Opinion:. What is the best 22 LR for Hunting

[BigBossMan]

If you had to pick one 22LR for hunting that was the most versitile and accurate...what would it be:  I know this is a big topic but there surely has to be a concensus somewhere.

[Doe]

Ruger MarkII or 4"357 S&W or ruger GP100 shooting cowboy loads.

[yooper77]

I use my Ruger Single Six.

yooper77

[Glanceblamm]

Easy Answer!
For myself a cheap old H&R model 649 revolver has proved to be invaluable over the years. I would swear that I have received $1,000 of value out of this $60 dollar gun since 1975.
Some (still hunting) or waiting is in order when using this but it is a great shooter at the reasonable hunting ranges up to 45yds, Squirrels and all.

If I am in a more care free mood I will take my 1971 vintage Rem Nylon 66.
When it comes to those .22's I don't think that it is a matter of price but wheather or not the gun will shoot...I will admit that the high quality exist but I also have a $15 Savage model 15-A from the 50's that happens to shoot very well.

If I am shooting over 100yds (say groundhogs in the bean field or the lighter predators like the fox) I will switch to my scoped bolt action Savage with the 26" barrel chambered for the WMR.

[BigBossMan]

OOPS.  I meant to also include the brand of bullet that is the most consistant,  I am sorry.

[Catfish]

I prefer the Ruger MK 11 for hunting. I like the Single Six, but my Rugers are more accurate. As for huntinr ammo it`s what ever is the most accurate. I like Rem. Sub-sonics for squirrel but go with higher velocity ammo for groundhogs.

[jk3006]

Haven't hunted with it yet, but my Bisley single six with 4 5/8 shortened barrel will shoot a cylinder full of the cheap bulk-pack Federal 36 grain hollow points into 1.5 inches or less at 25 yards off the bench.  The other day I shot roughly a 5 inch group (cylinder full) offhand at 50 yards.  I'm gonna do some small game hunting with it this late fall/winter.

[mcwoodduck]

I guess it would depend on where I'm hunting.  In NC the rules at one time were it had to have a 6" tube so I have a Ruger Single Six Bisley plus anywhere I think I want shot shells for vermin and snakes.  Every where else I carry a Browning Buck mark.  I like the added ammo and ease of a magazine in the cold over fumbling with loose rounds for the Bisley.  The way I shoot at bushey tails I reload a lot.
As far as hunting ammo goes.  I like the standard 40 grain loads.  The bullet makes a hole in and out and does not tear up rabbits and tree rats.  Both of my uncles would hunt with hyper velocity 22's and just rip up the squirrels.  The 36 grain standard HP by Remington is my second choice and what most of my 22's are sighted in with.

[jhalcott]

  Since hunting rabbits and squirrels isn't allowed with a .22 I can only use them for ground hogs. I have found the Ruger bolt action to be very accurate and puts them down (ground hogs) quite easily. I use what ever ammo is on sale ,just adjust the scope accordingly.!

[Ken ONeill]

A scoped Ruger .22 Auto. I prefer the discontinued Mk. II version. If the semi-auto is not legal where you hunt (Pa. for example), then a scoped 10" Contender .22LR, or a scoped FA Mdl 97, also in .22LR.
I have settled on WW 37 gr. hollowpoints for many years, in many handguns.
The Single-Six is quite adequate and I have used several over the years, but they generally fall way behind the other 3 in accuracy.

[Mikey]

Ruger MkII Government Model (6.5" bull barrel), Clark Trigger, Remington Sub-Sonics or CCI Standard Velocity.  Mikey.

[45Super]

Ruger MK II Slabside!!!  Fed with 40 gr. standard ammo. Great for all small game.

[Dand]

I use my Ruger MKII 67/8 stainless bull bbl (Govt I think) and federal or rem ammo.  One day I got 7 or 8 grouse with it.  If I was hunting rabbits or squirrels I'd use hollow pt ammo as I've lost such animals with solid points. Wish we had more rabbits around.

I'd love to have an old S&W K22 6in to hunt with.  Should save up and find one.

[222]

My opinion is the Browning Buckmark is a very excellent 22lr for hunting. Though if I had deep pockets it would be a S&W in 4 - 6 inch K framed revolver.

[nilescoyote]

If you had to pick one 22LR for hunting that was the most versatile and accurate...what would it be:  I know this is a big topic but there surely has to be a concensus somewhere.

Only because you said versatile, ruger mkII competition slab side. If I was just looking at pure accuracy, I'd say T/C contender with the match chamber. And of course the proper ammo to realize that accuracy.

[S.B.]

CCI stingers. Hands down.

[mcwoodduck]

Stingers for What?  They do noy build up tyhe speed that makes them the hyper bullet that it does in a rifle.  There is no real difference out of a 6" barrel between the standard cheap ammo and the expensive hyper stuff

[S.B.]

Who are you kidding? CCI Stingers have a bigger wound channel and kill much faster than any other round on the market in any of my handguns.
You guys kill me, on a handgun forum you insit on interjecting opinions about rifles.

[nilescoyote]

Or you can look at it as more destroyed meat...
Either way, if you hit them in the head you will not need to worry wether your shooting a solid or a hollow point, they will die just as quick with either.

[jk3006]

I'd use the Velocitor over the Stinger any day, but that's just me. 

Who are you kidding? CCI Stingers have a bigger wound channel and kill much faster than any other round on the market in any of my handguns.
You guys kill me, on a handgun forum you insit on interjecting opinions about rifles.

