Best caliber for tree rats?

[Andy Griffith]

Since we've had a few threads on bear calibers, I figured asking what the best caliber was for squirrels.

I'm not talking about the big fox squirrels, red squirrels or flying squirrels, but the regular, eastern grey squirrel (scurryus up treeus).

I really like .22 short HP the best. CCI is the only one left that makes a HP that I know of. I can fit a few more in the magazine, they don't tear up the meat too bad either. Out of a Remington 341P, it's a squirrel machine.

I used to use the 9422, but I need the longer barrel now for better sighting radius with older eyes.
With ammo the way it is, I have to make each shot count.

As for shotguns, I try to sick with #4 or #5 shot from a 16ga Stevens 94 that was my father's favorite gun. I like #4 the best as they are easier to pick out, and usually one pellet will kill cleanly.

I try not to make a head shot, as I like squirrel brains.

It's also terribly unsporting to use an optical sighted rifle on squirrels.

 

[WuzzFuzz]

Ironic, as you write, I'm looking out the back at one in the trees. Should I should I not???? If it was on top of my gazebo knawing on the wood, I'd have no doubt what to do. My trusty dusty Winchester model 06, with .22 shorts. No I don't have plans to eat squirrel brains, so that's no problem.

OR, should I get out my .45 Camp Carbine and get the raccoon out of a tree in the front of my place.


WuzzFuzz

 

[Andy Griffith]

Wait, wait!
Coon caliber is another thread!!!

I love 1906's!!!

Always been taught not to take (eat'n) squirrels until the first frost anyway. Fruit/nut tree decimating squirrels are another thing!

 

[mstuhr]

.22 SV

Howdy,
I like the .22lr standard velocity. They are solid point and have an edge in accuracy for the most part over HV ammo.
I did set up a Contender carbine in 38/357 thinking bullseye/PPC loads would be a great setup for squirrels. 2.7 bullseye and 148 grain wadcutter.
It is gruesome.I called that one wrong.
I have shot squirrels over the years with that load in revolvers or a 52.
When it goes into a rifle it takes on a whole new ability to destroy meat.
Aquilla 22 lr SV gets my vote.
Thanks
Mike

 

[Texas Star]

Why not shoot them before a frost?

I think .22LR is the best caliber, and my ideal squirrel rifle would be a CZ 452 American or similar Kimber with a top notch 4X scope. I do prefer optical sights, and don't think it's amiss.

I have a Marlin M-795SS that I use wih open sights. But a 'scope helps in dark shaded woods where a squirrel may lie low on a branch or be obscured by leaves. The 'scope also extends your effective range.

This advice is as good for fox squirrels as for grays.

I think you're right about the shot sizes for those who use shotguns. If I set up my Remington M-870 for squirrels, I think I'd screw in the Modified choke. But Imp. Cyl. will often suffice with modern shot collars. I normally just leave the Imp. Cyl. choke tube in place.

But I really think a .22 rifle is the best item for squirrels. I don't eat any animal brains or organ meats. I think they raise medical issues.

 

[WuzzFuzz]

Well...I suppose I could use my .41 and go for both. The squirrel might be a long shot though. Last I saw the squirrel about a good 50 yards out.

I've got some Winchester LR's, Super X HP's if I want to use them in the 06, instead of the CCI shorts. But shooting the little ole shorts that sort of just go POOF are fun for shooting squirrels.

With the .41, I'm not that good at that distance..

WuzzFuzz

 

[Rpg]

I've used 22 bb caps and 22 cb caps - the old ones in more, so to speak, urban environs. Very quiet!

 

[mjr]

I don't eat any animal brains or organ meats. I think they raise medical issues.

Interesting. Maybe you should start a new thread to discuss this?


Edited to say: BaaBaa has picked up the ball--see thread "Don't Eat Brains"

 

[pace40]

With the .22 ammo shortage, I switched to .177. Don't know why I didn't years ago. Fun, cheap, quiet. Prefer rabbit over tree rat for eatin but they'll go in a stew in a pinch.

