22 for squrriel question?

remington1990 · 07-28-2012, 11:45 AM

i am going squrriel this season and i am going to use one of my 22 i am not sure which one or what ammo. i have a winchester 190 22 and a stevens model 66 which one would be better they are both about as accurate may the stevens little bit better. what ammo i looked at the cci stinger in hollow point and shot some fed lighting. thanks

remington1990 · 07-28-2012, 11:50 AM

i am going squrriel this season and i am going to use one of my 22 i am not sure which one or what ammo. i have a winchester 190 22 and a stevens model 66 which one would be better they are both about as accurate may the stevens little bit better. what ammo i looked at the cci stinger in hollow point and shot some fed lighting and some remington thunderbolt.

Alpo · 07-28-2012, 01:14 PM

I'd stay away from the Thunderbolts. Remington 22 ammo is crap to begin with, and Thunderbolts are the crappiest crap I've ever shot.

Squirrels ain't hard to kill. That nice Federal 40 grain lead bullet will do the job just as good as that 36 grain CCI hollow point, for about half the price.

bamajoey · 07-28-2012, 02:11 PM

Winchester sub sonic HP are accurate and a little quieter. Using the hollow points, you can shoot just in front of their nose, suck the air out and they will die from suffocation.

That way you don't mess up any meat, and still have squirrel brains and eggs for breakfast

Iron Eagle · 07-28-2012, 02:20 PM

CCI stingers will tear them up.

skullfr · 07-28-2012, 02:20 PM

winchester is my favorite.

Old Grump · 07-28-2012, 03:28 PM

RN bullets of any brand that will shoot accurately in your gun will be good, small hole in, small hole out and no wasted meat. I find standard velocity or subsonic ammo to be a wee bit more accurate in all of my guns than the high velocity bullets and at squirrel hunting range you don't need a hollow point hyper fast bullet.

Dos centavos from a dinosaur who has been shooting squirrels since the early 60's.

remington1990 · 07-28-2012, 03:30 PM

i wasnt to impressed with the thunderbolt at all. how would the cci mini mag do. i been shooting the federal 40gr soild point and what about the cci standard velocity. thanks

3/2 STA SS · 07-28-2012, 03:41 PM

I used CB longs in my backyard on tree rats

Ledslnger · 07-28-2012, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alpo

I'd stay away from the Thunderbolts. Remington 22 ammo is crap to begin with, and Thunderbolts are the crappiest crap I've ever shot.

Squirrels ain't hard to kill. That nice Federal 40 grain lead bullet will do the job just as good as that 36 grain CCI hollow point, for about half the price.

+1, Remington is the crappiest crap

gdmoody · 07-28-2012, 05:53 PM

Either rifle and/or ammo would be a good pick. Which ever one is more accurate for you and has the least amount of jams with the chosen ammo. I will be using an old bolt action Mossberg 42M-B with the lightening ammo.

gdmoody · 07-28-2012, 05:55 PM

Ooops, I answered in the other thread.

FW! · 07-28-2012, 06:09 PM

I use Win Power Point HP.s. Never had one get away

CCHolderinMaine · 07-28-2012, 06:17 PM

imho, any .22 will wipe out any squirrel. use the cheapest that fires reliably and accurately in whichever gun you prefer shooting.

gdmoody · 07-28-2012, 06:37 PM

I just looked and my ammo is actually Remington Thunderbolt, not Federal Lightening. Still in a storm, though.

Zane71464 · 07-30-2012, 10:34 AM

As you know, there isnt alot of meat on the critters and for that reason I like the round nose bullets. I use the CCI Blazers and even with a not so good shot, you might have to chase a few feet, but beats the HP's with the destuction to the meat.
Find out what ammo is the most accurate in what rifle(s) you'll be using and stay with the round nose bullets, IMO.

cycloneman · 07-30-2012, 10:49 AM

Use whatever. It's a squrriel. If you cant use thunderbolts on squrriels what can you use it on?

I do agree thunderbolts and fed lightning are both crap but hay if you have a misfire just jack the bad load out and start over. Your not trying to assassinate a high prized target.

