Most of my Spots have been .177 and they have shot hundreds of rabbits, pigeons and squirrels.
Its pin point pellet placement that counts.
.22's are for plinkers
My oresent "shooter" isa MKI with MKIII stock Maccari innards and trigger Original Optma 3-9x35 on top.
Its got a banana barrel and though smooth really needs a full service as it tack drives for a few weeks and then goes odd on me? Done a lot of rounds and still wants to shoot straight most of the time. Really needs someone who knows more than I to tune it again. I reach for my Fenman .177 at the moment more.