What are your thoughts? If you were wanting the meat is a .223 to much for squirrel hunting? what about a .204?
Re: .223 to much for squirrel hunting?
Yes, not to mention the saftey issue. Use one of the following- 22LR 22WMR, 17M2, 17HMR or shotgun.
Yes, not to mention the saftey issue. Use one of the following- 22LR 22WMR, 17M2, 17HMR or shotgun.
Re: .223 to much for squirrel hunting?
I know of an actual incident where a .40 cal bullet landed in a kitchen sink approx. one mile from where it should have impacted the dirt burm on an LE range, now lets discuss shooting a .223 at a squirrel in a tree..............
I know of an actual incident where a .40 cal bullet landed in a kitchen sink approx. one mile from where it should have impacted the dirt burm on an LE range, now lets discuss shooting a .223 at a squirrel in a tree..............
Re: .223 to much for squirrel hunting?
.204 is too much also. Hell with the speed & bullet selection of the .17hmr and hm2 it's a headshot only game. Stick with .22lr or .22wmr max if you want anything to eat, and to be safe at the same time.
.204 is too much also. Hell with the speed & bullet selection of the .17hmr and hm2 it's a headshot only game. Stick with .22lr or .22wmr max if you want anything to eat, and to be safe at the same time.
Re: .223 to much for squirrel hunting?
Are you serious? Have you ever shot anything with either of those rounds before? Like 7mmRM said, stick to a rimfire or shotgun.
Are you serious? Have you ever shot anything with either of those rounds before? Like 7mmRM said, stick to a rimfire or shotgun.
Re: .223 to much for squirrel hunting?
Stick with rimfire or someone a couple miles away might be having a REALLY bad day.
Stick with rimfire or someone a couple miles away might be having a REALLY bad day.
Re: .223 to much for squirrel hunting?
I use my .204 for hunting honey bees. So I think you would at least need a 30/06 or maybe even a 45-70 for squirrels.
I use my .204 for hunting honey bees. So I think you would at least need a 30/06 or maybe even a 45-70 for squirrels.
Re: .223 to much for squirrel hunting?
Even 22mag is too much, 22lr is the better choice. Definatly not 223, 204, way too much gun, and dangereous.
Even 22mag is too much, 22lr is the better choice. Definatly not 223, 204, way too much gun, and dangereous.
Re: .223 to much for squirrel hunting?
.17HMR or HM2. Best squirrel cartridges ever created.
.17gr, .17cal v-max bullet going 2500+ fps is about the safest thing you can possibly shoot.
Not to mention they are gnat-hair accurate to 100yds.
.17HMR or HM2. Best squirrel cartridges ever created.
.17gr, .17cal v-max bullet going 2500+ fps is about the safest thing you can possibly shoot.
Not to mention they are gnat-hair accurate to 100yds.
Re: .223 to much for squirrel hunting?
well i think .308 is ideal for frogs, soo.... probably need like a .338 lapua or something.
well i think .308 is ideal for frogs, soo.... probably need like a .338 lapua or something.
Re: .223 to much for squirrel hunting?
I like using my Gammo Viper pellet rifle .177 at 1250 fps, gets it done.
I like using my Gammo Viper pellet rifle .177 at 1250 fps, gets it done.
Re: .223 to much for squirrel hunting?
my thoughts are that you have no common sense. Just buy an air rifle, unless you are trying to get into prison that is.
my thoughts are that you have no common sense. Just buy an air rifle, unless you are trying to get into prison that is.
Re: .223 to much for squirrel hunting?
Unless you are down loading this to near subsonic velocitys I would look at other options.
Unless you are down loading this to near subsonic velocitys I would look at other options.
Re: .223 to much for squirrel hunting?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: strider09</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What are your thoughts? If you were wanting the meat is a .223 to much for squirrel hunting? what about a .204?
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Bushy tails aren't that meaty to begin with (unless you find some big fat southern grey squirrels). If you're meat hunting use a 22LR (std vel 40gr lead) and restrict yourself to head shots. In the fall before the leaves turn you can use a shotgun but tree rats are tough boogers so I'd recommend high brass #6 in either a full choked 20 ga or mod choked 12 ga.
And by the way squirrel and dumplin's makes a great Sunday dinner.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: strider09</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What are your thoughts? If you were wanting the meat is a .223 to much for squirrel hunting? what about a .204?
