Author Topic: 22lr bullet for tough critters? (Read 2977 times)

Bugflipper · « **on:** February 06, 2004, 01:43:21 PM »

I'm having a problem with racoons and opossums getting my chickens at night. When I here the ducks raising hades I get out the spotlight and old 22 auto. I shot one opossum 3 times, one time each for 3 consecutive nights before I killed him. The chicken house is 60 yards back, I can;t make a head shot while holding the spotlight. I aim center of mass for the lungs. He had 3 bullet holes in the lung area, none went all the way through. I found him in the woods a week later so I didn't perform an autopsy to see how deep the bullets penatrated. I've also shot several racoons under the same circumstances, they either had better sence than the opossum or expired later.

I'm using remington sub sonics. Noise is a major factor. Any suggestions on something for stuborn tough critters?

KN · « **Reply #1 on:** February 06, 2004, 02:39:56 PM »

The sub sonics are probably your biggest problem. Those critters can be pretty tough. You need a better round like maybe CCI stingers. KN

Oldtimer · « **Reply #2 on:** February 06, 2004, 03:51:02 PM »

I think that any .22 round will be marginal for the size animals that you are shooting at 60 yards. I agree that Stingers or some other high energy round will be the best bet. As long as you are in an area where shooting is legal, noise should not be much of a factor with any .22 rimfire round. If your neighbors are inside with a radio or TV on, they will not hear the shots. The other way to reduce noise is to use a rifle with a longer barrel. Some old single shots had barrels as long as 28 inches and that will make a difference.

Old Syko · « **Reply #3 on:** February 06, 2004, 04:15:34 PM »

Like KN said the sub sonics just aren't enough. I use RWS High Velocity for such critters and at twice the distance your talking about. There are other rounds that I'm sure will work as well but the RWS has done me well for years.

If noise is that big of a problem you might want to close your distance a bit while using what your using.

jh45gun · « **Reply #4 on:** February 06, 2004, 06:55:12 PM »

Just a idea but those Aquila 22 rounds that shoot the 60 grain bullet just might be the ticket if they shoot ok in your gun? They are called SSS and are subsonic so they are quiet. I have read on some of the boards right now doing a check on this round that it is deadly on coons due to the large 60 grain bullet. They shoot great in my Romanian 69. Recommnded twist by some is 9 and regular 22's are 14 to 16 so some guns shoot them well and some do not. I guess you would have to buy a box and see. These may fit the bill as they are subsonic but use a large grain bullet 60 grains. I like them my self but then like I said my rifle will shoot them. I think most guns will shoot them ok to kill a coon. One thing you may have to use kentucky windage on the elevation as these bullets drop faster due to their weight or you will have to resight in your gun. I noticed in mine a one inch drop at 25 yards and about 6 inches at 50 yards. They are slow but the heavy bullet makes up for it. I think this may take care of your problem with noise and still give you the killing power you need. Jim

KN · « **Reply #5 on:** February 06, 2004, 07:40:09 PM »

I have a bunch of the 60gr sub sonics but I didn't find them to be any quieter than a std load. The only reason they qualify as sub sonic is because they are so heavy and therefor slow. It still takes about the same powder charge to get them going. I'm not saying they won't work well, they might be just the ticket. I just don't think they are any quieter. KN

Bugflipper · « **Reply #6 on:** February 06, 2004, 10:40:12 PM »

No problem with legality, predadation in my state is legal when livestock or poultry are getting damaged. Both animals are legal for night time hunting, but I don't considder this hunting. There is a large ridge a couple hundred yards behind the house. Anything fired seems to echo off of this and apear much louder than it actually is. Maybe things will be better when the leaves come out to buffer the sound. I may just get a 22 magnum and forget about the neighbors.
Thanks guys

jh45gun · « **Reply #7 on:** February 07, 2004, 06:16:52 AM »

