If you want to keep the hides, the .17's are great. I've shot a few at fairly extended ranges with my .17 Remington and Hornadies and it knocked them to the ground like they were hit with a hammer. Hit one broadside in the neck and almost took his head off.
However, if ricochet is your main concern, just get a fast .22- .223AI, 22-250, 220 Swift, etc... and use good bullets like the Ballistic tips, VMax, Sierra HPBT, or other explosive varmint bullets and they won't ricochet. If they even hit a blade of grass, they come apart like a bomb going off. For longish shots, the fast .22's are a better choice.
Bob
