.22 WMR for large varmit?

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Of the various .22 WMR ammo on the market, which would be the *best* choice for dispatching large varmits, say yote and wolves, or in a self defence mode.....heaven forbid...something larger like a lion?
This would be close range shooting, not way out there....

Yes, I already know it's not the ideal cal for large or even medium sized critters, but I'm interested in your thoughts all the same.
 
I killed a coyote once with my 9422magnum loaded with winchester supreme 34 grain hollowpoint ammo. Took him at approx 125 yards in tall clover, first shot hit him in the shoulder and seemed to knock him down, he got back up again and the second shot found his head. Down for the count this time! I know it was not the ideal weapon for the job, but I was a teenager at the time and could not afford a centrefire rifle.
 
Not sure if I'd specifically carry one on a wolf hunt, but for yotes I've had success with 40 and 50 grain bullets from federal, hollow point and fmj. Taken yotes out to 150 yds with it.
 
If you read your hunting regs you'll find that wolves aren't considered to be varmints. Neither is kitty. B.C. has a hunting season for both and rimfires aren't allowed for either(page 16 of the B.C. hunting regs). Pay attention to the 'No Shooting' areas too. Seems to be a lot of 'em.
 
sunray said:
If you read your hunting regs you'll find that wolves aren't considered to be varmints. Neither is kitty. B.C. has a hunting season for both and rimfires aren't allowed for either(page 16 of the B.C. hunting regs). Pay attention to the 'No Shooting' areas too. Seems to be a lot of 'em.
Click to expand...

In a defense situation, as the poster stipulated, it's irrelevant what the regs allow or don't allow.
 
[QUOTE Pay attention to the 'No Shooting' areas too. Seems to be a lot of 'em.[/QUOTE]

Kind of an odd statement to mention to someone who has been shooting and hunting all of his adult life..........:confused:
 
I was thinking CCI .22WMR Gamepoints would work good. Never tried any myself yet though.

Energy, ft-lbs
Muzzle: 312
50 yards: 231
75 yards: 198
100 yards: 170

Course, it's all about shot placement.
 
I have had good 1 shot kills on coyotes out to 100 yards with the Winchester Supreme HP and the Remington Premier ballistic tips. Although if you are thinking bigger than 'yotes at close range you might want to opt for a heavier bullet.
 
If it's only for 'close in' stuff - 12 gauge is your friend. Slugs or buck will stop a coyote, wolf or cougar. 50 yards with buck, up to 125 with slugs (give or take).

There is NO point carrying a .22WMR defence against ANYTHING. IMHO, of course. :)
 
canucklehead said:
If it's only for 'close in' stuff - 12 gauge is your friend. Slugs or buck will stop a coyote, wolf or cougar. 50 yards with buck, up to 125 with slugs (give or take).

There is NO point carrying a .22WMR defence against ANYTHING. IMHO, of course. :)
Click to expand...


OK....as stated, I realize a WMR is not an adequate self-defence cartridge.... Perhaps if I rephraze my question:

Of the .22 WMR ammo available on the market, which will have the best *killing power* of larger animals up close? Heavier bullets say 40 grs and up? Hollow point or solid? FMJ or a faster 30gr bullet?

Thanks for replies fellas :)
 
Ammo/gun for "self defense"

Ok, so obviously you know that a .22 mag should be your LAST choice for self defence. With that in mind, if you are still using a .22 mag for large varmints, you should go with the heaviest bullet you can, and a solid one as well. The expensive, light hollow points available in .22 mag loads are designed for rapid expansion on small game, rabbits, squirrels, raccoons, etc..
If you are worried about having to deal with a coyote, you should pick a solid bullet, for better penetration.

As for a gun, in self defence a follow up shot is as important as the first shot. So go with a semi auto, or a lever action. Personally, I like the Ruger 10/22. It's short, light, accurate, and inexpensive. I would also put a high-visibilty front sight on it.
If you're trying to defend yourself from a cougar with a .22 mag though, you might as well just play French; drop your gun & surrender. :D
 
The Federal 50 gr. HP would be my choice in that situation. I believe a HP would be more useful than a solid, but you may disagree. Definitely no lightweights / hyper velocity stuff, that's for ground squirrels etc. Of the 40 grain loads, I have chronographed Winchester Super X at 1910 FPS, Remington 40 gr. were only 1550.
 
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