RE: Sqirrels with a .22 or a shotgun
I'm not a squirrel hunter but I would have to say use a .410, unless the critter is on the ground you can't be sure of where a rifle bullet will fall when shooting skywards, even if it is only a .22.
Remember to be sure of your target AND WHATS BEYOND, if you shoot at a treed animal and miss wheres the bullet gonna fall?