Question on 22 mag rounds

[PattoN306_]

Hey,

I do a lot of groundhog hunting in Pennsylvania, and one problem that occurs is the groundhogs are taking the .22 magnum bullet and making it back to the hole. Now, for the most part if they're away from the hole a little bit they usually don't get back, but the ones close by they're taking the hit and making it into the hole. At any event, I was wondering if anyone has any suggestion on what kind of tip to use for the .22 magnum? Currently, I'm using a Winchester 40 grain jacketed hollow point (1910 FPS) and I can easily shoot a 1 to 1 1/2 inch group at 100 yards with them. Would anyone suggest a full metal jacket, or any other Winchester type of ammunition? Some of these groundhogs were even hit in the head, and neck area and still carried the round back with them. I know the 22 magnum doesn't have the shocking power as a 22-250, but it gets frustrating when you have an 80 yard shot and the hog makes it back into the hole. Well, that's about it for now. Thanks

[cal74]

These shoot well in mine, but I have no experience on ground hogs with them. Might be worth looking into, I'd stay away from FMJ myself.


http://accurateshooter.wordpress.com/2007/11/19/new-2200-fps-22-mag-rimfire-from-hornady/

[TinMan]

Like cal74, I would stay away from the FMJ. I would go with Winchester Supremes, Remington Premiere's or the Hornady he mentioned, to try to get something a bit more explosive expansion.

[xring]

Chucks are tuff ! Try for head shots . Body hits , even with the small Centerfires don't always anchor them .

[OrneryCuss]

Rechamber that rimfire to a 25-06!

I have found the 25-06 with a light varmint bullet to be the ideal round for large chucks. Sends em flying!

[charlieshootn]

I have had good luck with the Maxi Mag+V. 30 JHP around 2200. I am shooting them out of a Marlin 1894. This rifle was pretty much my foundation for rifle hunting. I have burned em up at 200yds. with this round. As long as the wind was calm. I now have a 243 and consistently take them to 500+. Um..just cuz I gotta! I have some of the Winny rounds but haven't shot any to compare.

Groundhogs, small but still very tuff.

[deathwind II]

Try the WMR "Gamepoints" by CCI. Think others may be making similar. I also picked up a couple of dusty boxes of the RWS softpoints @ the local Amish gun store for $21 a box, but haven't come across a 'hog "lucky" enough to get in front of one to see how they do. Midway may have them or just the HP's (for more $$.)
I don't believe on using any rimfire ammo, even the mags, on groundhogs much past 60 yards for humane kills. I usually end up taking at least a Hornet when I go looking for them because almost always see 'em farther out than rimfire range. You can pick up an NEF Handi-Hornet for a little over 200 bucks, add even just a cheap scope and a (recommended) trigger job, and open up a whole new world of groundhog hunting.

[PattoN306_]

Thanks a lot for the information. I never knew they made so many 30 grain tips coming out at 2,200 FPS. However, I've always been a Winchester man and I like a larger bullet, so I think I'm going to try those Winchester Supreme 34 grain jacketed hollow points . The reviews look pretty good for it, and it's coming out at 2,120 FPS in comparison to my 1910 right now. The price is only a few more dollars than what I'm paying right now too. Thanks for the info.

Oh yeah, I got a 22-250 and a newly acquired .243, but I get a lot of shots between 60 to 120 yards and I prefer to use the .22 magnum when possible. I'd rather spend 15 cents on a round and knock them down then spend a dollar on a 22-250 casing, lol.

[Tobias]

I shoot these in a Ruger 10/22 Mag. At 50 yds. off the bench they group about 1/2" to 5/8" at fifty yds This rifle has a Magnum Research carbon fiber barrel. I've killed two ground hogs this year, both less than 20 yds and they fell where they were shot. One head shot and one in the neck. You can make feather dusters out of crows as fast as you can pull the trigger.

[Catfish]

I shot alot of groundhogs with a .22 mag. years ago with the Win. 40 gr. HP`s and don`t rember many of them getting to their holes. If you keep your shots in the chest or the head and not in the guts or hind end you should have no trouble.

[Snake River Marksman]

my 22mag shot federal 50gr hollow points best, and it would (and still does) flat anchor a groundhog. They are slow, but they carry the energy well.

[dmoe512]

32 Grain Remington Accutips Seem To Be Pretty Brutal,no Ground Hogs Here But Very Destructive On Racoons,nutria Ect.

[Monkeyman]

I can't comment on ground hogs but have shot allot of monkeys about the same size and have to agree with Catfish. Those 40gr Winchesters are the best .22mag ammo for them, the lighter bullets can blow up on impact without penetrating as much as you need. I have Federal and CCI premiums with light bullets and huge hollow points but keep going back to the Winchesters.

[DKA]

You are shooting the most accurate and hardest hitting load available for the 22 Mag, in my opinion. Shot placement should stop him.

[gonzo gunner]

i have used 34 grain jhp winchesters in my .22mag. it is very rough on ground hogs!! head and lung shots and they never get away. they make birds explode out to 200 yards when hit in center mass.

[Kermit in Va.]

I always had the best luck with the Win. hp's.
We tried everything they came out with and always went back to'em.
They worked best on turkeys too.
Ain't shot the 22mag in several years so can't comment on the new stuff.


Donnie

[bluehen1987]

Used those for years out of my Marlin 22 mag and every Delaware groundhog I hit with them ceased to take in air into their lungs on the spot! :D I have had them limp away after taking a .22-250, but never with this round. Good Luck!