contender rimfire barrel advise

[VAspeedgoat]

I've got a contender frame with a 10" 22mag barrel that I was hoping to make my groundhog gun this year. I find I see them while working and never have a gun with me. It would go in a case I could keep in the truck or tractor. I was going to scope it for moderate ranges ( 150yd +/- ) but after shooting it this weekend I have concerns about my hearing.

So, would a longer barrel in the 14-16" range help?

In that barrel length would I be better off with the .22 or .17 hmr?

Would the .17 be enough gun for a coyote or occassional feral dog?

Should I just go with a .22lr and shorten the range up to 100yds.

I guess I'm not married to he rimfire, I just wanted something cheaper to shoot. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[marksjeep]

I don't think a 14-16 inch barrel for a 22 or 17 magnum will make the noise level safe without hearing protection. I have a single shot 17hmr with 18 inch barrel, it's plenty loud. Way louder than a 22LR.

Suppressor an option in VA?

If not, buy some plugs and throw them in the case with the gun.