The SSS ammo sounds quiet out of my Romanain 22 more so than the standard or the high vel rounds KN how long of a barrel are you shooting them out of? Jim

Bugflipper · « **Reply #8 on:** February 07, 2004, 07:38:21 AM »

jh45gun, I'm using a 1939 model Springfield 87A auto with a 24" barrel. It's tube fed like the current marlins. You can lock the bolt shut then fire and work it manually for shorts, longs or long rifles all will feed this way. Subsonics work automatically 70% of the time, if not it has to be cycled.
I'm not coordinated enough to used my scoped rifles and aim the spotlight at the same time. It's a lot easier to shoot off this ones iron sights.

jh45gun · « **Reply #9 on:** February 07, 2004, 07:53:36 AM »

You could get a flashlight set up like they use on the swat guns ect that would work I bet for your lighting problems. Yea a 22 mag would do the job I love my 22 mag Henry I have it set up with a 4x compact Leopold and it shoots .5 inch 5 shot groups at 50 yards when I do my part and give it ammo it likes.

the report is a bit louder though and if neigbors are a problem I would try the SSS first. Otherwise the 22 mag shot out a window or door as long as you were standing inside the house will disipate the report and it does not sound as loud outside. Hey if nothing else it would give you a excuse to get a new 22 mag

Jim

Snowshoe · « **Reply #10 on:** February 07, 2004, 12:01:16 PM »

I like the Remington hyper velosity Vipers. They are a solid lead that penitrates well.

Lawdog · « **Reply #11 on:** February 07, 2004, 12:22:15 PM »

When my kids were younger and still at home they all had 4-H projects. My oldest got into show quality rabbits. We had the same problems you are having(my oldest daughter stills has those problems) with critters getting into the rabbit shed after those expensive bunny's. Over penetration was and still is a problem. A dead raccoon or possum isn't worth a $100.00(+) rabbit. I used CCI Stingers because they would tear up the lungs and not just poke a hole thru them without exiting very often. Still give good results on big, tough critters(I have taken two coyotes this way with Stingers) at ranges under 75 yards. Lawdog

HAMMERHEAD · « **Reply #12 on:** February 07, 2004, 01:11:30 PM »

If it has to be a quiet .22lr, I'll second the Aguila 60 gr SSS ammo. Out of a CLEAN 22, they will just stabilize, and will tumble inside of an animal. Penetration is good. I've gotten good accuracy from a Win 1885 s/s when it was clean, but when it's dirty, it won't get enough rpm's to stabilize. For some guns, the sell fast twist barrels for the heavy 60 grainers. Originaly developed for suppressed military .22's.

S.S. · « **Reply #13 on:** February 09, 2004, 06:59:33 AM »

Is trapping an option?
You can catch opposums several at a time with a
modified 55 gallon drum!
Then Simply carry them off or eliminate them with a
.22 pistol.

Sure-Shot · « **Reply #14 on:** February 09, 2004, 02:50:48 PM »

If noise is an issue check with your local law enforcement and see if they would object to your shooting through a plastic pop bottle. Tape on barrel no noise, bullet goes right through. Then you can use the 22mag. Reason I say check with them is if they know what is going on and that you are trying to prevent a neighbor problem they won't get excited if someone sees you and calls it in.

lilabner · « **Reply #15 on:** February 09, 2004, 03:54:17 PM »

You might want to check the Cabela's catalog. I believe it was there I saw a spotlight rig for night varmint shooting. It attaches to the rifle so you don't have to hold it, and it should work well with a scope. Maybe with that on your gun you can place the bullet better. Stick one in their ear and you've got a dead possum or racoon right away, no matter what ammo you use.

jh45gun · « **Reply #16 on:** February 09, 2004, 05:45:52 PM »

Quote from: Sure-Shot

If noise is an issue check with your local law enforcement and see if they would object to your shooting through a plastic pop bottle. Tape on barrel no noise, bullet goes right through. Then you can use the 22mag. Reason I say check with them is if they know what is going on and that you are trying to prevent a neighbor problem they won't get excited if someone sees you and calls it in.

