Small Game, Predator and TrappingFrom shooting squirrels in your backyard to calling coyotes in Arizona. This forum now contains trapping information..
I'm not really sure about wolves because we don't have them in OK, but for all the other critters you listed I have taken numerous with nothing more than a .22 Mag.
Expected range has alot to do with my choice. I don't have to worry about anything over 200 yards and I have a .223 Sako. (Wore out my .222 Rem)Ammo is cheap and easy to find. The 22 hornet has its fans, too, but it drops velocity faster and gives less range. These rounds have the advantage of a modest report. I like that because 90% of my shooting is in settled areas.
If wind is a factor, and in many places it is & it really starts to kick your fanny at lower velocities down range, then maybe the various 6mms (.244 cal) would help. Also, wolves are bigger than yotes. Not saying that my .223 won't take one, but if that was my focus, I would step up a notch. Just my preference. Bigger critter, bigger hole.
The 22 250 is also enormously popular hereabouts. Both it and the 220 Swift toss small pills very fast. As one of my high school buddies said, "Yeah, wind is a factor, but they get there faster." Heh, heh. We all have our own needs.
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Mess Chief, Ft Arroyo
"Tucson sweet. Best chili in the Saguaro."
My old savage model 24 in .22 Hornet and 20 gauge. Got a Weaver K6 scope on it and the .22 Hornet barrel is very accurate. It is heavy to tote around but it has also killed a couple hundred coyotes. Load my own ammo forless than theprice of that new .17 whizbang rimfire stuff.
Mallard Stalker it occurred to me that you asked about a rifle and not just a cartridge. I don't know if you have access to CZ rifles up there, but they are made in .223 and have a 1:9 twist, so you can also shoot some of the heavier bullets. They also have a 22-250 if you need the extra range. I would probably go with 55 grain bullets if you can get them. Down here, the 243 Winchester is very commonplace as repeating rifle, but is big for small game. The 6 mm Remington is in this power class and some reloaders prefer it. If you plan on eating the rabbit, try a head shot. A body shot with varmint rifles just blow things up. Also, Harrington and Richardson makes single shot rifles in these calibers that don't cost much, and used rifles in other makes are available. Depending on your finances, consider Simmons scopes or Burris. There are others out there, can be pricy. I have a Burris on my 45 70 and a Leupold VX II on my Sako 223. Love my Sako but they are costly. Ruger makes a 22 hornet rifle and Savage has a single shot 22 hornet.
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Mess Chief, Ft Arroyo
"Tucson sweet. Best chili in the Saguaro."
small game/ varmint rifle?
