Certainly nothing wrong with the 22-250 you've been using.Other cals to consider- .204 Ruger, .222, .223, see lots of use.You can use most anything really.If you want to save the fur stick with those listed.Most anything larger will tear'em up.Any of the popular brands of guns and models will work fine.Myself I'd look at CZ and Savage.Both offer great shooters at reasonable cost. For close range (within 50 yds or so) a 10 or 12 gauge will work well but you'll need to do some pattern testing with various loads/chokes to find what works best in your gun.