Hmmmm, Am I the only miscreant in this part of creation that reaches out (way out) and touches 'em with a 22-250. Hand loads go up to and slightly over 4000 fps, factory a bit less (38xxfps). I use 52 grain jacketed hollow points and zero the zoom scope for 200yds. I'm 3/4in high at 100yds and almost 5in low at 300. So for anything point blank to over 200 yds you just shoot at it. Nearing 300 yds (with a small target like a fox) you need to "hold over" 4-5 inches. Except in strong wind, you have good accuracy and enough delivered energy to cleanly dispatch a smaller varmit (under Puma size, say fox, coyote, 'coon, bobcat, badger, armadillo and the like). The projectile I use is nearly ricochet free as it breaks up on impact with anything, e.g. water surface, rock, earth, etc. The fragments are very unaerodynamic and fall down rapidly. I have had occasion to shoot around stock (not prefered) but bullet breakup and decelleration characteristics (and some common sense) have prevented any trouble. On the down side: If you hit a blade of grass or a flying insect much less a twig, on the way to the target the projectile dissapears in a fine cloud of dust and never makes it down range. These "mystery bullets" had some of us scratching our heads. There is just enough recoil to elevate the rifle/scope combination so you don't see the puff. It took luck and a second person to figure it out. Since, when shooting prone or knealing, I'm more cautious regarding obstacles that wouldn't matter to a heavier slower round.
I recommend this as an anti-varmit round. Consumer rated, lethal, first time, every time.
Patrick