Winchester is an all around good bullet. Price is right too.

carver · 07-30-2012, 12:12 PM

If that Winchester will handle longs, then that's the way to go. Slower bullet, and won't destroy too much meat. I would go with the Winchester to start. If you miss that first shot with a bolt gun, you probably won't get a second shot. The Winchester on the other hand can be shot as fast as you can aquire a site picture on a moving squirrel. Hope this helps. I've shot a lot of squirrels with a .22, both bolt, and semi-auto, I like the semi-autos best!

RunningOnMT · 07-30-2012, 01:27 PM

A friend of mine uses .22 short HP on squirrel(not always easy to find), but as others have stated, this isn't exactly big game hunting. Hollow points seem like overkill to me. As for brand, I'm a devoted fan of CCI.

ryan42 · 07-30-2012, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bamajoey

Winchester sub sonic HP are accurate and a little quieter. Using the hollow points, you can shoot just in front of their nose, suck the air out and they will die from suffocation.

That way you don't mess up any meat, and still have squirrel brains and eggs for breakfast

Come on you got to be kidding bamajoey.Never heard of such a thing.I gotta call BS on that one

mr.t7024 · 07-30-2012, 02:45 PM

I agree with Old Grump.

Cliff

carver · 07-30-2012, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RunningOnMT

A friend of mine uses .22 short HP on squirrel(not always easy to find), but as others have stated, this isn't exactly big game hunting. Hollow points seem like overkill to me. As for brand, I'm a devoted fan of CCI.

I used shorts for many years, and never had a problem with them. Back in the late '70's I bought a box, don't know what brand, that just didn't get the job done. Had to shoot the squirrels several times to get them out of the trees. Moved up to LR's, and problem solved. The standard velocity .22 short launches a 29 grain bullet at 1,045 fps with 70 ft. lbs. of energy from a 22" rifle barrel. The standard velocity .22 Long Rifle takes a wax coated 40 grain RN lead bullet to a muzzle velocity of 1,138 fps. The muzzle energy is 116 ft. lbs. in a standard 22" rifle test barrel. The 40 grain .22 LR bullet has a sectional density (SD) of .216. This is a widely used and economical practice load, excellent for plinking, or hunting squirrels.

dad2thebone · 07-30-2012, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zane71464

As you know, there isnt alot of meat on the critters and for that reason I like the round nose bullets. I use the CCI Blazers and even with a not so good shot, you might have to chase a few feet, but beats the HP's with the destuction to the meat.
Find out what ammo is the most accurate in what rifle(s) you'll be using and stay with the round nose bullets, IMO.

I was going to say the same thing about this . I use the CCI ammo and don't find anything bad about them,I also find the price is good. Either rifle sounds good too. Good luck and happy hunting!

mogunner · 08-01-2012, 12:30 AM

CCI Blazer LRN

CJ_56 · 08-04-2012, 05:14 AM

I can't get Remington ammo to feed in my single shot .22. I'm serious. After about 20 rounds the cartridges won't even go in. It's amazing how dirty that stuff is.

The trick to avoiding destruction of squirrel meat is "head shots only". I haven't killed a squirrel I didn't shoot in the head in probably 30 years. And that was only because I went hunting with a friend and he loaned me a shotgun to use. We hunted on club land and rifles weren't allowed.

07-28-2012, 11:45 AM	#1
remington1990 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 290	22 for squrriel question? i am going squrriel this season and i am going to use one of my 22 i am not sure which one or what ammo. i have a winchester 190 22 and a stevens model 66 which one would be better they are both about as accurate may the stevens little bit better. what ammo i looked at the cci stinger in hollow point and shot some fed lighting. thanks -->

07-28-2012, 11:50 AM	#2
remington1990 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 290	22lr for squrriel question? i am going squrriel this season and i am going to use one of my 22 i am not sure which one or what ammo. i have a winchester 190 22 and a stevens model 66 which one would be better they are both about as accurate may the stevens little bit better. what ammo i looked at the cci stinger in hollow point and shot some fed lighting and some remington thunderbolt.

