For the first time in a centerfire handgun before a rimfire. I was using a Super Blackhawk with 250 gr semi wadcutters (Keith style bullets cast lead) because that was my first opportunity to use the gun while testing the load on my way to my 44 Mag testing area (a hike up Franktown Creek in Washoe Valley, NV). It was a lot of bang for just a squirrel and I didn't have hearing protection. I got the critter at the 6th shot and had ringing in my ear (left ear) for about a decade after that (1977). I applaud your choice of a .22 for this. I ended up with an S&W 41 for this kind of work. They costa plenty, but worth the $ if you can afford it. Trigger and balance on the 41 is second to none. The Ruger MK series gave me function problems, not to mention creepy triggers. But if you have one that works everytime with a decent trigger you were luckier than I.