The first question that comes to your mind when hunting small game is what caliber to use. There are several options available to you. There is the 6.5 Creedmoor, Winchester.22 Magnum, and.17 HMR. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Ultimately, you will need to decide what will best suit your needs.
6.5 Creedmoor
While some gun writers have praised the 6.5 Creedmoor, many critics have qualified their praises. Despite its long-range accuracy, the caliber is not optimal for killing small game. Because of this, many target shooters prefer bullets that are long and sleek. These bullets tend to drift less and slip through the wind easier.
In addition to these advantages, 6.5 Creedmoor is a bit more accurate. It will hit game from several hundred yards away, and a well-constructed bullet will penetrate vital organs with ease. However, the smaller diameter of the barrel means that it will wear out faster.
The 6.5 Creedmoor was released in 2007, but it did not immediately gain popularity. The cartridge remained on the shelf for a while, and only began to dominate rifle chamberings in 2016 and 2017. Whether or not the 6.5 Creedmoor is the best cartridge for small game depends on your hunting style and experience.
If you want a rifle that shoots 6.5 Creedmoor, the MPA BA Competition Chassis is an ideal choice. Its unique V-bedding allows glass bedding on both the action and the straight part of the barrel. The rifle also features an X-Caliber stainless steel barrel. Aside from that, it comes with a Timney HIT or Trigger Tech Special trigger.
If you are looking for a hunting round with maximum effectiveness, the 6.5 Creedmoor is the caliber for you. Its low recoil and high ballistic coefficient make it ideal for hunting in western states. Moreover, it allows precise shot placement.
Savage’s latest Backcountry Xtreme Series rifles include the Savage 110 Ultralite Camo. The two rifles were developed in collaboration with Proof Research. The lightweight 110 Ultralite Camo weighs just under six pounds and features a carbon-fiber wrapped stainless steel barrel. The rifle also has an AccuTrigger and KUIU Verde 2.0 camo.
The 6.5 Creedmoor is a great cartridge for small game hunting. However, the differences between the two calibers are quite big in some areas. You should evaluate your own hunting requirements, learn to shoot each cartridge, and use quality bullets to get the best results. You can bring both rifles chambered in either caliber with you on your next hunt.
Winchester.22 Magnum
The Winchester.22 Magnum is a low caliber cartridge that produces a powerful shot. The round travels at a speed of 1,050 feet per second, providing a significant terminal stopping power. As a result, it is a good choice for hunting small game.
.17 HMR
If you are looking for a small game caliber to use,.17 HMR is probably the best choice for you. This caliber has high velocity and light bullets, which make them ideal for causing the most damage. However, these bullets aren’t the most effective for preserving small game, so you may want to consider using 22 LR bullets instead.
The difference between the two calibers is based on the bullet weight and the bullet shape. A heavier bullet has a higher ballistic coefficient and will need more force to disrupt its flight. However, the ballistic coefficient varies by bullet type, design, weight, and other factors. While the 17 HMR has a slightly better BC than the 22 LR, both calibers have some advantages.
A good selection of 17 HMR ammunition is available at any sporting goods store. You can find a high-quality product at a low price. The best bullets for the caliber are the Hornady Varmint Express and CCI Gamepoint. Hornady’s Varmint Express ammunition features a soft tip, impressive expansion, and great accuracy. However, if you’re looking to preserve your game, CCI Gamepoint rounds are recommended. The CCI Gamepoint bullets are full metal jacket and very accurate. They have a rise of only 0.6 inches when sighted at 100 yards.
Another advantage of the 17 HMR round is its high-precision. Its accuracy is superior to that of the 22 LR. The standard 36-grain bullet in a 22 LR rifle will drift about 12 inches at 150 yards with a 10 mph breeze.
The 17-grain Varmint Express is a popular small game round. It generates 2,550 fps muzzle velocity and has a 245 ft./lb. energy. Its flat trajectory and high accuracy make it a good choice for small game hunting.
Besides, the rimfire is very affordable, and you can use a Vortex Diamondback 4-16×44 scope for this purpose. The Vortex Diamondback also has a lifetime warranty. However, if you want a cheaper model, you can also check out the Burris Fullfield E1.
