Proven Small Game Cartridges and Loads
.22 Long Rifle: The go-to standard for squirrels and rabbits. Typically effective inside 50 yards, it offers low recoil, inexpensive practice, and clean results on meat. Solid bullets are preferred to avoid waste, while small hollowpoints can be useful when a little more expansion is needed.
.22 Short / CB / Subsonic .22: Ultra-quiet at close range, where legal. Limited energy and a fast drop make them best for very short-range shots. Always confirm the point of impact since they shoot lower than high-velocity .22 LR.
.22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (.22 WMR): Extends reach and energy beyond .22 LR out to about 125 to 150 yards. A good option for mixed small game and the occasional fox at close range. Expect more tissue damage on body shots compared to standard .22 LR.
.17 HMR: Flat-shooting and precise out to 150-200 yards. Best suited for small targets in open country or situations where accuracy and reach are critical.
.17 Mach 2 (HM2): Mild recoil and flat at rimfire distances. Less destructive than HMR but still favors head shots.
.17 WSM: Fast and flat with varmint-level performance. Treat it as a crossover round for prairie dogs and predators rather than table fare.
.22 Hornet: Light centerfire with modest recoil and longer reach. Capable on jackrabbits and small predators. Too much for rabbits and squirrels unless you are disciplined about head shots.
.204 Ruger: Long-range varmint round. Excellent for small targets at distance; less desirable if you are trying to minimize meat loss.
Shotgun Choices: .410 bore, 28 gauge, 20 gauge, and 12 gauge all work. For squirrels and rabbits, #6 to #9 can be marginal for squirrels/rabbits except at very close ranges; might merit a range caveat for ethics/effectiveness. For doves and quail, #7.5 or #8 is common. Use non-toxic shots where required and match your choke to typical shot distances.
Other Capable Options: .222 Remington and .223 Remington are excellent for predators and longer shots. They are generally not the right tools for edible small game because of meat damage.
Popular Rimfire Loads: Hunters often rely on consistent offerings from CCI Ammunition, Federal Ammunition, Hornady, and Winchester Ammunition. Match bullet style to the job: solids for meat-saving, small hollow points or polymer tips for controlled expansion.
Building a Complete Small Game Kit
- Ammunition Selection: Test several bullet weights and styles. For meat hunts, start with .22 LR solids. Move to small HPs or .22 WMR when you need a little more reach.
- Optics: A low-power rimfire scope with adjustable parallax (AO) is ideal. Clear duplex or fine crosshairs. Red dots shine in thick timber and for fast shooting.
- Cutting tools: Compact skinning and processing knife with a small sharpener.
- Game handling Gear: Light gloves, a breathable game bag, a few paper towels, and a zip-top bag for hearts and livers.
- Clothing: Quiet, weather-ready layers. Add blaze orange as required by local law.
- Scent Control: Sprays, clothing, and storage solutions to reduce detection.
- Calls and Decoys: Species-specific tools for bringing game into range.
Know your regulations. Some public lands require non-toxic shot, and certain seasons restrict firearms or shot sizes.