Hunting Varmints: Choosing the Right Caliber for Small Game
From prairie dogs and ground squirrels to foxes, raccoons, and coyotes, varmint hunting requires precision, speed, and the right cartridge for the job. Small-game calibers vary widely—from ultra-light rimfires to high-velocity centerfires—and the best choice depends on distance, target size, and terrain. Whether you're working pest control on private land or enjoying recreational small-game shooting, selecting the right caliber is key to clean, ethical harvests.
This guide breaks down top varmint calibers, their ideal uses, and key considerations so you can choose the best setup for each scenario. If you’re exploring guided predator or small-game hunts, or want to compare outfitters specializing in varmints, browse vetted options on Find A Hunt.
What Makes a Good Varmint Caliber?
Key Performance Traits
A great varmint cartridge should deliver:
-
High velocity for flat trajectories
-
Light, frangible bullets to minimize ricochet
-
Low recoil for fast follow-up shots
-
Accuracy out to 100–400+ yards
-
Minimal pelt damage when hunting fur-bearing species
Matching caliber to target size ensures ethical harvests and effective pest control.
Best Rimfire Calibers for Small Varmints
Rimfire calibers are ideal for close-range small game like squirrels, rabbits, nutria, small rodents, and farmyard pests.
.22 LR
Best For: close-range rabbits, squirrels, raccoons at short distance
-
Affordable, accurate, and quiet
-
Effective out to ~75 yards
-
Excellent for beginners or low-impact pest control
.22 WMR (Winchester Magnum Rimfire)
Best For: larger varmints at medium range
-
More speed and energy than .22 LR
-
Flat shooting to ~125–150 yards
-
Good for foxes, raccoons, and groundhogs
.17 HMR
Best For: accuracy-focused varmint shooters
-
Extremely flat shooting
-
Excellent out to 150–200 yards
-
Ideal for prairie dogs, ground squirrels, crows, and small predators
.17 WSM
Best For: long-range rimfire applications
-
Fastest rimfire available
-
Reaches 300 yards in skilled hands
-
Great for windy conditions in open country
Best Centerfire Calibers for Medium to Large Varmints
Centerfires shine for longer distances and larger predators such as coyotes, bobcats, foxes, and hog-size pests.
.204 Ruger
Best For: long-range, low-recoil varmint shooters
-
Extremely fast (4,000+ fps potential)
-
Laser-flat trajectory
-
Minimal pelt damage and low recoil
-
Excellent for coyotes and prairie dog towns
.223 Remington / 5.56 NATO
Best For: all-around varmint hunting
-
Affordable and widely available
-
Works well for everything from foxes to coyotes
-
Accurate out to 300+ yards
-
Ideal for AR-platform varmint rifles
22-250 Remington
Best For: high-velocity, long-distance coyote hunting
-
Great for windy plains
-
400-yard+ capability
-
Lightning-fast with explosive light bullets
.243 Winchester
Best For: mixed-use deer + predator rifles
-
Excellent for coyotes, hogs, and bigger varmints
-
Suitable for dual-purpose hunting setups
-
Works well with 55–75 grain varmint loads
6mm ARC / 6mm Creedmoor
Best For: precision long-range varmint shooters
-
Extremely accurate in open terrain
-
Great for coyote tournaments and wide plains
-
Delivers stable performance in wind
Caliber Selection Based on Target Species
Small Rodents & Pests
Best Calibers: .22 LR, .17 HMR, .22 WMR
-
Quiet, safe, and low-cost
-
Ideal for farm pest control and small-game harvest
Foxes, Raccoons, and Small Predators
Best Calibers: .17 HMR, .22 WMR, .204 Ruger, .223 Rem
-
Flatter shooting with more energy
-
Good for calling setups and night hunting
Coyotes & Larger Varmints
Best Calibers: .204 Ruger, .223 Rem, 22-250 Rem, .243 Win
-
High velocity + expansion for clean kills
-
Effective for 100–400 yards
Mixed Varmint + Predator Hunts
Best Calibers: .223 Rem, .243 Win, 6mm Creedmoor
-
Versatile for both small game and bigger predators
Bullet Selection: A Critical Part of Varmint Hunting
Varmint Bullets (Frangible)
-
Designed to fragment on impact
-
Reduce ricochet
-
Minimize pelt damage with proper shot placement
-
Best for rodents, groundhogs, prairie dog towns
Controlled-Expansion Bullets
-
Use for coyotes or hog-size varmints
-
Better penetration
-
More reliable on tougher animals
Polymer-Tipped Varmint Loads
-
Very accurate
-
High velocity
-
Great for open-country shooting
Optics & Accessories for Varmint Hunting
Optics
-
3–9x for woods and close-range
-
4–12x or 6–18x for prairie dog or long-range coyote hunting
-
Thermal or night vision for nocturnal predator hunts (check regulations)
Accessories
-
Bipods or tripods for long sits
-
Wind meters (critical for lightweight bullets)
-
Rangefinder for precise holdovers
-
Suppressors where legal (reduce noise and recoil)
Safety & Ethical Considerations
-
Confirm your target—many species have look-alikes.
-
Consider backstops when shooting rimfire or high-velocity rounds.
-
Respect landowner rules and livestock safety.
-
Take only shots that allow clean, ethical kills.
Good varmint management benefits agricultural land, wildlife habitat, and predator-prey balance.
FAQs: Varmint Calibers
What’s the best all-around varmint caliber?
.223 Remington—versatile, affordable, accurate, and effective for most small game.
Rimfire or centerfire for beginners?
Rimfire. The .22 LR or .17 HMR is ideal for new varmint hunters.
Which caliber is best for prairie dog towns?
.17 HMR for short- to mid-range, .204 Ruger or .223 Rem for long-range shooting.
What caliber causes the least pelt damage on foxes or bobcats?
.17 HMR or .204 Ruger with lightweight bullets.
What’s the best nighttime predator caliber?
.223 Rem or .22-250 Rem—flat shooting with good visibility through night optics.
Plan Your Next Varmint Hunt
Choosing the right varmint caliber improves accuracy, ethical harvests, and the overall hunting experience. Whether you’re managing pests on your land or chasing coyotes across open country, the right setup ensures reliable performance.
To explore guided predator and small-game hunts—or to compare outfitters offering varmint-focused trips—start browsing today through our hunt marketplace.
