I have shot several rimfires and all of them are relatively anemic using home made shells and black powder. Even the factory shells are not overly powerful. I recognize that at least some people shot deer with them in the good old days but I strongly suspect at close range and brain shots. Of the various choices, 32 rimfire may be the most useful from the point of view of ease of firing. Some guns have wide enough firing pins that you can shoot home made shells primed with Hilti shells centered in the cartridge. The larger calibers rely on the primer being off center and in line with the firing pin or blade.
cheers mooncoon