Whether you’re a seasoned sharpshooter or just starting to take aim at the world of hunting, picking the right calibre for your small game adventure can be as crucial as your morning coffee. The key is finding the best calibre for you that also causes as little pain as possible for the little guy. We adore our furry critters, don’t we?
This blog covers the best calibre choices for hunting small game. Let’s enhance your experience while ensuring you uphold the highest wildlife management standards.
What’s “small” game hunting?
Great question! Small game hunting can be contrasted with varmint hunting. Small game involves species such as rabbits and squirrels. They’re often hunted for both sport and sustenance. Varmint hunting prioritizes long-range shooting and involves smaller pests. An overpowered calibre can ruin meat and pelts. An underpowered calibre can wound an animal that ends up escaping. To preserve the integrity of the game as much as possible, small game hunters aim for calibres, achieving clean and sharp kills.
Questions to ask yourself when choosing a calibre
When selecting a calibre for small game hunting, consider the following:
What species do I want to hunt? This dictates the power and precision needed.
How comfortable am I with controlling a firearm? This dictates the best handling and recoil for you, particularly during lengthy hunting sessions.
What’s my hunting distance? This will dictate trajectory type. Longer shots may require calibres with flatter trajectories.
What are the local regulations? There may be regulations limiting the types of calibres and ammunition.
Top Calibres for Small Game Hunting
.22 Long Rifle (LR): The Small Game Staple
Ah, the classic .22 LR. This one’s a staple, renowned for its accuracy and minimal recoil. An overall good choice for hunting that keeps your wallet and concentration intact.
.17 HMR (Hornady Magnum Rimfire)
If you want to spice things up a notch and extend your reach, the .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire, or the .17 HMR, is your ticket to the show. You can expect a flat trajectory and high velocity. The .17 HMR is excellent for precise, long-range shots on small game.
.410 Bore shotgun
The .410 bore shotgun is The Little Engine That Could of the calibre world. It’s ideal for novice shooters because of its relatively gentle recoil. Versatile and forgiving, the .410 shotgun is suitable for various small game species. It can use birdshot for tiny targets and slugs for slightly larger game, making it an excellent choice for mixed-bag hunts.
.22 Magnum (WMR)
Stepping up the power ladder, we meet the .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire, or .22 WMR. Offering more power than the .22 LR, the .22 Magnum is effective for slightly larger small game such as raccoons. You can lean on this calibre to balance stopping power and pelt preservation.
.25-20 Winchester
The .25-20 Winchester is a charming choice that brings a little old-school flair back to hunting. Originally a cowboy’s companion, this calibre is more than just a pretty face—it’s got the grit to take on substantial game.
This classic calibre is perfect for hunters who like their game served with a side of history.
Happy shopping (and hunting)!
In wrapping up, it’s clear that the right calibre makes all the difference in small-game hunting. Whether you opt for the reliable .22 LR, the precise .17 HMR, the gentle .410 shotgun, or the more robust .22 Magnum, each has its specialty. Match your choice to your hunting needs and regulations, and you’re all set. Happy shopping (and happy hunting)! Here’s to hitting your marks and enjoying the great outdoors.
