Is .22 a Good Caliber to Hunt With?
Worthless, or an effective hunting round?
One of the most common questions new hunters ask is: Is .22 a good caliber to hunt with? The .22 caliber rifle, especially the .22 Long Rifle (LR), is one of the most popular firearms ever produced. Known for its low recoil, affordability, and versatility, the .22 has been used for everything from teaching beginners to dispatching varmints on farms.
But how well does the .22 caliber really perform in hunting situations? Our team at Silent Armament Forge is going to break down the strengths and weaknesses of the .22, the types of game it’s best suited for, and how to get the most out of your rifle in the field.
Understanding the .22 Caliber
When hunters talk about the .22 caliber, they are usually referring to the .22 Long Rifle (LR). First introduced in the late 1800s, the .22 LR has become the most widely used rimfire cartridge in the world.
Typical performance for a .22 LR cartridge includes:
Bullet weight: 30–40 grains
Velocity: 1,000–1,300 feet per second
Energy: 100–150 foot-pounds
Compared to larger centerfire cartridges, those numbers are modest. However, the .22’s real strengths lie in its ease of use and suitability for small game.
What Game Can You Hunt with a .22?
The .22 caliber shines when it comes to small game hunting. Its low recoil and relatively quiet report make it excellent for taking small animals without excessive damage to the meat.
Best Suited Targets
Squirrels: A headshot from a .22 is clean, humane, and preserves the meat.
Rabbits: The .22 is perfect for rabbit hunting at close to moderate ranges.
Groundhogs and prairie dogs: Farmers and ranchers often rely on .22 rifles for pest control.
Raccoons, possums, and similar varmints: Effective for nuisance animal control around properties.
Where It Falls Short
While the .22 has been used historically on larger animals such as coyotes or hogs or even deer, it is not considered ethical or reliable for this purpose. The .22 LR lacks the velocity and energy required for consistent penetration on medium or large game. In fact, in many states, using a .22 LR on deer or larger animals is illegal. Always check your local hunting regulations.
Advantages of Hunting with a .22
The .22 caliber has a number of benefits that explain why it has remained a favorite among hunters for more than a century.
Low Recoil and Noise
A .22 rifle has virtually no recoil, which allows for accurate shooting even for beginners or smaller shooters. The reduced noise compared to larger rifles is also less disruptive in the field.
High Accuracy
Because the shooter does not need to fight recoil, it is easier to place shots with precision. Pair the low recoil with precision-enhancing attachments like a solid optic, and you are going to be dead on every time. Accuracy is critical for small game hunting, where vital zones are much smaller than on larger animals.
Affordable Ammunition
.22 ammunition is among the most cost-effective rounds on the market. Hunters can afford to practice extensively, improving their skills and confidence before taking shots in the field.
Lightweight Rifles
Most .22 rifles are compact and lightweight, making them easy to carry during long days of small game hunting.
Limitations of the .22 for Hunting
Despite its advantages, the .22 LR does come with limitations that hunters must respect and take into consideration.
Short Effective Range: Most hunters keep their shots within 50–75 yards to ensure accuracy and humane kills.
Low Stopping Power: The .22 does not generate enough energy to reliably take down larger animals.
Wind Sensitivity: Lightweight bullets are easily affected by crosswinds, especially at longer ranges.
Legal Restrictions: Many states restrict the .22 LR from being used on big game due to ethical concerns.
Enhancing the .22 with a Suppressor
One way to make the .22 even more effective for hunting is by pairing it with a quality suppressor. Suppressors reduce muzzle blast, making shots quieter and less startling to surrounding wildlife. This is particularly valuable for hunters who want to take multiple animals in the same area without alerting the rest of the game.
A standout option for rimfire hunting rifles is the SilentAF .22 SHIFT suppressor. Built specifically for .22 caliber firearms, the SHIFT delivers excellent sound reduction without adding excessive weight to the rifle. Its compact design makes it ideal for small game hunters who want to remain discreet in the field while still benefiting from top-tier noise suppression.
In addition to reducing noise, a suppressor like the SilentAF .22 SHIFT can also cut down on recoil and muzzle rise, making accurate follow-up shots easier. This enhances the already forgiving nature of the .22, helping hunters stay on target, and it does all of this for just $385.
Tips for Hunting with a .22
To maximize success in the field, hunters should follow some best practices:
Know your effective range – Keep shots within 50–75 yards for reliable results.
Focus on shot placement – Headshots or carefully placed vital zone hits are essential.
Use quality ammunition – High-velocity hollow points generally offer the best performance on small game.
Practice often – Affordable ammo means you can shoot regularly to sharpen your accuracy.
Add a suppressor – The SilentAF .22 SHIFT suppressor makes your rifle quieter and more effective for hunting.
Alternatives to the .22 LR
If you like the low recoil of the .22 but want more range and energy, consider these alternatives:
.17 HMR – Extremely flat shooting and effective for varmints at longer ranges.
.22 WMR (Winchester Magnum Rimfire) – Offers more velocity and energy than .22 LR, making it suitable for slightly larger game at extended distances.
.223 Remington – A popular varmint and predator hunting cartridge with significantly more stopping power commonly found in AR platforms.
Final Verdict: Is the .22 a Good Caliber to Hunt With?
The .22 caliber is an excellent hunting round when used within its limitations. For small game like squirrels, rabbits, and other varmints, it is one of the most efficient and versatile choices available. Affordable ammunition, low recoil, and lightweight rifles make it especially attractive for new hunters and seasoned shooters alike.
However, hunters should not expect the .22 LR to perform on larger animals. Its limited energy and range mean that it is not a reliable or ethical choice for medium or big game hunting.
For small game enthusiasts, especially those looking to upgrade their hunting setup, pairing a .22 rifle with the SilentAF .22 SHIFT suppressor creates one of the most effective, quiet, and enjoyable hunting platforms available today.
Be sure to follow SilentAF on Instagram!
