a shotgun! Will have to try the Winchester Z's (I think that's what they are, correct me if I'm wrong) and see what they're like.

Long Rifle · 10-21-2009, 05:13 PM

What is a Winchester Z? Similar to CB ballistics? Do they come in .22 long rifle? I've never seen CBs except in shorts and longs.

07-11-2009, 05:01 PM	#24
alwaysaz Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 47	I don't own a .17HMR Hey Andy, I have an uncle who has been hunting rabbits for 40 years and it's his favorite hunt. He switched over to the .17HMR years ago and he loves it. He glasses from a distance and is able to take head shots at a very long range. Everyone I know who has one will need at least 5 minutes to explain to you how it is an absolute tack driver, and they will have great stories to back it up. From what I have seen is they are extremely accurate and very flat shooting. I know guys who think it is the ultimate coyote round. Those guys have tons more experience with rifles and hunting than I do. I have fallen in love the the .22 I have my eye on a couple different models to add to the collection. I have a Ruger Mark III handgun on order I think will be great for rabbit hunting out to 50 yards. I was about to buy a .17HMR but decided not to. The only part of hunting I don't like is waiting for animal to die after I shoot them. During that brief time I don't want to wonder if I used the right round. I think the .17HMR is devastating, but it seems to me like an icepick and not a fast enough way to kill a large animal like a coyote. I think the .22lr is probably already overkill for the cotton tail and If I want to get into varmint calling a .223 will be a better choice for me. If the ammunition wasn't so pricey I would proably want one to plink with with. If you decide to get one you will love it though. Please come and let us know what it can do if do get one!

08-08-2009, 11:09 AM	#29
DaTeacha Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: near Funk, Ohio Posts: 2,913	Use what shoots best among the stuff you can find. Even if ammo is scarce in your area, you can invest 5 rounds off the bench to see what gives the best group and go with that. Any .22 will drop rabbits and squirrels, especially with head shots. Personally, I and my 10/22 seem to do best with CCI MiniMags. When I used the Mk I Target up in Michigan, I shot the MiniGroups. I used either for squirrels, taking only head shots. I just hate picking shot out of dinner. __________________ Teach NRA -- If you're reading this, you should be a member. United, We Stand.

08-15-2009, 06:19 AM	#30
timberlord Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Ontario Canada Posts: 412	Winchester Dynapoints is what I normally use. I'll "treat" myself with CCI's every now and then __________________ http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...LongStamp1.jpg

10-20-2009, 03:48 PM	#37
Long Rifle Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 6	.22 short or CB Does anyone use .22 Short or CBs for small game? I have high success on squirrels with them. I keep my shots under 25 yds. and always go for the head.

10-21-2009, 05:13 PM	#40
Long Rifle Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 6	Winchester Z What is a Winchester Z? Similar to CB ballistics? Do they come in .22 long rifle? I've never seen CBs except in shorts and longs.

07-07-2009, 09:40 AM	#21
andy* Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Everson Wa Posts: 142	Hey alwaysaz, I found some federal hollow points in stock, they sure work fine in my rifle. Out where I live 100yrds is a long shot. Most of my small game shots have been at 50yrds or less. Got to be sneaky to come up to grouse and rabbits at that range. Hey Jerry, Amen to your comment on the hyper velocity rounds being destructive !!! My Winchester 69a is a little picky with ammo so I think I will use my Winchester 67a as it dosen't seem to care what it shoots out to 50yrds . Thanks fellas for your replies, Andy

07-11-2009, 09:41 AM	#23
andy* Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Everson Wa Posts: 142	Hello alwaysaz , how do you like the .17hmr? Andy

07-12-2009, 09:51 AM	#25
andy* Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Everson Wa Posts: 142	Alwaysaz, thanks for the info on the .17hrm. I have had a lot of experience with the .223/5.56 round. That would be an excellent choice for varmints. I used to "plink" with it but that was when the Army was buying the ammo...Andy

07-12-2009, 10:21 PM	#26
alwaysaz Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 47	Uncle Sam is a great shooting sponsor

08-02-2009, 07:21 PM	#27
Dakoma Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Southeast Tennessee Posts: 1,135	Anyone shoot any of the Armscor 22LR the 36gr.HP high velocity,is it any good?I see where you can buy 5000 rds for $249.99 with free shipping,was just wondering?

08-08-2009, 10:46 AM	#28
Chromie Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Williamsburg, MO Posts: 71	I've picked up some Winchester Subsonic HP's and had great luck with them, the shoot accurately, clean, and get the job done just fine.... headed to Bass Pro this after noon for more.....

09-13-2009, 06:53 AM	#31
pathdoc Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 129	Good info, people, and thanks a lot. I have recently been invited to help a fellow country-dweller with her rabbit issues, and because her acreage is rather small I'm intending a .22LR subsonic round for minimal noise and, should I miss, minimal downrange danger. I'm intending to sight in for 25yd for head shots (my rifle is accurate enough for this) and rely on bunny's body to intercept the bullet if I misjudge the hold-over at longer ranges. Usability of the meat afterwards is not necessarily an issue. The question I was going to put was, "Is a subsonic bullet going to arrive with enough energy to slay cleanly at fifty yards?" The answer I'm getting reading between the lines here appears to be yes. Am I right?

09-13-2009, 07:37 AM	#32
johnc Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 50	Should not be a problem. Good hunting.

10-08-2009, 09:18 AM	#33
wjh2657 Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Lafayette, TN Posts: 19	CCI 40gr .22LR MiniMags for all game hunting with my .22 LR rifles. I use solid point because I am using tube feed (Marlin 60), although I have never had a problem with the HPs, I error on the side of prudence. Zeroed at 21 yards and using PBR from then on (don't touch scope settings in the field), I can hit tree rats as far as I can see them. I tried Stingers and Velocitors, too erratic for me. MiniMag is a solid performer and does the job to perfection in the close quarters of Tennessee woods.

10-08-2009, 09:41 AM	#35
wjh2657 Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Lafayette, TN Posts: 19	Pathdoc: Where are you located?

10-20-2009, 06:15 PM	#38
Swe_shark75 Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Sweden Posts: 38	i´m using RWS Subs or High veloctity. the most accurate cartrigedes in my CZ American. they puts out crows,badgers good... Swe_Shark75