Squirrel Hunting - 13 squirrels in 3 hunts! - Comparing the Ruger 10/22 lr vs. the Savage .22 wmr

Tyler gets out for the last two weekends in January and does some squirrel hunting while comparing the knock down power between the .22lr and the .22mag. On the first hunt he uses the Ruger 10/22 and the following weekend shoots the Savage .22 mag. 13 squirrels over 3 days!

[@tomkeltescheverythingoutdo2379]

I like the fact that someone is doing some small game hunting. I pretty much cut my teeth on small game as a kid and now that I'm in my late 40's, I still like to get out and hunt rabbits and squirrels. I'll have to try with my 22 mag and my .17 her for squirrels. I always used a shotgun.

[@SplitBrowProductions]

I love small game hunting. I also hunt with a .410 sometimes. I wish we had more rabbits around here but there aren’t many.

[@heyyoubuddy6749]

Great video!! Thanks for sharing. A buddy and I hunted a walnut orchard for the owner, we got paid to hunt squirrels, the owner paid us 10cents per tail. My buddy used a Sheridan 5 mm scoped silver streak. I used a old Crosman 140 scoped with a 4 power bushnell same as my buddys. We sure did have a good time, and brought home a lot of meat. Grandma cook them up with onions, garlic and cambells cream of mushroom soup over rice or noodles. Good times as a kid in the country!!

[@dirtymotovation]

Can you give me a recipe please❤

[@maineiacoutdoors689]

A ground blind hunter, at last! I've been binge watching our British brothers with their air rifles and decided that's the way for me, except with my .22 LRs. There will be a feeder at 25 yds much like they do across The Pond. My lot is a bit soggy atm, so probs won't be setting anything up until Spring 2022. Our Grey season ends Dec 31 so not in a rush. Oh yeah, Subbed ya too.

[@SplitBrowProductions]

I do enjoy hunting them from a ground blind. I usually kill more that way as well.

[@masterprediction7353]

Squirrels hate dying so much that even after they are already dead they try to stay alive for the next 30 seconds 😂

[@SplitBrowProductions]

They can be tough sometimes. Ive shot them before, swear I see them lying there only to walk up and they drug themselves off. 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@richardpugliese3391]

Great video . Great that your child came along to experience the outdoors too . I have experience with .22 LR, 22 WMR , 17 HMR . I’ve used a 20 gauge , Full choke , # 5 shot . There is no ( best ) ! It’s personal preference, that’s all. Shot placement will negate any cripples . Sadly , it’s part of hunting . Enjoyed your video , thank you for sharing with others .

[@robertsalyers1351]

Yes, I did enjoy this interesting video and Thanks for your Time

[@kencorsell8087]

You can take a squirrel with a .177 pellet with a head shot. The shame is Ruger used to offer the 10-22 in a magnum version, but it didn’t sell well. .22 mag is a fantastic round and highly underestimated. I think the fact that a .22 LR can do 90% of what the magnum can at a much cheaper cost most people do see any need for it unless they are hunting.

[@SplitBrowProductions]

I agree! Thanks for watching.

[@ragnarragnarsson3128]

Wonder how much difference there would be using cci stingers vs 22 mag in a hunting situation

[@eliferguson3422]

@@ragnarragnarsson3128 cci stingers are crazy rounds. Cci 22lr and 22mag or very close together. But if you went out and got regular 22lr, like Norma, witch travels at 1100fps and 22mag usually travel in the 2000s, there is a big difference. But cci stingers travel at like 1500fps.

[@765outdoors]

indeed a .177 will drop one. also will drop an adult groundhog. took 2 out last year with my daisy legacy1000.

[@leifhoklin2681]

.22 magnum is overkill for squirrels. Too destructive.

[@Koj-Yog.Paj-Hlwb.Quav-Xwb]

Me and my brother we both got 56 squirrels in 3 days hunting in Oklahoma we both use stock wood ruger 10/22 like yours set up using 36gr cci mini mag copper plated hollow point.. those .22lr hp are no joke every squirrel I shot the intestine and guts literally came out of the squirrel hanging some even fell on the group his whole intestine inside came out. Very impressive usually 1 shot and it's done a few I got to double tap but it was my fault shot hit low on the leg or blew the arms off but 95% it's 1 shot and instinct killed

[@LDJ42069]

Hope ya ate em all, they are great table fare!