That would be a good idea but I sure would not tell any one as that is considered a silencer. Telling a leo that you even considered it would put you under suspicion. Jim

coopershooter · « **Reply #17 on:** February 10, 2004, 09:27:58 AM »

try winchester power points, if you can shoot a 22 mag. you can shoot these. they are very destructive, and should kill coon,s or opposum, very quickly. the varmint light decribed above, is an investment and work like they say they do! both hands on the rifle so you can go to work!
bobby olson

ironglow · « **Reply #18 on:** February 10, 2004, 02:43:04 PM »

I would use CCI Velocitors....in my experience, more power and punch than Stingers, Yellowjackets, powerpoints or Quick-shocks...

Bugflipper · « **Reply #19 on:** February 11, 2004, 11:41:55 AM »

Silencers are strictly a no no, to much red tape. In my state you can not hunt with silencers, I spoke with our local game wardens, they stated if I needed to take care of animals around my property that would be fine. (I'm a LEO) I can not see the point of paying $400 then a $200 fee to shoot varmints. I'd rather use my .223 and upset the neighbors. I thank you all for your input. I've set out a box trap and caught 4 opposums. I have several coons around here still, I shot one 2 nights ago and one got away. The one looked at the light long enough to get a head shot on him. I'm looking into snares right now, or maybe a few steel traps. There are also coon cuffs on the market I may try one of them. I bought some of the SSS ammo, I'm hoping the old rifle will stableize the bullet.
Again thank you all for your responses any athor ideas would be helpful.

JohnClif · « **Reply #20 on:** February 21, 2004, 04:22:26 AM »

Bugflipper... if noise is a problem but you have a good backstop (like that ridge), get a 9mm carbine (like an HK MP5 or HK94... maybe your dept has 'em?) and shoot 147gr subsonic HPs thru it. That will anchor your critters with one shot.

If that isn't an option, see if you have a buddy with a .357 Magnum RIFLE such as a Winchester or Marlin lever-action (very popular for Cowboy Action Shooting). Shoot the Federal Nyclad .38 Spl 125gr HP (or .38 Spl 148gr wadcutters) and it will be quieter than a .22 and pack a wallop.

I have a BSA Martini Cadet that was converted back in the '50s by Klein Bros (the people who started publishing Gun Digest). It shoots .38 Specials very accurately and very quietly... about as loud as .22 subsonics. I've also shot the 24" .45 LC cowboy lever-actions and with your standard 250gr lead bullet these aren't much louder than an airgun (you can shoot them in an indoor range without hearing protection). Either one of these choices would ring a possum's bell.

Bugflipper · « **Reply #21 on:** October 02, 2005, 07:49:08 AM »

Just wanted to update this old topic in case someone is doing a search and wants a legal quiet method for predation. I made up several ballistic gelatin blocks a few years back. I found out the remington subsonics do not penetrate very well. They mushroom out quickly and if I remeber correctly only penetrated about 4". If you put fur and bone in the mix, it's quite possible the bullet wasn't reaching the vitals at 60 yards. Next I put the pmc moderators to the test seems like they went 9" deep at 60 yards, more than adeqate to penetrate a tough critter. Last I went with the nice fellows on this boards advise and tried the aguilla sss. It shot all the way through the gelatin, since I only made three I put all 3 12" blocks together. I got 4 inches into the third block, or roughly 28 inches penetration at 60 yards. I currently use the pmc for 95 percent of rimfire shooting and the aguilla for special situations through a 14: contender since this is the only gun out of 14 I own that shoots the bullet accurately.

Paul Mohr · « **Reply #22 on:** October 02, 2005, 12:32:04 PM »

I was going to suggest CCI velociters, a 17HMR or a .22 magnum. Can't help you with the noise issue though. I can't see where one or two shots from any of these rounds should raise too much concern though.

