Will a .22 Go Through a Squirrel? A Ballistics Expert Weighs In
The question “Will a .22 go through a squirrel?” is frequently asked by hunters and pest control professionals, and the answer is a resounding yes under most circumstances. A .22 caliber bullet, even with its relatively low power, possesses sufficient energy to penetrate and pass through a squirrel’s body.
Understanding .22 Caliber Ballistics
The .22 Long Rifle (.22 LR) is arguably the most popular cartridge in the world, prized for its low recoil, affordability, and accuracy at short to medium ranges. It is commonly used for target shooting, small game hunting, and pest control. To understand whether “Will a .22 go through a squirrel?“, we need to consider several ballistic factors.
- Bullet Weight: .22 LR bullets typically weigh between 30 and 40 grains.
- Velocity: Muzzle velocities range from around 1000 feet per second (fps) for subsonic rounds to over 1400 fps for high-velocity ammunition.
- Energy: This combination of weight and velocity translates to muzzle energies ranging from around 80 to 150 foot-pounds.
This energy, while significantly less than larger caliber rounds, is more than adequate to penetrate the soft tissues and bones of a squirrel.
Factors Affecting Penetration
While the answer to “Will a .22 go through a squirrel?” is usually “yes”, several factors can influence the outcome:
- Ammunition Type: High-velocity rounds will generally penetrate better than subsonic rounds. Hollow-point bullets, designed to expand upon impact, may transfer more energy and cause more significant internal damage, but might not always guarantee a complete pass-through compared to solid point bullets.
- Distance: As the bullet travels, it loses velocity and energy due to air resistance. At longer distances, the penetration may be reduced, but is still likely to pass through a squirrel.
- Shot Placement: A shot through the chest cavity or head is more likely to result in a pass-through than a shot that hits dense bone, such as the shoulder.
- Obstacles: Even small branches or leaves can deflect or slow down a .22 bullet, affecting its penetration.
- Size of the Squirrel: While most squirrels are relatively similar in size, exceptionally large or old individuals might offer slightly more resistance due to increased muscle mass or bone density, though this is unlikely to prevent a pass-through.
Wound Channels and Terminal Ballistics
The terminal ballistics of a .22 bullet are crucial in determining its effectiveness on a squirrel. While the bullet has enough energy to pass through the animal, the size and shape of the wound channel created during penetration significantly affect the speed of incapacitation.
- Solid Point Bullets: These create a relatively narrow wound channel. While lethal, squirrels might take longer to succumb to the injury compared to more destructive rounds.
- Hollow Point Bullets: These bullets expand upon impact, creating a larger, more devastating wound channel. This rapid energy transfer can lead to quicker incapacitation. However, the increased expansion may reduce penetration distance.
Ethical Considerations and Safety
When hunting squirrels, it is important to prioritize ethical hunting practices and safety.
- Shot Placement: Aim for vital organs (heart, lungs, brain) to ensure a quick and humane kill.
- Backstop: Always be aware of what is behind your target to prevent accidental injury or damage. A bullet passing through a squirrel can travel a significant distance.
- Local Regulations: Familiarize yourself with local hunting regulations regarding permissible firearms and ammunition.
| Ammunition Type | Velocity (fps) | Penetration Potential | Wound Channel Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| —————– | —————- | ———————- | ——————— |
| Standard Velocity Solid Point | ~1150 | Good | Small |
| High Velocity Solid Point | ~1250-1400 | Excellent | Small |
| Standard Velocity Hollow Point | ~1000 | Good | Medium |
| High Velocity Hollow Point | ~1280 | Good to Excellent | Large |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is a .22 powerful enough to kill a squirrel?
Yes, a .22 is absolutely powerful enough to kill a squirrel. In fact, it’s a very common and effective round for small game hunting. Ethical hunters aim for vital organs to ensure a quick and humane kill.
Will a .22 ricochet off a squirrel?
While it’s highly unlikely a .22 bullet will ricochet directly off a squirrel, it’s possible for a bullet to deflect off a hard surface after passing through or missing the animal. Always be aware of your surroundings and have a safe backstop.
What is the effective range of a .22 for squirrel hunting?
The effective range of a .22 for squirrel hunting is generally considered to be around 50-75 yards. Beyond this distance, accuracy and energy decrease, making humane shots more difficult.
Is it legal to hunt squirrels with a .22 in my area?
Regulations vary widely. You must consult your local hunting regulations or Fish and Wildlife agency to determine the legality of using a .22 for squirrel hunting in your specific location.
What kind of .22 ammunition is best for squirrel hunting?
This depends on personal preference and hunting conditions. Many hunters prefer high-velocity hollow points for their increased stopping power, while others opt for solid points for deeper penetration, especially in wooded areas with obstructions.
Does the size of the squirrel affect whether a .22 will pass through?
Generally, no. Squirrels are relatively small animals. Even large squirrels are unlikely to stop a .22 bullet. The .22 will go through a squirrel regardless of its size under most normal hunting conditions.
How important is shot placement when hunting squirrels with a .22?
Shot placement is absolutely crucial for ethical and effective squirrel hunting. Aiming for the head or chest cavity ensures a quick and humane kill.
What are the risks of using a .22 in a populated area?
Using any firearm in a populated area carries significant risks. A .22 bullet can travel a considerable distance and cause serious injury or damage. Always be aware of your surroundings and follow all safety precautions. It is advisable to consult local regulations before attempting to discharge any firearm.
Can a .22 bullet penetrate a tree after going through a squirrel?
Yes, a .22 bullet that has passed through a squirrel can potentially penetrate a tree, depending on the size and density of the tree, and remaining velocity of the bullet.
How does weather affect the trajectory of a .22 bullet?
While a .22 bullet is relatively lightweight, wind can affect its trajectory, especially at longer ranges. Heavy rain or snow can also affect visibility and accuracy.
Is it better to use a .17 HMR instead of a .22 for squirrel hunting?
The .17 HMR is a more powerful round than the .22 LR, offering flatter trajectories and greater accuracy at longer ranges. However, it is also more expensive. The choice depends on individual preferences and hunting conditions. Some hunters prefer the .22 for its lower cost and quieter report.
What safety precautions should I take when handling .22 ammunition?
Always treat every firearm as if it is loaded. Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot. Never point a firearm at anything you do not intend to shoot. Store ammunition and firearms securely, out of the reach of children.