[@timothyyoder7322]

A little less meat damage with the long rifle but the 22mag is way more effective and is definitely my gun of choice for squirrels

[@SplitBrowProductions]

Mine too. Thanks for watching

[@intj7447]

Nice video. I'm new to squirrel hunting. I'm going this fall. I'm watching videos & doing my research. Again nice review.

[@usa-rb5fi]

This time of year (October) your best bet is walnut trees. I usually just walk a little bit and listen, squirrels are some of the noisiest animals out there. Another tip, if it’s windy or just rained, look for them on the ground instead in the trees.

[@WCWMFN]

I just got a Ruger American in 22wmr. Can’t wait to get it sighted in. I think it will be a squirrel and rabbit killin machine.

[@pdiz]

Cool, trained my little girl with a pellet gun, then on a Ruger 10/22... Awesome.

[@SplitBrowProductions]

Good starter guns.

[@robert4027]

Just received my rossie semi auto 22wmr today going to sight it in today with 4x16. 40 mm scope . Hopefully the scope isn't to much for the gun

[@liedebunker1253]

Good review. I've got a Ruger 10/22. It's not accurate, only a training rifle. After that I got a Lithgow LA101 .22. It's a tack driver at 75 yards (of course you need the right ammo for it).

[@SplitBrowProductions]

I agree, ammo is key. Thanks for watching!

[@outdoorrn2980]

I would say it is an operator problem.... 10/22 is plenty accurate once sighted in unless you have a bad rifle....I shot more squirrels as a kid chasing them with the Ruger 10/22, never had a problem hitting them and that was using open sights.....and for the record all squirrels should be shot in the head....22 mag is over kill for squirrels, come'on man.....

[@crappiehookking387]

Awesome Video! I got a Ruger 10/22 and it's awesome for hunting small game, also a good introduction rifle for new little beginners.

[@karlpreston6369]

Just subscribed, I have that same Savage 22 mag. But in the brown. And I am going to buy the 10/22 maybe the end of the week. Great shooting. Hello from New Brunswick.

[@SplitBrowProductions]

Thats awesome! Both are great guns! Thanks for watching.

[@LizardKing513]

I use a 10/22 and have had a few get away after hitting them. Really need to get a solid head or chest shot. Might check out the 22mag this winter.

[@SplitBrowProductions]

Yeah Ive found the same thing. 22mag is great! You should definitely get one

[@usa-rb5fi]

.17 hmr works well too, but definitely headshots otherwise be prepared to lose meat.

[@no-1223]

If your guns not accurate or dropping the squirrels within 5 feet then I’d either get closer or get a good rest,if I know I have a low chance of hitting the squirrel in the head I’ll either keep waiting for the shot or move on,I’ve lost a lot of squirrel being trigger happy

[@toddboone333]

CCI Stingers are the way to go for squirrels using a .22lr.

[@jeff0nyschuk670]

I've got the 10-22..with the Lazer sight. At the end of the fore stock..Works really good from the hip..squirrels..rabbits..rats.etc..Sight in the scope..Then sight the Lazer to the scope at 30yards...

[@Attemptedvelocity]

Nice job dude.

[@SplitBrowProductions]

Thanks!!

[@bassmaster8197]

Great hunting 👌.

[@765outdoors]

what ammo are you using with both? i run pretty much only cci subsonic(hp) and i think ive only had 1 that needed more than 1 shot and that may have been because of the branches. also, have you tried the .17hm2? shot one with it at 85 yards and even a poor shot on my part(scope problems, my fault) it still dropped it.

[@lesregnerus6586]

I use a cz 455 in 22lr and a ruger m7722 boat tail in 22 wmr.

[@Michigander-5.3]

Can you hunt below the rifle line for deer and use a .22 for small game???

[@SplitBrowProductions]

Not 100% sure. But I think so. I live north of the rifle line so it never has been an issue for me.

[@mikewheeler3449]

Thanks for the video but should add the .17hmr as well in the rounds of fire and compare all three

[@SplitBrowProductions]

Not a bad idea! Maybe I will try that this coming winter.

