Yes, hollowpoints do expand on squirrel and tear up a lot of meat if a body shot. I prefer solids and if not more'n 25 yard shots are to be taken, I'll shoot CB shorts. They're deadly on tree rats at short range. Need long rifles in the tall pines, though. I've been shooting squirrels for a long, long time, though I don't get to go much now days. I really like using a handgun when I do get to go. I have a very accurate scoped Contender .22 match barrel and a scoped Ruger Mk2 which is plenty accurate enough. It shoots 1" 50 yard groups which is 3/4" better than my 10/22 shoots.