.177 farmyard hunting....

[Muskett]

Shoot through happens equally with any pellet at very short range. At mid range then the .22 might slow a tad due to its frontal area but being heavier holds its energy better. Only .25 at range is most likely to slow considerably through a flesh tissue medium. But theses bigger calibre's have more weight if they miss so break brittle farm building materials more. .177 tend to break up, but cut through thin metal sheeting more easily. The all will dent thin metal sheeting.
On oak beams then all can bounce straight back at you, the bigger the pellet the more likely. .177 more likely to penetrate and stay. .22 ding and drop off. .25 bruise and drop off.

The velocity would have to be very low, or lead very soft, too soft, to stop damage from a miss. Going through a body cavity isn't reliable to counter over shoot damage to backstops. Farmers don't like paint damage to their multi thousands Tractors and machinery. Broken tile or sheeting is expensive to fix.

7 ft/lbs would deliver enough for a kill at "in the barn" ranges, and might not break as much stuff.

Maybe some vermin controllers might give their experience here?

[rhyslightnin]

Shoot through happens equally with any pellet at very short range. At mid range then the .22 might slow a tad due to its frontal area but being heavier holds its energy better. Only .25 at range is most likely to slow considerably through a flesh tissue medium. But theses bigger calibre's have more weight if they miss so break brittle farm building materials more. .177 tend to break up, but cut through thin metal sheeting more easily. The all will dent thin metal sheeting.
On oak beams then all can bounce straight back at you, the bigger the pellet the more likely. .177 more likely to penetrate and stay. .22 ding and drop off. .25 bruise and drop off.

The velocity would have to be very low, or lead very soft, too soft, to stop damage from a miss. Going through a body cavity isn't reliable to counter over shoot damage to backstops. Farmers don't like paint damage to their multi thousands Tractors and machinery. Broken tile or sheeting is expensive to fix.

7 ft/lbs would deliver enough for a kill at "in the barn" ranges, and might not break as much stuff.

Maybe some vermin controllers might give their experience here?

variable power required... I'm half tempted by a streamline you know...still.., il have a play with mine and see how it goes. Thanks for the input

[rabbitwrecker]

A variable power rifle would solve the problem. Pity there isn't a dual power springer. Look at the HW45 - so why can't they do the same with a rifle? I'd be interested...

[rhyslightnin]

A variable power rifle would solve the problem. Pity there isn't a dual power springer. Look at the HW45 - so why can't they do the same with a rifle? I'd be interested...

Could do easy., Half cock 6ftlbs full cock 11.5. be great for indoor/ outdoor shooting.

[keithy]

Although its frowned upon a recoilless PCP or co2 .22 pistol with a red dot or laser will work very well at below 10 yds.

[angrybear]

Although its frowned upon a recoilless PCP or co2 .22 pistol with a red dot or laser will work very well at below 10 yds.

No pistol should be used for shooting prey except dispatching in a cage trap.

[TonyL]

Although its frowned upon a recoilless PCP or co2 .22 pistol with a red dot or laser will work very well at below 10 yds.

No pistol should be used for shooting prey except dispatching in a cage trap.

Pistol, no.

But a 2240 Ratbuster, once fitted with the shoulder stock (for stability) and steel breech can be most excellent. Or the 2250 Ratcatcher series rifles with reduced power (very quick and easy).

Not multishot, though (although expensive multishot breech and magazine systems can be had - but then you'll be well and truly into PCP price territory).

The beauty of the Ratty is that they're very cheap and cheerful and happily fill that "knock about gun" role. Especially if you get a pre-owned 2240 (maybe £50 to £60) and then add the shoulder stock.