[@jackbeal2344]

You didn't say the brand of 22lr you were using, it might be the ammo. I recommend CCI 22LR HP or Winchester Hyper Velocity 40 gr HP. Both will put them down instantly. CCI Stingers also do very well. Those are my top 3 choices. Try them...

[@justinperdue3657]

i might try the 22mag ive been using the 17hmr and man it just dose to much damage you have to hit headshots with it

[@SplitBrowProductions]

.22mag is my preference. Good luck out there!!

[@CommonAk907]

.22lr is a challenge to get 1 shot. For the .22WMR, 1 shot is all you need. Packs a punch 👊 💪🏽. I use a Savage 93R17hmr.

[@bidkid2020]

I'm here in Missouri I don't think I've ever seen a black squirrel we have red squirrels and gray squirrels hear that black ones are cool looking squirrel

[@SplitBrowProductions]

Blacks are just a morph of the eastern gray. We have lots. They are easy to spot in the snow thats for sure!!

[@pheejyaj1085]

Your fox squirrels are very big, good jobs

[@dragonaut4208]

What 22lr rounds where used in the 10/22?

[@SplitBrowProductions]

I was shooting Winchester 36grain hollow points. If you watch my tactacam video from last year I talk a little about them.

[@usa-rb5fi]

My semi’s hate winchester ammo for some reason lol.

[@gunguy2026]

I love it. 17 HMR is even better than the 22mag for squirrel in my opinion.

[@georgekershner6626]

@@danholtbk7008 only if its real windy, i killed coons, yotes, at 100 + yrds with 17 and the savage bull barrel it right on the $ , unless shooting head shot wouldn't use 17 for game food

[@kuriboh635]

Ya one thing I've noticed about 22 magnum is it really is similar to 223 Remington in a lot of ways. My dad's buddy in the UP here in Michigan uses one for deer season every year. It's definitely a very capable cartridge and one I'd buy into if I didn't have an AR and wanted something in a similar bracket for power. But I did just order a 10/22 last night

[@no-1223]

No it’s not at all,the 223 is a much much more faster and heavier round

[@7.62x51mm]

223 is 5 times more powerful than a 22 mag but both will get the job done

[@BlackKnight_755]

Just my opinion... each rifle has its place. 22 LR for smaller game, and the 22 mag for the bigger critters.

[@sebastam2603]

Loving it!!

[@scotttilson8876]

What Is there to compare. The 22 Magnum is always going to have more knockdown power at any distance.

[@SplitBrowProductions]

Just comparing for some guys that might be new to hunting.

[@christinamoneyhan5688]

Your 22lr has a lot to do with the type bullet you have been using. Check out CumberlandOutdoors channel. He does alot of good test on a extensive scale and at reasonable hunting distances. Good shooting, you have a great piece of squirrel property there.

[@SplitBrowProductions]

I agree. The round definitely makes a difference. Thanks for watching!

[@juliettedumouchel6021]

Take your time and clean the barrel and DO NOT DRY FIRE!!!

[@bjacobs17]

Good shooting

[@SplitBrowProductions]

Thanks bud!

[@mikescooling]

Great video, like and subbed

[@SplitBrowProductions]

Awesome! Thanks!

[@Dutch.1722]

Use .22 lr hollow points for body shots.

[@charlesthompson8962]

I shot one at 100 yards with a 22lr and it dropped it on the spot

[@SplitBrowProductions]

Thats a poke! Nice job!

[@Koj-Yog.Paj-Hlwb.Quav-Xwb]

The .22lr the damage is already bad enough anything bigger 22 magnum 17hmr your just not hunting no more the amount of meat and damage missing is not even worth eating ...

[@SplitBrowProductions]

Our Squirrels here in Michigan are pretty big. Our fox squirrels are 1.5-2 lbs and most of our eastern gray are over a 1lb. The .22 mag still leaves plenty of meat on the larger size squirrels

[@DavidsOutdoors]

Hmm I always take them down with a .177

[@SplitBrowProductions]

I used to shoot them with a pellet gun too when I was little. Very fun.

[@kajsiabthao9616]

What round did you use on the 22 mag and did it damage alot of the meat?