</div></div>
Bushy tails aren't that meaty to begin with (unless you find some big fat southern grey squirrels). If you're meat hunting use a 22LR (std vel 40gr lead) and restrict yourself to head shots. In the fall before the leaves turn you can use a shotgun but tree rats are tough boogers so I'd recommend high brass #6 in either a full choked 20 ga or mod choked 12 ga.
And by the way squirrel and dumplin's makes a great Sunday dinner.
Re: .223 to much for squirrel hunting?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: dlc356</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Unless they're this big I'd stick with a rimfire
</div></div>
I actually did laugh out loud. Thank you.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: dlc356</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Unless they're this big I'd stick with a rimfire
I actually did laugh out loud. Thank you.
Re: .223 to much for squirrel hunting?
Go down to the Bullet Hole in Wichita and ask those guys. They hunt a lot of squirrels. They would know what is effect on the local game.
Don't forget to let us know how that goes. FWIW, I would run .22LR.
Go down to the Bullet Hole in Wichita and ask those guys. They hunt a lot of squirrels. They would know what is effect on the local game.
Don't forget to let us know how that goes. FWIW, I would run .22LR.
Re: .223 to much for squirrel hunting?
Gamo pellet gun. Assuming you're not shooting them in high wind from 500yds out.
Gamo pellet gun. Assuming you're not shooting them in high wind from 500yds out.
Re: .223 to much for squirrel hunting?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Timberwolf</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
And by the way squirrel and dumplin's makes a great Sunday dinner. </div></div>
Yes they do!
After using a 22LR for a long time, I switched using my 17HMR. Mainly because I feel on a less than optimal shot it puts them down much quicker, shoots better and farther, and I simply trust it more. Try for head/neck insertions only. Boilier room shot- figure on tossing the front half.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Timberwolf</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
And by the way squirrel and dumplin's makes a great Sunday dinner. </div></div>
Yes they do!
After using a 22LR for a long time, I switched using my 17HMR. Mainly because I feel on a less than optimal shot it puts them down much quicker, shoots better and farther, and I simply trust it more. Try for head/neck insertions only. Boilier room shot- figure on tossing the front half.
Re: .223 to much for squirrel hunting?
"Gamo pellet gun. Assuming you're not shooting them in high wind from 500yds out"
Nope, that would be your backyard variety rodent, usually in the morning as they try to get at the bird feeder. Less that 50yds and don't bother if the winds blowing too much - squirrels (here) wouldn't be out anyway.
I do have a CZ453 Varmint 22LR that I could break out with some sub-sonic rounds, if they have been feeding on steroid laced feed.
"Gamo pellet gun. Assuming you're not shooting them in high wind from 500yds out"
Nope, that would be your backyard variety rodent, usually in the morning as they try to get at the bird feeder. Less that 50yds and don't bother if the winds blowing too much - squirrels (here) wouldn't be out anyway.
I do have a CZ453 Varmint 22LR that I could break out with some sub-sonic rounds, if they have been feeding on steroid laced feed.
Re: .223 to much for squirrel hunting?
Its too much if youre my neighbor. 22 short was made for squirrel life taking.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: strider09</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What are your thoughts? If you were wanting the meat is a .223 to much for squirrel hunting? what about a .204?
</div></div>
Its too much if youre my neighbor. 22 short was made for squirrel life taking.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: strider09</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What are your thoughts? If you were wanting the meat is a .223 to much for squirrel hunting? what about a .204?
</div></div>
Re: .223 to much for squirrel hunting?
Thank you all for the input, from reading what everyone wrote, it seems I am the only one who shoots squirells only on the ground... I never even thought of shooting the ones in the trees, was always worried about how far the bullet would go. as for shotguns, I hate picking out all the pellets and hoping I dont swollow any. I guess I`ll just keep using the .22 then.
I did at one time go hunting squirell with a 7.62....was all I had at the time and was trying for a head shot..... didn`t work out so well...
dlc356 I love that picture! I`m gonna show it to a guy I work with, I know he`ll enjoy it too.
Thank you all for the input, from reading what everyone wrote, it seems I am the only one who shoots squirells only on the ground... I never even thought of shooting the ones in the trees, was always worried about how far the bullet would go. as for shotguns, I hate picking out all the pellets and hoping I dont swollow any. I guess I`ll just keep using the .22 then.
I did at one time go hunting squirell with a 7.62....was all I had at the time and was trying for a head shot..... didn`t work out so well...
dlc356 I love that picture! I`m gonna show it to a guy I work with, I know he`ll enjoy it too.
Re: .223 to much for squirrel hunting?
Glad you liked the pic... If you get the chance to go after the squirrels in FL it's a lot easier. They're not near as fast
...