[gstewart44]

ruger mkII/45    6 7/8" bull barrel.   3/4" at 25 yds off rest.   excellent for small game.

[Hopalong7]

For bushytails n gravy I carry my single six or 22/45 on my hip and my 10" scoped Contender slung over my shoulder.  All of them like Rem Sub-Sonics.  Makes the gravy taste better.  Also my newest toy, my Ruger Challenger, is trying to work it's way in here too. GOOD SHOOTIN',  Walt 
And, I ain't kidding 'bout the gravy either.

[Justin10mm]

 Ruger mkII 22/45, 5 1/2 inch barrel with BSA red dot scope. I can make kills out to 60 yards with this setup.

 I have had good luck with winchester Power Points and CCI mini mags.

 If you want versitility then get a ruger auto, or as the other guys said, if you are rich get a contender for accuracy or a smith & wesson k frame.

[Lloyd Smale]

As many know im a single action man first and foremost so youd think id vote for the single six. I shoot and love them but my main 22 hunting handgun is a 45/22 with a 4 inch bull barrel. I like it for a few reason. the controls are vary simular to a 1911 in location and thats a gun im VERY familar with. The 4 inch gun just ballance perfectly for me with the bull barrel. The 5.5 inch ones work too but that 4 inch gun feels alot like a 5 inch 1911 in ballance. Its also one of the most accurate 22s ive ever owned and ive about owned them all. This gun will flat shoot. One ragged hole groups at 25 yards with about anything i feed it and kept clean has never malfunctioned. I bought it in a deal along with a 41 smith and kept the ruger and sold the smith. thats how highly i think of it. It was more accurate and more reliable then the smtih that cost 3 times as much. Its one of those guns thats earned a permanent place in the safe. I wouldnt sell it for any ammount (at least sane ammount) of money as i doubt id get another that shot as well.

[dpe.ahoy]

I've had real good luck with the Win Power Points.  Most of my 22's shoot them quite well.  Have gotten to spendy to let the kids use them to plink with, but the old man has 5 bricks hidden for himself.   DP

[IMshooter]

I also prefer Winchester .22 Power Points.  This round features a high velocity 40 grain lead bullet with a really large hollow point.  The terminal effect on small game is most satisfying.

Interestingly, this round gives almost match grade accuracy as well.  Several of us used it in Hunter Pistol metallic silhouette competition.

[t-reg]

My Buckmark likes Win. Power Points and Experts, among others.  In an accuracy comparo between PP's and Experts last weekend the Experts won.  I like them for SG because they are somewhat easier on the ears and hit hard.

[S.B.]

As many know im a single action man first and foremost so youd think id vote for the single six. I shoot and love them but my main 22 hunting handgun is a 45/22 with a 4 inch bull barrel. I like it for a few reason. the controls are vary simular to a 1911 in location and thats a gun im VERY familar with. The 4 inch gun just ballance perfectly for me with the bull barrel. The 5.5 inch ones work too but that 4 inch gun feels alot like a 5 inch 1911 in ballance. Its also one of the most accurate 22s ive ever owned and ive about owned them all. This gun will flat shoot. One ragged hole groups at 25 yards with about anything i feed it and kept clean has never malfunctioned. I bought it in a deal along with a 41 smith and kept the ruger and sold the smith. thats how highly i think of it. It was more accurate and more reliable then the smtih that cost 3 times as much. Its one of those guns thats earned a permanent place in the safe. I wouldnt sell it for any ammount (at least sane ammount) of money as i doubt id get another that shot as well.

Lloyd, too bad we live so far apart or I'd let you handle and shoot my new S&W 22A-1. The controls are the best thing to a .22 1911 that I've handled. If you blow up the picture in the link you'll see that the controls are in the same position as the 1911.
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10001&storeId=10001&productId=68946&langId=-1&isFirearm=Y

[Lloyd Smale]

I acutally owned one of them. It was a fine gun and it to shot as well as my 41 but it didnt do as well as this little 4 inch ruger. I donated it to a charity rafle and the new owner just loves it.

As many know im a single action man first and foremost so youd think id vote for the single six. I shoot and love them but my main 22 hunting handgun is a 45/22 with a 4 inch bull barrel. I like it for a few reason. the controls are vary simular to a 1911 in location and thats a gun im VERY familar with. The 4 inch gun just ballance perfectly for me with the bull barrel. The 5.5 inch ones work too but that 4 inch gun feels alot like a 5 inch 1911 in ballance. Its also one of the most accurate 22s ive ever owned and ive about owned them all. This gun will flat shoot. One ragged hole groups at 25 yards with about anything i feed it and kept clean has never malfunctioned. I bought it in a deal along with a 41 smith and kept the ruger and sold the smith. thats how highly i think of it. It was more accurate and more reliable then the smtih that cost 3 times as much. Its one of those guns thats earned a permanent place in the safe. I wouldnt sell it for any ammount (at least sane ammount) of money as i doubt id get another that shot as well.

Lloyd, too bad we live so far apart or I'd let you handle and shoot my new S&W 22A-1. The controls are the best thing to a .22 1911 that I've handled. If you blow up the picture in the link you'll see that the controls are in the same position as the 1911.
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10001&storeId=10001&productId=68946&langId=-1&isFirearm=Y

[S.B.]

Good deal. I love mine, too.
Steve