Paul

ABaker · « **Reply #23 on:** October 02, 2005, 02:56:17 PM »

Trapping possums and coons is the best idea, especially in a live trap. Here is how I do it.

Find a good trap that will hold the animal. Make sure it is sturdy, coons and possums are tough and are known to be able to muscle their way out of faulty traps.

Buy a cheap can of tuna. Not the fancy junk in olive oil, tuna in water will do just fine.

Empty the tuna can into another container and freeze all but one piece. Take the empty tuna can and wire it to the bottom of the live trap. This is very important: possums, Coons, and you common feral cat all will try to just stick an arm in and slide the bait to the side of the trap and eat it. If they can avoid getting into the trap they will.

Take the piece of tuna you didn't freeze and put it into the trap. Tuna stinks really good and they won't be able to resist it. Make sure you set the trap on it's lightest setting. If it only has one setting make it as easy to trip as possible.

Next go Watch TV until you fall asleep or something. When you wake up in the middle of the night you should be able to hear if anything is in the trap. It will be making all kinds of noise trying to get out.

When you do catch one it's up to you what you do with it. From experience I just want to warn you if you catch a cat in that trap just shoot it. If you decide to let it free there is a good chance if will claw it's way all the way up to your pretty face. A .22CB works very well for the job, even for possums and coons. Put one in the ear or between the eyes. CB's are very quiet, just what you were looking for.

Using this method my Father and I have caught over 50 Feral Cats, several possums and coons.

Hope this helps someone.

swiftman · « **Reply #24 on:** October 03, 2005, 04:42:56 PM »

As far as possums go you should ba able to turn of you light and walk out of his sight untill you can't get any closer then hit him witha good brite lite them shoot him, or let him get inside then you can basiclly walk up and hold the gun afew inches away from his head and shoot him. Possums are not real bright. Just make sure he is dead , because that how they got the saying playing possum. HEY HEY

firstshot · « **Reply #25 on:** October 10, 2005, 11:04:32 AM »

Quote from: ironglow

I would use CCI Velocitors....in my experience, more power and punch than Stingers, Yellowjackets, powerpoints or Quick-shocks...

I also like the CCI Velocitors. 40Grn Bullet @ 1,450fps for 180 Ft Lbs @ 25 Yds and 173 Ft Lbs @ 50 Yds.

However, the Agula Hyper Velocity 30Grn Bullets @ 1,750 fps generate more Ft Lbs of energy. 196 Ft Lbs @ 25 Yds and 189 Ft Lbs @ 50 Yds.

The STingers, Yellowjackets, powerpoints & quick shocks all generate less Ft Lbs than these two.

I still think you would get more penetration and better effect on the possums & raccoons with the 40 Grn Velocitors.

firstshot
----------------------------
Make your first shot count!

ironglow · « **Reply #26 on:** October 12, 2005, 01:32:18 AM »

A few days ago I shot my first woodchucks with Velociters..

Whooeee! ..those things really smack them !

I shot two large ones, about 35 and 60 yards, respectively..smacked them flat and they didn't move a muscle..

I would rate them as between the .22 LR and the .22 Mag...maybe closer to the Mag...

Try 'em..you'll like 'em !

cowpolks · « **Reply #27 on:** October 13, 2005, 01:34:16 AM »

I would use Velcocitors, I have shot may gopher with them and these wack them good. You hear a loud thump when you hit them and should have no problem with racoons. Stingers work great for gopher sized varmints but I think they lack the penatrating power to take out a racoon.

tanoose · « **Reply #28 on:** October 19, 2005, 09:05:13 AM »

If i was having this problem and i couldn't get someone to hold a light for me i would either purchase one that mounts on top of the scope or i would try and rig one myself. As far as the 22LR goes cci stingers would to the trick or any high vbelocity 40 grain hollow point Head shots are the way to go. Good luck Tanoose