Glad you liked the pic... If you get the chance to go after the squirrels in FL it's a lot easier. They're not near as fast
Re: .223 to much for squirrel hunting?
I know of 200 that couldn't defeat CCI CB Longs out of a Rem 541S......
Just like Big Game Hunting but on a Smaller Scale
I know of 200 that couldn't defeat CCI CB Longs out of a Rem 541S......
Just like Big Game Hunting but on a Smaller Scale
Re: .223 to much for squirrel hunting?
Never needed anything more than a 22LR. Used to use a 20 gauge when I was a kid, before I learned to be quiet and accurate.
Never needed anything more than a 22LR. Used to use a 20 gauge when I was a kid, before I learned to be quiet and accurate.
Re: .223 to much for squirrel hunting?
Use at least a 300 win mag! You never know when that beast could be hopped up on drugs and have the strength of ten squirrels! And always remember to watch your back, as they can be really devious and work in packs. Squirrels are very, very nasty and have no morality or honor. They laugh at me when I miss...
Use at least a 300 win mag! You never know when that beast could be hopped up on drugs and have the strength of ten squirrels! And always remember to watch your back, as they can be really devious and work in packs. Squirrels are very, very nasty and have no morality or honor. They laugh at me when I miss...
Re: .223 to much for squirrel hunting?
Damn you guys eat them? Ours carry all kinds of nasty diseases. I usually try to make them into as many small pieces as possible so it is easier fo the buzzards and seagulls to clean them up.
Damn you guys eat them? Ours carry all kinds of nasty diseases. I usually try to make them into as many small pieces as possible so it is easier fo the buzzards and seagulls to clean them up.
Re: .223 to much for squirrel hunting?
I blasted a squirrel with a 17hmr and they explode. 22lr just killed them left, them in one piece. A friend of mine shot one with a 300win mag and it just sailed right threw it same with ball .223
So if you want the meat I say .22lr
I blasted a squirrel with a 17hmr and they explode. 22lr just killed them left, them in one piece. A friend of mine shot one with a 300win mag and it just sailed right threw it same with ball .223
So if you want the meat I say .22lr
Re: .223 to much for squirrel hunting?
.17hmr is intended for HEADSHOTS. Thats what most squirrel shooters go for anyway... regardless of caliber.
.17hmr is intended for HEADSHOTS. Thats what most squirrel shooters go for anyway... regardless of caliber.
Re: .223 to much for squirrel hunting?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: boardride</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I blasted a squirrel with a 17hmr and they explode. 22lr just killed them left, them in one piece. A friend of mine shot one with a 300win mag and it just sailed right threw it same with ball .223
So if you want the meat I say .22lr </div></div>
You obviously dont have the midwestern fox squirrels. Those mothers can take a 22, chuckle a bit, and flip you off on the way to thier hole.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: boardride</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I blasted a squirrel with a 17hmr and they explode. 22lr just killed them left, them in one piece. A friend of mine shot one with a 300win mag and it just sailed right threw it same with ball .223
So if you want the meat I say .22lr </div></div>
You obviously dont have the midwestern fox squirrels. Those mothers can take a 22, chuckle a bit, and flip you off on the way to thier hole.
Re: .223 to much for squirrel hunting?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Norcal Phoenix</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Damn you guys eat them? </div></div>
Fuck yes! They are without doubt a treat. Fried squirrels and squirrel and dumplings are some of the finest table fare one can eat.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Norcal Phoenix</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Damn you guys eat them? </div></div>
Fuck yes! They are without doubt a treat. Fried squirrels and squirrel and dumplings are some of the finest table fare one can eat.
Re: .223 to much for squirrel hunting?
Southern Fox Squirrels are much tougher than most any other animal I've ever seen. I've hit one 3 times with hi-brass 6 out of a 12 gauge before from less than 40 yards, and the sucker was still running. I had to hit him again to knock him out of the tree and then bludgeon him to death after he hit the ground and tried to crawl away from me. Little bugger was hissing and biting at me the whole time. Needless to say I made sure he was long dead before he went in my game pouch.
Southern Fox Squirrels are much tougher than most any other animal I've ever seen. I've hit one 3 times with hi-brass 6 out of a 12 gauge before from less than 40 yards, and the sucker was still running. I had to hit him again to knock him out of the tree and then bludgeon him to death after he hit the ground and tried to crawl away from me. Little bugger was hissing and biting at me the whole time. Needless to say I made sure he was long dead before he went in my game pouch.