07-28-2012, 01:14 PM	#3
Alpo Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: NW Florida Posts: 8,647	Re: 22lr for squrriel question? I'd stay away from the Thunderbolts. Remington 22 ammo is crap to begin with, and Thunderbolts are the crappiest crap I've ever shot. Squirrels ain't hard to kill. That nice Federal 40 grain lead bullet will do the job just as good as that 36 grain CCI hollow point, for about half the price. __________________ Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for thou art crunchy, and taste good with catsup - George of Lod, Year of Our Lord 297 I always take precautions. Beware the Evil Bullet Fairies.

07-28-2012, 02:11 PM	#4
bamajoey Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Pensacola Contributor Posts: 1,255	Re: 22lr for squrriel question? Winchester sub sonic HP are accurate and a little quieter. Using the hollow points, you can shoot just in front of their nose, suck the air out and they will die from suffocation. That way you don't mess up any meat, and still have squirrel brains and eggs for breakfast

07-28-2012, 02:20 PM	#5
Iron Eagle Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Louisiana Posts: 652	Re: 22lr for squrriel question? CCI stingers will tear them up.

07-28-2012, 02:20 PM	#6
skullfr Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Beaumont,Texas Posts: 902	Re: 22lr for squrriel question? winchester is my favorite. __________________ If Ya cant stand up stand out There is no atheist in a foxhole Psalms 144:1 Blessed be the Lord my strength,which teacheth my hand to war and my fingers to fight

07-28-2012, 03:28 PM	#7
Old Grump Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Little hut in the woods near Blue River Wisconsin Posts: 2,285	Re: 22lr for squrriel question? RN bullets of any brand that will shoot accurately in your gun will be good, small hole in, small hole out and no wasted meat. I find standard velocity or subsonic ammo to be a wee bit more accurate in all of my guns than the high velocity bullets and at squirrel hunting range you don't need a hollow point hyper fast bullet. Dos centavos from a dinosaur who has been shooting squirrels since the early 60's. __________________ "When once a republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil."~~- Thomas Jefferson Roman Catholic, Life Member of American Legion, VFW, Wisconsin Libertarian party, Wi-FORCE, WGO, NRA, JPFO, GOA, SAFand CCRKBA

07-28-2012, 03:30 PM	#8
remington1990 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 290	Re: 22lr for squrriel question? i wasnt to impressed with the thunderbolt at all. how would the cci mini mag do. i been shooting the federal 40gr soild point and what about the cci standard velocity. thanks

07-28-2012, 03:41 PM	#9
3/2 STA SS Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Tampa Bay Area, FL Posts: 1,435	Re: 22lr for squrriel question? I used CB longs in my backyard on tree rats __________________ MORS DE CONTACTUS-DEATH ON CONTACT

07-28-2012, 05:53 PM	#11
gdmoody Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Northeast Georgia Contributor Posts: 6,306	Re: 22 for squrriel question? Either rifle and/or ammo would be a good pick. Which ever one is more accurate for you and has the least amount of jams with the chosen ammo. I will be using an old bolt action Mossberg 42M-B with the lightening ammo. __________________ NRA Endowment Member GeorgiaCarry.Org Member Retired US Army Postal Worker Personally, I carry a gun because I'm too young to die and too old to take an ass whoopin'.....author unknown (but obviously brilliant)

07-28-2012, 05:55 PM	#12
gdmoody Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Northeast Georgia Contributor Posts: 6,306	Re: 22lr for squrriel question? Ooops, I answered in the other thread. __________________ NRA Endowment Member GeorgiaCarry.Org Member Retired US Army Postal Worker Personally, I carry a gun because I'm too young to die and too old to take an ass whoopin'.....author unknown (but obviously brilliant)

07-28-2012, 06:09 PM	#13
FW! V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Auburn Hills, MI Posts: 61	Re: 22lr for squrriel question? I use Win Power Point HP.s. Never had one get away

07-28-2012, 06:17 PM	#14
CCHolderinMaine Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Steep Falls, Maine Contributor Posts: 626	Re: 22lr for squrriel question? imho, any .22 will wipe out any squirrel. use the cheapest that fires reliably and accurately in whichever gun you prefer shooting.

