22-250 to big for squirrels? Or how bout a .204 Ruger?

I do want to eat them. at how long could i take them at?22-250 to big for squirrels? Or how bout a .204 Ruger?
Squirrels are small, live of trees, so not have long shot at them, .22 Long rifle is best of squirrels, .22-250 is too powerful, .204 Ruger is too.22-250 to big for squirrels? Or how bout a .204 Ruger?
A .22-250 is way too much, so is a .204 Ruger. Both would make them explode unless you head shoot them only, but I would not do it. Both calibers have major energy for a critter that small. If you want to rifle hunt for squirrels get a good bolt action .22 LR, like a Ruger 77/22.
I don't know how big squirrels get in your neck of the woods or how spooked they are where you couldn't get within 50 yards but I'd think that a .22 rim fire would be the opitmum round for what you have in mind.
In my opinion the 22-250 would be too big if you plan to eat it. I would go with .204 or even a .17HMR or .22 if you can place the shot. .22-250 makes an excellent coyote rifle though. Any of the previously mentioned round can be effective 300-400 yrds easily.





When choosing a round, something that fires 2600 feet per second or less is enough. As usual, when hunting anything, it is all about shot placement. If I was choosing I would go with a round that is pretty inexpensive. That would enable me to practice as much as I want to without breaking the bank.





Happy shooting!


-Michael
well all i can say is that the 22\250 is what i use for coyotes and it drops them on spot and I've shot rabbits with it as well and the rabbit exploded, there was only half of it when i walked up to it and this was from distances ranging from 50-250 yards. even that .204 ruger is much to big for any squirrel, if you wanted a round for them i would suggest you a .22 or even a .17hmr.
.204 ruger is the fastest shooting cartridge in the world, delivering bullets up to 4,500 fps. that kind of velocity will liquidate the animal right before your eyes.


.22-250 has been used to take small deer animals before (legally and otherwise), too much power for squirrel.





5,45x39 (if you happen to have such a rifle in that)


or .223/5.56 would be the limit for such small game like squirrel.





I recommend a .22LR, with LRN ammo you'll have plenty of undestroyed meat.
What a refreshing question! Probably both are way too big, but don't forget you can BARK the squirrel when your only option is a larger calber.
With those calibers, There is not going to be any meat left. Downsize to a 22 or 17hmr. They are a better squirrel cartridge.
No not if your not going to eat what you harvest.* Squirrels are game animals not Varmints or trash to be destroyed and not utilized as food.* Having said that maximum effective range with the calibers you mentioned is 400 yards.*
22-250 and 204 are too large.17 HMR is not a good choice either because they will explode when you shoot them. Go with a 22 LR with solid round nose bullets. Maximum range for 22LR about 50-60 yds.