Re: .223 to much for squirrel hunting?
They can be mean too... A guy that read meters for us was attacked by one. He came in to the office looking like he'd lost a fight with a weedeater.
He said he was walking up to a meter and heard this hissing noise. He turned around and a furry gray missle shot out of a bush and latched onto his face. He threw it down and it climbed his leg and proceeded to bite him in the fingers, hands, arms, back of the neck, and face. BTW he says they bite really hard. He finally got it loose and when it hit the ground he hit it with the hook they use to open water meter boxes... Then he hauled ass to the truck. It chased after him and stood in the yard flicking it's tail.
Personally, I thought it was fricking hilarious!
They can be mean too... A guy that read meters for us was attacked by one. He came in to the office looking like he'd lost a fight with a weedeater.
He said he was walking up to a meter and heard this hissing noise. He turned around and a furry gray missle shot out of a bush and latched onto his face. He threw it down and it climbed his leg and proceeded to bite him in the fingers, hands, arms, back of the neck, and face. BTW he says they bite really hard. He finally got it loose and when it hit the ground he hit it with the hook they use to open water meter boxes... Then he hauled ass to the truck. It chased after him and stood in the yard flicking it's tail.
Personally, I thought it was fricking hilarious!
Re: .223 to much for squirrel hunting?
Well shit I've shot a bananna spider with a 12 gauge and a squirrel with a 3" 12 gauge slug--that was fun!!!!! BUT use a .22---any larger rifle caliber=squirrel explode and you might hear a scream off in the distance...
Well shit I've shot a bananna spider with a 12 gauge and a squirrel with a 3" 12 gauge slug--that was fun!!!!! BUT use a .22---any larger rifle caliber=squirrel explode and you might hear a scream off in the distance...
Re: .223 to much for squirrel hunting?
How do you make squirell dumplings? now you got my mouth watering.... but seriously, anyone got a recipe?
How do you make squirell dumplings? now you got my mouth watering.... but seriously, anyone got a recipe?
Re: .223 to much for squirrel hunting?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: dlc356</div><div class="ubbcode-body">They can be mean too... A guy that read meters for us was attacked by one. He came in to the office looking like he'd lost a fight with a weedeater.
He said he was walking up to a meter and heard this hissing noise. He turned around and a furry gray missle shot out of a bush and latched onto his face. He threw it down and it climbed his leg and proceeded to bite him in the fingers, hands, arms, back of the neck, and face. BTW he says they bite really hard. He finally got it loose and when it hit the ground he hit it with the hook they use to open water meter boxes... Then he hauled ass to the truck. It chased after him and stood in the yard flicking it's tail.
Personally, I thought it was fricking hilarious! </div></div>
Great story!
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: dlc356</div><div class="ubbcode-body">They can be mean too... A guy that read meters for us was attacked by one. He came in to the office looking like he'd lost a fight with a weedeater.
He said he was walking up to a meter and heard this hissing noise. He turned around and a furry gray missle shot out of a bush and latched onto his face. He threw it down and it climbed his leg and proceeded to bite him in the fingers, hands, arms, back of the neck, and face. BTW he says they bite really hard. He finally got it loose and when it hit the ground he hit it with the hook they use to open water meter boxes... Then he hauled ass to the truck. It chased after him and stood in the yard flicking it's tail.
Personally, I thought it was fricking hilarious! </div></div>
Great story!
Re: .223 to much for squirrel hunting?
dic356, great pic's.
Back to the original post - I hope that wasn't a serious question and if it was don't come down south hunting stay in Kansas.
As for squirrel dumplin's, fried squirrel and squirrel stew, that talk has me hungry.
dic356, great pic's.
Back to the original post - I hope that wasn't a serious question and if it was don't come down south hunting stay in Kansas.
As for squirrel dumplin's, fried squirrel and squirrel stew, that talk has me hungry.
Re: .223 to much for squirrel hunting?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: reynolds</div><div class="ubbcode-body">dic356, great pic's.
Back to the original post - I hope that wasn't a serious question and if it was don't come down south hunting stay in Kansas.
As for squirrel dumplin's, fried squirrel and squirrel stew, that talk has me hungry. </div></div>
What he said!! We should start a thread on the hunting page with differnt squirrel recipes.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: reynolds</div><div class="ubbcode-body">dic356, great pic's.
Back to the original post - I hope that wasn't a serious question and if it was don't come down south hunting stay in Kansas.
As for squirrel dumplin's, fried squirrel and squirrel stew, that talk has me hungry. </div></div>
What he said!! We should start a thread on the hunting page with differnt squirrel recipes.
