Strictly my opinion, It will do fine for rabbits and other small game out to 25 yds from the patterning I have done. I use 24 ga wads in mine. I haven't used it on game yet, but patterns indicate that a rabbit, which is my primary small game, will be hurting at 25 yds with #6s. I have a .62 cal fowler that I really like. The .56 renegade is no fowler but will get the job done. My fowler just feels "right" in my hands. My renegade is up for sale, but I don't have a problem hanging onto it either, someone local may want a start at bp shotgunning, and it would be perfect. I had a couple new englanders, great guns, but tough on rabbits, and too much like a modern single shot for my liking. I forget now what loads I patterned in the .56, but it certainly wasn't anything heavy, maybe 60gr ffg, and same of #6's. Good luck, I think you'll be pleased.