 

[Bkreutz]

I went squirrel hunting with my Uncle when I was a kid. His method involved a 12 Ga shotgun, he would watch a squirrel until it ran back to his nest then blast the nest with the 12 Ga. I didn't think that was much like hunting.

 

[WuzzFuzz]

I went squirrel hunting with my Uncle when I was a kid. His method involved a 12 Ga shotgun, he would watch a squirrel until it ran back to his nest then blast the nest with the 12 Ga. I didn't think that was much like hunting.

Now if he would have put..maybe a 1/4 stick of Dupont down the hole!!!!! Might not have been much for hunting..but it sure would have been fun. Probably take care of them and take the fur off all at one time.

WuzzFuzz

 

[Rule3]

505 Gibbs, do some pruning while you are at it.

 

[venomballistics]

any flavor of shotgun or a good pellet gun.
I know the 22 is a staple for this type of work, however to avoid random bullets raining a mile and a half out, your confined to ground swatting em.
shotguns and pellet guns both do well to keep the carryover reasonably at bay while your taking em out of the branches

 

[Oldiron]

The thing about squirrels and the frost is that it will make the, as I have always known them, wolves fall out (hatch). It is a larvae that gets under the skin.
I do not suggest .308 for them. Came home one Sat years ago with a M1A my oldest son had bought. Can see up my shooting lane from where I park the truck and there just happened to be a big fat grey squirrel right in the middle of the lane. Had son go in the house and bring me a mag. One shot at 50 yds and the squirrel flops down then runs off. Trailed him all over the hillside with blood everywhere. Finally tracked him to a hollow log and finished him off. Guess I should have used a big game load.
Larry

 

[carpriver]

Baiting the buggers

I prefer to bait the little buggers. I set out bird feeders and when they come into empty them I pop them with the pellet rifle. I make a stew for my dogs, they like it.

I live in town so the pellet rifle is the route I have to use to protect the birds from the bushy tailed tree climbing seed stealing critters.

I am 9 for 9 so far this summer.

 

[venomballistics]

The thing about squirrels and the frost is that it will make the, as I have always known them, wolves fall out (hatch). It is a larvae that gets under the skin.
I do not suggest .308 for them. Came home one Sat years ago with a M1A my oldest son had bought. Can see up my shooting lane from where I park the truck and there just happened to be a big fat grey squirrel right in the middle of the lane. Had son go in the house and bring me a mag. One shot at 50 yds and the squirrel flops down then runs off. Trailed him all over the hillside with blood everywhere. Finally tracked him to a hollow log and finished him off. Guess I should have used a big game load.
Larry

the secret is to use a flatpoint. Ive done some similar work with a 30-06. I think they all pass through without a chance of expanding, so the flat point offers itself as a sort of pre expanded bullet.
A lot of stuff walked crawled or hopped off my zone before I figured that one out

 

[shouldazagged]

It's also terribly unsporting to use an optical sighted rifle on squirrels.

Don't know how old you are, Andy, but my almost-76-year-old eyes would need help if I could still hunt with my 40-year-old Marlin 39A. I can't hunt anymore due to physical limitations, but I'd need a scope these days.

I always preferred the Lyman aperture sight (without a disk installed) the Marlin wore for years, but I doubt it would be too feasible to use it today.

 

[Lee Barner]

in my yard in town I use my uncle's old rem 41 with CB longs. virtually no noise and they die in a proficient military manner. out in the woods, one of my marlins using either CCI SV or Win power points. I did watch a good squirrel hunt on TV last night with a guy using an air rifle with a scope. may have to try that. lee

 

[Cattledog]

45 or 50 caliber black powder, the way our forefathers did. Bark them.

 

[drinva]

If I'm hungry , a 12ga with #4 shot, if they -squirrels- are as thick as leaves, I might go to a .22 or .22mag, but for the most part, the 12ga is my answer.

DR