RE: Specialized Varmint Rifle
 

Another vote for the hornet. I had a Ruger 77/22 in the horne and it was a great gun. It accounted for a few yotes and groundhogs. Worked very well out to 200 yards. And the report isn't much louder than a 22 mag.

RE: Specialized Varmint Rifle
 

what ever caliber you like with a hollow point bullet.

RE: Specialized Varmint Rifle
 

Elk, check out the 17HMR. I had a chance to play with one in November and I was impressed on what that little gun will do. It shot sub MOA at 200. Marlin makes a rifle / scope combo that's pretty reasonable. Stainlessheavy barrel and all. It comes witha cheap BSA scope but the optics aren't bad at all. Plus the scope is calibrated to the ballistics of the 17HMR so the elivation turret has yardages printed on it. I checked it out at 100 and then shot it at 200 and the POA was pretty darn close. Plus it won't rattle anybody's windows. Much quieter than the 22 hornet and much cheaper to shoot. Plus, out of the box (unless you handload the hornet) it's more accurate.

RE: Specialized Varmint Rifle
 

From what I read, I would think the 221 Fireball would be a good choice for this application or the 22 Hornet. I will say that I shot a 222 at some raccoon's this fall for pest control and was surprise on how load it was. My wife could here it from 1 mile away , so I would think anything from a 222 and up would not be a good choice for a noise factor. I was considering getting a 22WMR for pest control around my yard being that it’s probably allot quieter and I don’t have to worry about picking up spent brass for reloading... Just my 2¢...

RE: Specialized Varmint Rifle
 

My cousin bought a Ruger 77/22 Hornet a few years back, and its about ideal for the situation you are describing. After a trigger job the gun prints sub 1" groups at 100 yards (thats all he tries for).

RE: Specialized Varmint Rifle
 

.22 K hornet or ol .222 would bea excellent.

RE: Specialized Varmint Rifle
 

I've whacked dozens of woodchucks and 2 yotes with Aguila 60gr. subsonic 22LR. Range is a limited (for my 39A 100yds or less). The 60gr. bullet hits hard and there is very little noise.

RE: Specialized Varmint Rifle
 

I think I am going to end up with some easy carrying centerfire variant in either 20 caliber or 17 caliber. AT least that is the plan