[Feastiewinkle]

I am wondering what types of game are to be shot with a .22. Is it stupid to shot deer with them? My father uses a 30-30 or 30 ot 6 (however you pronounce it) for deer. What are the best animals for the .22? I also have a .22 pellet gun by benjamin sheridan. Is there a big difference between the game you can hunt with a .22 bullet powered and the game you can hunt with the .22 pellet powered?

 

[BLS33]

A .22 is considered a varmit caliber. Poachers often times use .22's to take down deer and generally it is illegal to hunt deer with rimfire or centerifre rounds under .22. Use a .22 for small game, rabbits, squirrels, things of that nature. Trying to take down large game although possible raises ethical questions. A .22 LR round will probably have a velocity of between 1100 and 1250 fps, while a pellet gun I guess would be around 700 fps and could take down small game but if you don't feel confident in one shot one kill I wouldn't try it.

 

[FALPhil]

Also, check the game laws in your jurisdiction. Each state has its own regulations about what type of firearm you can hunt various types of animals with. For instance, in my state, you can hunt small game with a .22 Long Rifle cartridge, but you can only hunt "pests and vermin" with an air rifle. Funny thing is, if you are hunting squirrels for food, using a 22 cal rifle is fine but an air rifle is not. But, if you are hunting squirrels because they are chewing holes in your soffet, you are free to use an air rifle.