[@SplitBrowProductions]

Hornady V-Max

[@keithchambers3826]

You should use total metal or it will damage a lot of meat

[@eliferguson3422]

Not trying to hate, but why are you in a blind? Squirrel hunting is more of walking around trying to run into one.

[@SplitBrowProductions]

I walk and squirrel hunt more than I hunt from a blind. Two reasons I hunted from a blind this video. 1. My kid came along and it was 8 degrees the first day. 2. I was trying to film the difference between the two guns and it is much easier to film while stationary. But to be completely honest with you most guys who kill tons of squirrels will tell you sitting still is the way to go.

[@eliferguson3422]

@@SplitBrowProductions yeah, you do get more, but it's funnier to walk around. But I made that comment before I realized you has your kid. I totally understand.

[@garywoodlief1976]

Where do you get the idea that walking is the only way you should squirrel hunt

[@eliferguson3422]

@@garywoodlief1976 idk, makes it harder, and more fun walking around. But this was 1 month ago, so it doesn't matter anymore.

[@garywoodlief1976]

@@eliferguson3422 I have walked around stand hunted and hunted with dogs and like them all but what one person likes may not be what someone else likes I have been shooting squirrels for 70 years

[@mitchlee3483]

Ruger 10/22 lr, is a piece of junk I pay anyone $100 to take mine or I'll toss it in the junk.......

[@SplitBrowProductions]

You can pay me $100 to take it. 😂😂

[@donkst31288]

I am 34 and just am taking an interest in hunting. Starting with small game to slowly ease myself into it. I find it hard to kill animals as death is no laughing matter, but on the other end id be respectful and thankful for what it would provide for my family and I.

[@rodgerklindt3165]

Not surprised. Those cartridges are really worlds apart. I have similar results on squirrels with the 22 lr. Kudos for getting kiddos out 👍

[@SplitBrowProductions]

Thankfully she likes going! Thanks for watching!

[@pringles3254]

Holy crap those squirrels are the size of my dog

[@SplitBrowProductions]

They get big up here. Thats why I prefer the .22 mag. Sometimes the .22lr just doesn’t get it done with a body shot.

[@Templateideas097]

If it wasn't the difference between an additional 50¢ per round I'd go wmr all day!

[@toddboone333]

I’ve used a scope and used irons on the 10/22 for squirrels. I think the irons are better because of lower height over bore. When you’re shooting squirrels, you’re aiming so small, I’d rather leave the yardages out of the shot and just use the irons. Interested in anyone’s thoughts on the matter.

[@chatwithagunowner8645]

I'm about to go on my first squirrel hunt with a scoped 10/22 takedown. Sighting in at the range tomorrow and hunting this coming weekend. I'll report my findings. My setup is 10/22 takedown with backpacker stock, Vortex 2-7x35 rimfire scope, receiver mounted with an EGW picatinny base and Burris PEPR QD cantilever mount. Haven't decided on ammo yet but I'm leaning towards trying to sight in and hunt with the cheapest 22lr ammo in my stash. Remington thunderbolt. I just wanna see how well I can do with dirt cheap plinking ammo.

[@hosedragger-204]

I've never had my .22lr Ruger 10/22 NOT kill a squirrel with one shot. I use 40 grain Winchester Super-X "Powerpoint" hollow point ammo and have never had a problem. Leaves a ridiculous size hole in the squirrel though so make sure you don't hit the meat of the front legs if you're planning on eating the squirrel.

[@SplitBrowProductions]

Not sure what state you live in but the squirrels here can get pretty big. A body shot on them with the .22lr than can go quite a ways and crawl into holes or brush piles and get lost.

[@hosedragger-204]

@@SplitBrowProductions Vermont. I've never had an issue hunting grey squirrels. 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@SplitBrowProductions]

@@hosedragger-204 I see, the grey here usually will go down fairly easy. The fox squirrels can be big and hard to kill with the .22lr. .22 mag is just a sure thing

[@menzerroku4708]

Personally I like the10/22 better, I have more experience with it and I just like it better😀

[@SplitBrowProductions]

They are a great little gun that’s for sure

[@leviglass871]

I love my .17hmr for squirrels!!

