Brett, .22 short Hi-speed hollowpoints are probably one of the best squirrel rounds ever devised. The .22 short regular speed lead bullets are great little target/fun vermin rounds also, cheap, not to loud and accurate. Even the .22 Long and short CB's are great squirrel rounds. If those are to loud try the .22 Aquila "Super Colibri" rounds, 575 fps and QUIET!!! If you feel perhaps they are not capable of cleanly taking SMALL game, try to find and ask to 200+ squirrels that used to deplete my wifes bird feeders in the backyard. They seem to have had no complaints. Headshots at close range, 13-18 yards have all proved to bring immediate and lasting death, before most hit the ground!! I prefer centerfires and really like my .223 for varmits but have Sportsters in both .17 HMR and .22Mag. They are fun and cheap to shoot and can be shot closer to town as well. I will be getting a .17 HS (Mach 2) barrel when it becomes available, unsure yet if it will be for my 10/22 or for one of the Sportsters, it looks like cheap fun also....<><.... :grin: - Brett, to answer your question of when was the last time I shot .22 shorts?, about 20 minutes ago in the back yard! :grin: