22 or 25 for squirrels

[MongooseV8]

I do not see a benefit in killing squirrels from lower powered air rifles. They kill slower if anything. I also need more second shots with them. I keep track, I have the data. I use them in my backyard because they don't carry as far. Without that consideration I would gladly use my 30+ fpe guns exclusively. They almost always shoot through but I see that as a good thing. Two holes bleed out faster than one. Whatever the logic 30+ means a higher percentage of immediate DRT in my experience.

Yeah normally I would agree with this, but there are some "modern" ammo choices that make the lower power options perform. A 10g JSB KO at 950fps crushes squirrels, and my 22Cal Hades at 980fps do too. Low power with more energy transfer can work as well or better than a 100fpe 25Cal that zips right through. I do use both, since every hunting situation can be so different. But if we were talking about a 8g 177 at normal speeds? I feel there is a certain level of responsibility required as a hunter.

 

[6gun]

If you are using a 30 fpe gun or more and having them run you are not placing the shots well. I get very few runners with my 2 under 20 fpe pcps and have only had 2 out of 30 squirrels with my 30-45 fpe pcps. Both were front of chest hits with a 25 that stopped under the skin behind a back leg. My shots were all less than 40 yards.

Well said! To add on to my ramble earlier. 25 is better at hitting the instant off switch. I don't like them moving for more than a couple degrees on their flop over after I hit them.

 

[6gun]

Yeah normally I would agree with this, but there are some "modern" ammo choices that make the lower power options perform. A 10g JSB KO at 950fps crushes squirrels, and my 22Cal Hades at 980fps do too. Low power with more energy transfer can work as well or better than a 100fpe 25Cal that zips right through. I do use both, since every hunting situation can be so different. But if we were talking about a 8g 177 at normal speeds? I feel there is a certain level of responsibility required as a hunter.

For 15 years everything fell to a 700fps (on a good day) benjamin 392 and crow magnums for me. Even rabbits at longer ranges than I should've. Projectile choice for use, and not on paper performance numbers is very important too

 

[daddypaddy]

I've said this before but I will say again I always use a non expanding projectile hunting/pesting. My longest kill I think was a 37 yard shot with my one 177, a P35. Shoots H&N Baracuda Match pellets 880-900 fps. Dropped a big female with one shot and no running. I'm up to 67 now with the three calibers. The only benefit I can see to an expanding projectile is less risk of pass through. And if that's why you use them what about if you miss? If you only shoot in safe directions pass through are no issue. I took a squirrel this week with a gut shot because I miss judged it's position on the limb. I gave it a finisher in the brain but both were with my 177. It just does not require expansion to take small game cleanly but I highly recommend better placement than the shot I just mentioned. I would use a Hades if it was most accurate in my gun and I tested it and judged it's penetration sufficient. But domed work great for me.

i like domed as well.

 

[JimD]

I've shot 3 of 20 squirrels twice with my 177 (P35 shooting 10.6 gr 880fps). 16 of the 18 with my Prod only got one, one got 2 and the other got 3. The only one multi shot with my 3 30+ airguns was another shot I shouldn't have taken. I tried shooting through twigs and nicked a front leg with my P35-25. So 1 of 30 with a caveat. The rate is not high for any of my guns but it is higher for the less powerful ones. About half my first shots have gone into the head or neck.

 

[peaceful_ruler]

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