First off let me tell that I hunt and I'm going to talk about killing animals with different guns. If you're offended by this don't read this reply. My Ruger 10/22 (.22 LR) has killed ground hogs out to 120 yards. The advantage to the semi-auto is that if you miss you can get faster follow up shots. However, the .17 HMR is a far better round for a small game rifle. It's faster, has flatter trajectory, longer range, and terminal balistics is far superior. My personal best one shot kill on a ground hog is 284 yards with my .17 HMR. I heard of one shot kills out to and including 320 yards. That being said, the .22 LR round is readily available, cheaper, and does a good job of dispatching game within its limits. Whatever rifle you get, the shooter has to do his/her part. Practice and get to know your weapon.