The best .22LR rimfire ammunition for small game hunting

When it comes to small game hunting, the aim of the game is to get a quick and clean kill without making too much of the meat inedible.

Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or just now heading out on your first hunting trip, small-game shooting offers a number of benefits over big-game.

Namely, there is no specific ‘off-season’. You can hunt small-game animals year round. This will help you keep your shooting skills sharp while there is a lull in big-game hunting. In addition, due to most small-game animals being prey also, they are super sensitive to movement and noise. Slow and smooth movements are vital. Practice like this makes you a more successful big-game hunter.

What’s more, the rich population density and range of small-game means that you don’t have to travel far for your hunting trip. Many are right in your backyards and local fields.

When it comes to kit, shooting small-game requires a lot less equipment and is a great entry point. This also has an advantage post-hunt. Hauling your game home is a lot simpler. With small-game you eliminate the need to move animals that can weigh 250 pounds plus.

It’s important to note that each state has different classification standards for small-game animals and which licences are required. However, generally speaking, small-game typically includes:

·         Rabbits, hares

·         Squirrels

·         Prairie dogs

·         Gophers

With the benefits of small-game shooting in mind, check out our two go-to rounds we recommend when you’re next out in the field.

ELEY High Velocity Hollow

A supersonic hunting round that guarantees world class accuracy, penetration and expansion. Each shot delivers a lethal blow to vermin such as prairie dogs and squirrels. It is the perfect round for hunters and pest controllers who need maximum velocity without compromising on accuracy.

Michael R Shea in Field & Stream magazine noted: “At 1,250 fps, this ammo is the fastest ELEY says they can push the .22 LR and maintain their high-standard of accuracy—which still shows when you shoot groups with the stuff. The famous ELEY beeswax lubricant isn’t here. Instead, they use a thin petrol-based lube, making the ammo noticeably less “wet”. It’s my first choice in hunting loads in the 1,200 fps class, for any accuracy-obsessed hunter who wants hollow points. It shoots cleaner than most other .22 LRs, too, and has that sweet smell of blown British primers.”

ELEY subsonic hollow point

ELEY subsonic offers a quitter muzzle report compared to other .22LR hunting rounds, but doesn’t compromise on its target shooting accuracy and reduced velocity.

With its innovative hollow nosed profile, the ELEY subsonic hollow projectile delivers unequalled expansion characteristics, resulting in short penetration with outstanding stopping power; essential features for vermin control.

We stock both ELEY subsonic and ELEY high velocity hollow .22LR hunting rounds. Get yours today.