I used to shoot high-volume varmints (prairie dogs and gophers) exclusively with a .22-250 Rem or .22-250 AI. Over the years I found that I did not need to burn 35 to 45 grains of powder on every shot to kill a small rodent. I found that even a .223 or .204 is usually a bit much. Barrels heat up and you either have to put down the rifle for a time or you have to rotate to another rifle or two so that you can keep shooting. I probably use my K-Hornets the most. Next comes the 20 VarTarg. The results of the hits are not as spectacular with the smaller rifles (though the VarTarg shoots a 32-grain at 3850 fps), but the enjoyment factor is still high, plus I do not replace barrels every other season, either. Save the Swift for coyotes.
