Best round for small game hunting?

[IronsightJM]

Hey all, I have a Ruger American in .308 and that is my dedicated medium - large game rifle. Obviously because if I try to shoot small game with it, it would obliterate the animal. I’m looking for the best round for all small game such as squirrels, rabbits, up to groundhogs, coyotes and other animals around there. I was looking at 22LR but I see they kinda fall off when trying to hunt anything a tiny bit close to medium game. I’m looking for a dedicated rifle and caliber for small game. Any suggestions? Was eyeing the 22 hornet as well.

 

[Dibbs]

I like .223, with the Hornady V-Max Polymer tip. Nice and flat shooting, 50 grain, I like 1:7 heavy barrels, but that's just a personal preference.
Knock Coyotes down with them, on occasion, out to 250 yards.

 

[IronsightJM]

I like .223, with the Hornady V-Max Polymer tip. Nice and flat shooting, 50 grain, I like 1:7 heavy barrels, but that's just a personal preference.
Knock Coyotes down with them, on occasion, out to 250 yards.

I was looking at 223 but one of my buddies said a lot of people don’t shoot squirrels rabbits and other smaller game with 223 because it’s unethical and way too big of a round.

 

[Dibbs]

Well, then, use what your buddy said to use. What does he recommend ?
You did mention you would also be shooting larger game, like yotes, and groundhogs.

 

[IronsightJM]

Well, then, use what your buddy said to use. What does he recommend ?
You did mention you would also be shooting larger game, like yotes, and groundhogs.

He said 22LR for smaller game I was just wondering if there is a round that can be be used for smaller game but also take down coyotes and groundhogs.

 

[Demi-human]

I was just wondering if there is a round that can be be used for smaller game but also take down coyotes and groundhogs.

There is.
It's .223 Remington.
If a twelve gauge at ten feet isn't too much for rabbits a .223 won't be either.

I have several tournaments done and haven't blasted a bunny in two.
Once they are dead they are dead. The idea of "overkill or under-kill" is moot if the animal is dead.
I just don't see how the premier varmint round is somehow "unethical" for varmint sized creatures.

As far as diameter, it's roughly the same size as a 22LR. Be a wiseguy to your friend and let them know it isn't "bigger".

I imagine it can be done, but coyotes with 22LR is going to be tough. And any game more medium than that it's only good for poaching.
Even the Hornet or K-Hornet lack quite a bit of energy compared to the Remington.

I don't buy into the too much gun. A 45/70 will leave a rabbit just fine for dinner, unless you end-to-end him on purpose.
As always, shot placment.


What kind of hunting are you doing?
Bench/blind, stalking, walkabout? Those play into your choice of cartridge too. Just as much as the Game you're hunting.

 

[Robert]

Please don't post the same thread in different sub forums. If you need something moved to the right forum just let us know and we'd be happy to do it.