I found some data for a 45 grain bullet in .222 that is supposed to give 1300 fps. That isn't too far off of 22 magnum ballistics. If I shot a squirrel or rabbit in the ribs or head with that load would I have anything left to eat? Shots would be on the ground with a good back stop.

Head shots. Stay with head shots if you want anything left to eat.

+1 head shots only..

A 45 grain bullet at 1300 is .22 LR territory {not even close to .22 mag} and would leave plenty to eat with chest shots. As a matter of fact, I've killed a truck load of rabbits and squirrels with .22 magnum HP's {40 grains at 1900 fps}and it doesn't damage any meat with chest shots so long as you keep it out of the shoulders.

No tree squirrels out this way, you guys are making me hungry for fried squirrel and gravy! Wrong forum, them ain't varmints, them is great eatin game animals!

your making me hungry for some of that squirrel and gravy. So does anyone use .222 on squirrels on a regular basis.