Same here, Homer. I have .22's, couple .17HMR's and a .17AH & a .17Rem.

We have used .22 LR's from point blank to 100yards on ground

squirrels, but mostly just take a .17HMR from point blank to

200 (if we have enough ammo) and after 200, we use the CF

.17's. The .222 and larger .224's have too much recoil to

spot ALL hits. With the .17 Rem.'s recoil/vibration at

high power scope settings, about 95% to 96% are visuals.

There are always some you don't see which is why I judge

the .17Rem. as maximum for gophers. If we were able to use

silencers, the recoil reduction would likely make the

.22-250, Swift or Swift IMP. work just fine. I have a

Swift reamer if someone is interested. PM if so - if not,

that's fine. That ctg. would be REALLY good with an 8" or

9" twist for the longer bullets.