22 HP or Solid for Squirrels...?

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Aristides

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Using a Ruger 10/22 for squirrels, will there be much different between CCI MiniMag 32 grain HP vs. MiniMag 40 grain Solid? Will the HP expand? Will the squirrel know the difference?
 
IMO, it's a good idea to hit them in the head. There isn't much meat to begin with, and blasting a big hole through it with a hollowpoint is a waste.

Solids and head shots FTW, IMO.
 
I prefer shorts shootin solids nice and quite plus not to much damage to the animal. If your gun will not shoot shorts sub sonic solids are pretty good.
 
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.
 
You can shoot them through the chest too. No damage done.
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I've had a couple run off never to be seen again, after I hit them in the chest with solids. I feel awful when that happens, so gave up on it.

Realistically, is a hollowpoint going to function properly in such a small massed target????
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On several occasions I have seen small mammals (rabbits, squirrels, and a rat) struck with .22 HPs and saw very definite evidence of expansion.
 
yes definite expansion with HP
headshot one and it went out the lower jaw, hit the opposite shoulder and nearly detached that arm

he was DRT
 
HP's all the way. Very effective in the pistols and the rifles. A picture from one of our successful trips this past year, and this year looks to be better:)
100_0244.jpg
 
For meat purposes, I prefer solids. Specifically CCI mini caps in a Sears and Roebuck single shot bolt action. My other choice is a full choke .410 with 2 1/2 inch #6 shot. I always try for head shots, even with the .410. If your hunting them for pest eradication only, then hollow points are fine. They do tear up a lot of meat compared to a solid. But a head shot squirrel is the easiest and most pleasant to clean IMHO.:)

Great pic 6X6pinz, Man!!! I would hate to have to clean all those squirrels. I usually call it a day at about three.
 
I have always loved to squirrel hunt with a 22, been doing it for 50 years, I was always a fan of Winchester Super X hollow points but have used every thing made at one time or another. I sure look forward to that fist plate of fresh fried Squirrel every fall.
Use what ammo you have and enjoy every hunting trip, I know I have.:)
 
I always shoot them in the head so it doesn't matter. The 32gr stingers always tore the head up pretty good, so I preferred the 40gr bullet. Not so messy.
You can shoot them through the chest too. No damage done
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We cut the squirrell into 6 pieces. We cut them in half at the ribcage, then cut the limbs off. I love the ribcage piece! I also have it on pretty good authority that I am a redneck...
 
Ooooh... I'll walk away from a steak for a plate of crispy fried golden brown squirrel and a bucket of squirrel gravy!
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Me too, one of the best meals ever! Yeah, one of many tell tale signs of a real redneck, when you prefer rodent meat to red meat!
 
Tain't what cha' shoot tha' matters; it's if ya can hit 'em, and where ya hit 'em. Hit 'em in the head with a rock an' they'll fall. Blast off their tail with a 12 guage and well, you get the point.
 
If they are close in say 15 yards cb caps do well,50-60 yards hv solids work, any further and I prefer hv hp's.
 
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