243 all the way. IMO any 22 caliber past 300 yards is ineffective on varmints. The wind is just too hard on 22 calibers. I know alot of people like their 22-250's, and their 220 swift's. And I am not trying to step on any toes. I like the heavier bullets for distances past 300 yards. A 223 Remington is effective to 300 yards-so I see no need for the other 22's. Except the Hornet. The 243 will give you the wind bucking ability. I think I would step up to at least the 25 caliber. I just ordered a 6.5 X 284 for ground hog's here in WV-out to 600 yards.

I have owned all the 22 caliber's over the years. I have been ground hog hunting for 37 years. And if you want to make consistent hits on hogs over 300 yards. Then you need at least a quarter bore. Tom.