[@compuserveuser2779]

Absolute noob here. What do you do with the squirrels? Feel like anything that's as common as a squirrel is kind of cheap. (Ducks in a pond analogy.) Not trying to be antagonistic, but that's my honest initial reaction as someone with almost 0 knowledge of hunting. Want to get into hunting, but going after squirrel seems like an easy out. Should I feel differently? (Came across this vid by searching the Ruger.)

[@SplitBrowProductions]

Sometimes its easy sometimes its hard. I’ve hunted plenty of times where I haven’t shot any. And then times like this video when the weather is good for a few days you can shoot limit easy. Small game hunting is a lot of fun and I recommend it for anyone. To answer your first question, you skin and eat the squirrels.

[@compuserveuser2779]

@@SplitBrowProductions Great! Thanks for replying!

[@hmongxy00j]

Nice! Would love to hunt there

[@arsuraer]

Hi I’m new to hunting and just got a 10/22, and I’m looking to start with small game. Is your setup typical for squirrel hunting? Tent and just sticking to one area? Also do you wait till the session is over to grab the squirrels? Thanks a lot, enjoyed the vid

[@SplitBrowProductions]

Sometimes I set up a tent and sit still. Normally if I am trying to film I always sit still because its easier to run a camera alone sitting still. However we have a lot of squirrels where I live so we can sit still and see 10-15 easy in a sit. Yes I will shoot my limit then get out and get them. I also walk and shoot them aa I see them. I just dont have a lot of video doing that.

[@jamesmalott7851]

I prefer the 17HMR to a 22LR, as if you miss the head and hit the body their done, either way.

[@SplitBrowProductions]

I agree.

[@Outdoorslife-l8r]

what state is this in

[@qouavang3646]

17hmr>22mag

[@bigbobg8091]

A tent and a heater? Why didn’t I think of that? Good video!

[@SplitBrowProductions]

For sure! Its fun, and I always shoot just as many or more. Great to take kids too if you have any.

[@VKOutdoors]

Awesome video

[@SplitBrowProductions]

Thanks!

[@marshallwhite2619]

Thats the problem here, if you don't use an airgun they scatter and don't come back😂

[@SplitBrowProductions]

Thats tough. Here they will scatter a little and usually come back out

[@marshallwhite2619]

@@SplitBrowProductions yeah that sounds about right, here though the under brush is so thick they have a damn tunnel system

[@SplitBrowProductions]

Where are you located? What state?

[@marshallwhite2619]

@@SplitBrowProductions Oregon, bunch of squirrels but they've gotten very smart

[@usa-rb5fi]

I’ve noticed they don’t pay as much attention to rifle, but 22 pistol or shotgun they scatter.

[@johnconnor4594]

Good shooting 👍

[@jimmeli5200]

Good video. I know for many inexperienced squirrel hunters you made it look easy. If I talk to a non hunter, they assume it's unethical as their only experience is squirrels in the park running around 10 feet away from you. Sometimes it can take an hour to get a clean shot once you locate one depending on the hunting environment, especially early season when the trees are full of leaves. I've hunted squirrels for over 40 years. I started with a .22 LR and only used a shotgun (20 gauge) twice, which were the only times I didn't drop them dead with 1 shot. I've always used Remington Yellowjackets and found them to be devastating on squirrels, rabbits, muskrats, possums, ground hogs etc. Rarely not have them dead before they hit the ground, and if not, they didn't move more than a couple of feet. I've used a variety of rifles over the years from single shot to autoloaders. About 50/50 with iron sights and scopes. I've always recommended to any small game hunter to use .22's for squirrel and rabbit. It's more challenging, you have more range, and easier cleaning. The .22 WMR can extend your range, but causes more meat damage if that's a concern to you. Also, if you're shooting farther, they can be harder to find when they hit the ground, especially if it's brushy. Not a problem with a good dog, but I'd rather not spend a lot of time searching for them.

[@noahbowen4128]

What scope do you use?

[@SplitBrowProductions]

The scope on the .22lr is a Hawke. Scope on the .22 mag is Vortex.

[@tomritter493]

Great hunts wow you have alot of blackies there .I've use a 22m for yrs out to 100 yrs. Taken coyote .great Turkey rifle out to 100 .coon fox Everything with my mag

[@SplitBrowProductions]

Thank you!

[@Clos-wx1mv]

. 22 Break barrel does the job ...