Small game hunting isn’t just about varmint control—it’s a rewarding pursuit that offers both sport and table fare. From squirrels and rabbits to raccoons, foxes, and coyotes, choosing the right cartridge makes all the difference. Whether you’re hunting for fur, meat, or population control, the best small game cartridges deliver accuracy, efficiency, and the right amount of stopping power without excessive damage to your harvest.
In this guide, we’ll cover the top 10 cartridges for small game hunting, including rimfire and centerfire options, along with ballistics and real-world performance.
1. .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire (WMR)
A cult classic since 1959, the .22 Magnum is one of the most versatile rimfire cartridges for small game hunting. Lethal up to 125 yards, it delivers minimal recoil while offering more punch than the .22 LR.
Best Use:
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Squirrels, rabbits, raccoons, beavers
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Even light predator control within 125 yards
Specs:
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Bullet Weight: 30–50 gr
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Muzzle Velocity: 1900+ fps
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Effective Range: <125 yards
2. .22 Long Rifle (LR)
The .22 LR is the most iconic rimfire cartridge in history. Affordable, widely available, and effective within 100 yards, it’s an ideal choice for beginners and seasoned hunters alike.
Best Use:
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Rabbits, squirrels, small furbearers
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Light predator control at close range
Specs:
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Bullet Weight: 30–40 gr
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Muzzle Velocity: 1200+ fps
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Effective Range: <150 yards
3. .22 Hornet
Developed in the 1920s, the .22 Hornet bridges the gap between rimfire and larger centerfire cartridges. It’s quiet, mild in recoil, and effective out to 175 yards.
Best Use:
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Squirrels, gophers, rabbits
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Capable of coyotes with precise shot placement
Specs:
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Bullet Weight: 35–55 gr
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Muzzle Velocity: 2600+ fps
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Effective Range: <175 yards
4. .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire (HMR)
Introduced in 2002, the .17 HMR is a flat-shooting, accurate cartridge designed from the .22 WMR case. With supersonic speeds past 200 yards, it’s ideal for precision hunting.
Best Use:
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Prairie dogs, squirrels, rabbits
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Foxes and raccoons at medium range
Specs:
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Bullet Weight: 15–20 gr
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Muzzle Velocity: 2350+ fps
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Effective Range: ~200 yards
5. .17 Winchester Super Magnum (WSM)
The .17 WSM is a high-velocity rimfire round developed in 2012. It outperforms the .22 WMR for predator hunting and offers impressive reach.
Best Use:
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Coyotes, foxes, prairie dogs
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Medium-range small game
Specs:
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Bullet Weight: 20–25 gr
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Muzzle Velocity: 2600+ fps
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Effective Range: 200–250 yards
6. .17 Hornady Mach 2 (HM2)
A lighter, faster sibling of the HMR, the .17 HM2 is highly accurate within 150 yards and less destructive to meat.
Best Use:
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Rabbits, squirrels, foxes
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Precision small game hunting
Specs:
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Bullet Weight: 17 gr
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Muzzle Velocity: 2100+ fps
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Effective Range: <150 yards
7. .204 Ruger
Introduced in 2004, the .204 Ruger is a centerfire round that excels at long-range predator and small game hunting. With minimal recoil and high velocity, it’s a favorite among coyote and bobcat hunters.
Best Use:
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Coyotes, bobcats, prairie dogs
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Hunters seeking long-range accuracy
Specs:
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Bullet Weight: 24–45 gr
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Muzzle Velocity: 3600+ fps
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Effective Range: <400 yards
8. .220 Swift
The .220 Swift debuted in 1935 and was the first commercial round to break 4000 fps. Known for flat trajectory and long-range precision, it’s powerful yet accurate for small game and furbearers.
Best Use:
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Foxes, coyotes, bobcats
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Hunters wanting extreme velocity and reach
Specs:
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Bullet Weight: 40–60 gr
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Muzzle Velocity: 3600+ fps
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Effective Range: <400 yards
9. .30-30 Winchester (Reduced Loads)
Traditionally a deer cartridge, the .30-30 can be adapted with reduced loads for small game. At lower velocities, it’s surprisingly effective for closer-range hunting without excessive meat damage.
Best Use:
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Beavers, raccoons, foxes
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Brush gun for close-range hunts
Specs:
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Bullet Weight: 110–170 gr
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Muzzle Velocity: 1100+ fps (reduced load)
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Effective Range: <50 yards
10. Winchester .21 Sharp
Released in 2024, the .21 Sharp is a modern update to the .22 LR. Designed with a non-heeled case and lead-free projectile, it offers better ballistic efficiency while maintaining affordability.
Best Use:
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General small game hunting
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A sustainable alternative to .22 LR
Specs:
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Bullet Weight: 25–42 gr
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Muzzle Velocity: 1500+ fps
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Effective Range: ~200 yards
Choosing the Right Small Game Cartridge
When selecting the best small game cartridge, consider your hunting style, target species, and intended harvest. For meat and fur, lighter rimfire cartridges like the .22 LR or .17 HM2 preserve game without excessive destruction. For predator control, longer-range cartridges like the .204 Ruger or .220 Swift deliver accuracy and stopping power.
No matter which cartridge you choose, always check local hunting regulations, practice with your firearm, and match your ammo to your needs.