22 for Varmint

[SlipperyShooter]

Have a question regarding whether 22LR is enough for varmint (groundhog, etc). Since it is one of the few affordable calibers left, I would really like to rely on it for target and some varmint hunting but I've been told I really need a bigger caliber.

Thoughts? Does 22LR necessitate a head shot every time?

 

[627PCFan]

Closer than 75yds, center mass, your golden.

 

[birdbustr]

http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=218194

These Aguila 22lr rounds are rated at 1750fps. That's a big step up in velocity from other "High Velocity" 22lr rounds giving about 1200-1300fps. They shoot good from my 10/22, but not quite as accurate.

 

[MinnMooney]

The Aguila 22LR cartridges are quite fast and are pretty deadly on gophers, squirrels and prairie dogs (out to 75 or even 100 yds if you do your part) BUT if you're looking to pop something larger like ground hogs, head shots are a must if the animal isn't to die a long, agonizing death. I would consider the .22 WMR or the .17 HMR as minimum rounds for the larger ground hog.

For a comparison of the .22 LR vs. the .17 HMR watch this YouTube clip :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGMvjhyuTr0

 

[dewage83]

Thank you for the video on the .22lr vs. .17hmr. That helps me penny up the money for the .17

 

[22-rimfire]

I have shot groundhogs with 22LR in the past. You pretty much need to limit the distance and always shoot for the head (not heart-lung area). The 22 drops them fast with head shots, but the whistle pig usually runs into its hole with body shots to die later. I always tried to stalk or choose shooting locations that allowed me to be within 75 yds or a distance where I am pretty capable with head shots.

The 22WMR would be better or perhaps the 17 HMR. I hesitate to recommend the 17 due to the bullet weight.

The newly re-introduced 5mm would be the best choice of all if choosing a rimfire. The higher velocity than the 22WMR and the heavier bullet should make it more effective than the 17HMR. I'm going to buy one when the new rifles start hitting the gun shops. I figure it should be good chuck medicine out to 100 yds or so. But I will have to experiment a bit on distance and bullet impact to the animal.

All told, you are better choosing a 204, 222, 223, 22-250 kind of centerfire caliber for chucks at reasonable distances. I'd go with the 223 myself.