Pests live near buildings, livestock and neighbors, so the right load is the one that does the job and stops where you intend. Check local ordinances on discharging firearms before you start, and always know what is behind your target.

Close quarters, low power

The .22 CB is a low-power cap cartridge descended from Flobert's designs of the 1800s, and it is quiet and slow, well under 900 feet per second. Its loads are at 22 cb ammo. A CB cap may not cycle a semi-automatic rifle, so it is usually fired from a single-shot or bolt-action gun.

The .22 LR is the next step up in power, and 36-grain hollow-point loads are at 22lr 36 grain ammo.

Open ground varmints

The .17 HM2 is built for light varmints at modest range, and its 17-grain loads are at 17 hm2 17 grain ammo. The .17 HMR, with polymer-tip loads at 17 hmr polymer tip ammo, reaches farther.

The .17 WSM has the highest velocity of the group, and Winchester's loads are at winchester 17 wsm ammo. The .21 Sharp is a newer Winchester rimfire, and its loads are at 21 sharp ammo for sale.

Tougher pests

The .22 WMR carries more energy than the .22 LR and is used on fox-sized pests. Its 30-grain loads are at 22 wmr 30 grain ammo.

Shotshells around the farm

A shotgun handles the jobs a rimfire cannot. The 12-gauge minishell, a reduced-recoil 1¾-inch shell, works reliably only in some guns, and Federal's minishell loads are at federal 12 gauge minishell ammo. Winchester's slugs are at winchester 12 gauge slugs.

Near ponds and wetlands, non-toxic shot is often required, and 20-gauge steel shot is at 20 gauge steel shot ammo.

Safety first

Use a solid backstop, never shoot at water or hard surfaces, and keep livestock, pets and people well clear. Store ammunition locked and away from children.

Local ordinances, landowner rules and wildlife regulations all apply to pest control. Check them first, and confirm current stock and state shipping restrictions before ordering.