07-28-2012, 06:37 PM	#15
gdmoody Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Northeast Georgia Contributor Posts: 6,306	Re: 22 for squrriel question? I just looked and my ammo is actually Remington Thunderbolt, not Federal Lightening. Still in a storm, though. __________________ NRA Endowment Member GeorgiaCarry.Org Member Retired US Army Postal Worker Personally, I carry a gun because I'm too young to die and too old to take an ass whoopin'.....author unknown (but obviously brilliant)

07-30-2012, 10:34 AM	#16
Zane71464 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Ohio NRA Member Contributor Posts: 5,350	Re: 22 for squrriel question? As you know, there isnt alot of meat on the critters and for that reason I like the round nose bullets. I use the CCI Blazers and even with a not so good shot, you might have to chase a few feet, but beats the HP's with the destuction to the meat. Find out what ammo is the most accurate in what rifle(s) you'll be using and stay with the round nose bullets, IMO. __________________ Two Words; "Simple Man", song by Charlie Daniels sums up my thoughts on a "few things"!

07-30-2012, 10:49 AM	#17
cycloneman Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Louisiana Posts: 7,397	Re: 22 for squrriel question? Use whatever. It's a squrriel. If you cant use thunderbolts on squrriels what can you use it on? I do agree thunderbolts and fed lightning are both crap but hay if you have a misfire just jack the bad load out and start over. Your not trying to assassinate a high prized target. Winchester is an all around good bullet. Price is right too. __________________ Who are you going to serve today?

07-30-2012, 12:12 PM	#18
carver TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: DAV, Deep in the Pineywoods of East Texas, just west of Shreveport, LA Contributor Posts: 11,219	Re: 22 for squrriel question? If that Winchester will handle longs, then that's the way to go. Slower bullet, and won't destroy too much meat. I would go with the Winchester to start. If you miss that first shot with a bolt gun, you probably won't get a second shot. The Winchester on the other hand can be shot as fast as you can aquire a site picture on a moving squirrel. Hope this helps. I've shot a lot of squirrels with a .22, both bolt, and semi-auto, I like the semi-autos best! __________________ Y'all be safe now, ya hear! Lamentations Chapter 5: 1. Remember, O LORD, what is come upon us: consider, and behold our reproach. 2. Our inheritance is turned to strangers, our houses to aliens. 3. We are orphans and fatherless, our mothers [are] as widows. 5. Our necks [are] under persecution: we labour, [and] have no rest. 16. The crown is fallen [from] our head: woe unto us, that we have sinned! 21. Turn thou us unto thee, O LORD, and we shall be turned; renew our days as of old.

07-30-2012, 01:27 PM	#19
RunningOnMT Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Akron, Ohio Contributor Posts: 4,720	Re: 22 for squrriel question? A friend of mine uses .22 short HP on squirrel(not always easy to find), but as others have stated, this isn't exactly big game hunting. Hollow points seem like overkill to me. As for brand, I'm a devoted fan of CCI. __________________ "Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death!"

07-30-2012, 02:45 PM	#21
mr.t7024 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Near a brook & pond in Ma Posts: 733	Re: 22 for squrriel question? I agree with Old Grump. Cliff

08-01-2012, 12:30 AM	#24
mogunner Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Eastern Missouri Posts: 1,019	Re: 22 for squrriel question? CCI Blazer LRN

08-04-2012, 05:14 AM	#25
CJ_56 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: SE Ohio Posts: 391	Re: 22 for squrriel question? I can't get Remington ammo to feed in my single shot .22. I'm serious. After about 20 rounds the cartridges won't even go in. It's amazing how dirty that stuff is. The trick to avoiding destruction of squirrel meat is "head shots only". I haven't killed a squirrel I didn't shoot in the head in probably 30 years. And that was only because I went hunting with a friend and he loaned me a shotgun to use. We hunted on club land and rifles weren't allowed.