Hunting Forum

I haven't hunted squirrels for quite a few years and I plan to start. I hunt in big woods with a .22 LR. What bullet do you like for squirrels? The standard target 40 grain in CCI and Winchester group really nice in my rife, but what is better for hunting: standard target or hollow points?

I always used standard target, but then again never tried the hollow points on one.

I use Winchester Wildcats solid points. A hit in the chest and they fall like rain.

try some remington yellowjacket hallowpoints they are 32gr. cone shaped hollowpoint at 1560fps. or some aguila super max HP they are 30gr. hollowpoints that are about 1750fps.

I always use standard points in LR and head shoot. But, I picked up a box of a 1000 hollow's by mistake this summer so I guess I'll be trying those. Don't see where one has much advantage over the other for tree rats as long as they shoot well from your piece.

My concern is not in what bullets, as any will do the job(IMO), rather I want the most accurate. Every 22 long gun or pistol goes through an ammo test (12 different types) to see what is most accurate. If you've never done this, it may surprise you.

Not to start an argument but hunting squirrels as a kid we didn't do any ammo testing it was what we could afford (we always bought name brands but that was what was available and on sale) didn't do any comparison's just bought and shot but always plinked around before we went so we knew where rifles were hitting before we hunted (scopes or iron sights didn't matter) dialing in and making adjustments were all part of the fun. Times seemed simpler then, but then again we didn't have 50 brands to choose from just three or four and one was a hollow point, but we just stuck to the target loads and did fine. Looking back on those times got me cravin' fried squirrel, now I got to go dig out regs and see if their in season lol.

I figure as long as I can still nail the suckers in the head - I'm good to go

try several types and use what you like best .I use several Winchester Power Point , RWS match and Remington or Eley Target

BTW in the "big woods " after the leaves have fallen and the shots get long (80yds on out)I switch to the .22 mag and solids cause the HP's make a mess when you miss the head and connect on bone I have blown some in half this way.

my marlin .22 mag likes the maxi mags from cci and the 10/22 likes the mini mags zingers..as does my MKII..I used to shoot a lot of squirrles but really have never had to shoot at them from 80yards..well one woods I hunted had a hickory that was close to 120 feet tall...that was a gold mine of a squirrle tree..suckers would get in that thing and you could just sit and pick them off..My BIL and I both shot a limit from it one bright Nov morning..that was 8 each...think I'll be heading out next week with the oldest Grandaughter to see if I can get some for the freezer...she can't "hunt" yet but she sure can go with me...

has anyone used .22 air rifle? i use .177 mostly . but been lookin into a .22 airrifle. i like the 22 rifles, but pellets vs ammo is way cheaper an seems to do the same  job

For Two Tales, 120 feet divided by 3(1 yard )= 40yds . places I hunt in Dec.- early March are large tracts of mature Oak and Hickory with a few huge Pines and the little buggers can see you for quite a ways off . I have seen them running in the tree tops and on the ground over 150yds away. The best way I have found to "hunt" them is just to pick a good spot in a central location of feeding and pick them off and mark the spot for later , a dog with a good nose helps .

rb6, yep my math is pretty good...120 feet is 40 yards..half the distance you mentioned..(80yards) old growth oak and hickory is common were I grew up...late season we still only had to shoot'em close except when one would venture to the top of the hickory or one of the 100+ foot oaks...normally just doing as you mentioned..sit down, don't move, then pick'em off one at a time...fried squirrel for supper...

Thanks,everyone for your comments. Very helpful. I am taking my .22 out to the range tomorrow. Here in PA squirrel season comes back in after Christmas. I will try to get some for the freezer.

i have shot squirrel at over 150yrd. with a .22lr just use one of the super high vilosity rounds that i posted erlier and test fire some to figuer drop.

got two squirrels on sat after alot off stalkin. was very snowy that day. they was hiding tight. used my gamo air rifle .177 Went to bass pro sunday n looked at the .22 Benjamin nitro piston. SWEET gun. Thats totally what i want next.

id go with that is most accurate and try and only take head shots as not to waits any of the meat

Just remember a 22 will go a long way shot into the air

Ive used both types and they both will kill a squirrel equally.The hollow points will do a lot more damage though. Take head shots if at all possible and watch them drop.