Re: .223 to much for squirrel hunting?
I loaded up some 60 grain cast lead bullets with gas checks in .223 when cci .22 mags went up to outrageous.Clocked in for a average of 2053 fps on the chrony.They smoked Ohio fox squirrels like 3 cent cigars.I usually use a Ruger 77/22 in .22 mag,cci+v maxi mags at 2200fps.Head shots out as far as I can see them in late Oct. are no problem with the handloads.Squirrel gravy and biscuits are hillbilly soulfood!
I loaded up some 60 grain cast lead bullets with gas checks in .223 when cci .22 mags went up to outrageous.Clocked in for a average of 2053 fps on the chrony.They smoked Ohio fox squirrels like 3 cent cigars.I usually use a Ruger 77/22 in .22 mag,cci+v maxi mags at 2200fps.Head shots out as far as I can see them in late Oct. are no problem with the handloads.Squirrel gravy and biscuits are hillbilly soulfood!
Re: .223 to much for squirrel hunting?
Strider09, squirrel dumplings are made just like chicken dumplings. Any good cookbook will have several recipes. Basically plain flour (NOT self-rising), water, eggs, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix it up, roll it out flat, cut into pieces and drop into boiling broth (after the squirrel has cooked for a while) a few at a time, stirring between drops. It ain't rocket science, just takes some patience.
Strider09, squirrel dumplings are made just like chicken dumplings. Any good cookbook will have several recipes. Basically plain flour (NOT self-rising), water, eggs, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix it up, roll it out flat, cut into pieces and drop into boiling broth (after the squirrel has cooked for a while) a few at a time, stirring between drops. It ain't rocket science, just takes some patience.
Re: .223 to much for squirrel hunting?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Cuznguido</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Strider09, squirrel dumplings are made just like chicken dumplings. Any good cookbook will have several recipes. Basically plain flour (NOT self-rising), water, eggs, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix it up, roll it out flat, cut into pieces and drop into boiling broth (after the squirrel has cooked for a while) a few at a time, stirring between drops. It ain't rocket science, just takes some patience. </div></div>
Bingo! And damn that meal is good!!!!!!!
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Cuznguido</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Strider09, squirrel dumplings are made just like chicken dumplings. Any good cookbook will have several recipes. Basically plain flour (NOT self-rising), water, eggs, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix it up, roll it out flat, cut into pieces and drop into boiling broth (after the squirrel has cooked for a while) a few at a time, stirring between drops. It ain't rocket science, just takes some patience. </div></div>
Bingo! And damn that meal is good!!!!!!!
Re: .223 to much for squirrel hunting?
Usually, if I'm going for meat, I carry a shotgun with lead 6's. That seems to do the trick of punching through oak and pine limbs. On the other hand, the .22LR with standard velocity (see milk carton) ammo works just fine too.
Usually, if I'm going for meat, I carry a shotgun with lead 6's. That seems to do the trick of punching through oak and pine limbs. On the other hand, the .22LR with standard velocity (see milk carton) ammo works just fine too.
Re: .223 to much for squirrel hunting?
Whats wrong with hunting a squirel with a rifle? as I said, I only shoot the ones on the ground and am very mindful of what is behind them, I do not shoot them in the trees because you do not know where the bullet is going to go.
But to add fear to your worries, yes, it was a real question because I wanted to know what would happen to the meat if I did go hunting them with one before I did it.
This would not affect anyone around me because as I stated, I do not shoot at them while they are in the trees, I would not shoot at them while they are in the trees with a 22 either, because I worry about what happens if I miss.
They spend enough time on the ground that I would rather wait until they are out of the tree and on the ground than to worry about where the bullet went.
Whats wrong with hunting a squirel with a rifle? as I said, I only shoot the ones on the ground and am very mindful of what is behind them, I do not shoot them in the trees because you do not know where the bullet is going to go.
But to add fear to your worries, yes, it was a real question because I wanted to know what would happen to the meat if I did go hunting them with one before I did it.
This would not affect anyone around me because as I stated, I do not shoot at them while they are in the trees, I would not shoot at them while they are in the trees with a 22 either, because I worry about what happens if I miss.
They spend enough time on the ground that I would rather wait until they are out of the tree and on the ground than to worry about where the bullet went.
Re: .223 to much for squirrel hunting?
You won't have any meat left with a .223.
If you like to watch them explode on the other hand.......
You won't have any meat left with a .223.
If you like to watch them explode on the other hand.......
