The best calibers for raccoons, foxes, and other farm pests

Managing farm pests requires a combination of precision, efficiency, and practicality. You don’t need massive firepower, but you do need a cartridge that delivers enough energy to reliably stop a raccoon, fox, opossum, or similar animal without over-penetration or unnecessary damage. The right caliber lets you take quick, ethical shots, often at varying distances or in tight spaces near barns, fences, and sheds. Knowing which cartridges perform well in these scenarios can save time and improve your effectiveness. Here are the best options for common farm pests, chosen for their reliability, versatility, and real-world performance.

.22 Long Rifle

The .22 LR is a classic choice for small predators and pest control. Its low recoil and inexpensive ammunition make it ideal for repeated shots and training.

For raccoons, skunks, and small foxes, a properly placed shot will quickly dispatch the animal without excessive damage to pelts or property. Rifles and pistols chambered in .22 LR are lightweight, easy to handle, and quiet enough for use around buildings. While it won’t reach out to long distances, it excels in close-quarters farm scenarios, making it a go-to option for experienced and novice shooters alike.

.17 HMR

The .17 Hornady Magnum Rimfire is a high-velocity rimfire that delivers flat trajectories and exceptional accuracy. Its speed makes it deadly on small predators at longer ranges than a .22 LR.

Foxes and ground-dwelling pests respond well to .17 HMR rounds, which expand reliably without excessive over-penetration. Recoil is minimal, and rifles chambered in this caliber are light, making repeated shooting comfortable. It’s particularly effective for open pastures or clearing fields, where precise placement and range control are essential.

.22 WMR

The .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire bridges the gap between standard rimfires and small centerfire cartridges. It offers more energy than a .22 LR while maintaining manageable recoil.

Raccoons, opossums, and foxes are easily handled within 100 yards with a .22 WMR. The round penetrates fur and light bone cleanly, and rifles chambered for this caliber often feature practical barrel lengths and optics compatibility. It’s a versatile choice for hunters who need slightly more power without stepping up to centerfire rifles.

.223 Remington

The .223 Remington is lightweight, accurate, and effective for small- to medium-sized predators at longer distances. It’s commonly used in AR-style rifles, which makes follow-up shots quick and intuitive.

While more powerful than rimfires, it’s still controllable for shooters of various skill levels. The round expands reliably in small predators, making it ideal for foxes, coyotes, and similar pests. Proper shot placement ensures humane kills without unnecessary risk to surrounding structures, livestock, or bystanders.

.204 Ruger

The .204 Ruger is a flat-shooting, high-velocity centerfire cartridge suitable for longer-range pest control. Its light recoil and high speed allow precise, clean shots.

Foxes and smaller predators are vulnerable to its impact, and it maintains accuracy over extended distances compared to rimfires. Rifles chambered in .204 Ruger are often lightweight and easy to handle, making them suitable for hunting around pastures or farm buildings. It delivers enough energy to handle pests effectively without excessive over-penetration.

.22-250 Remington

The .22-250 Remington is a fast, flat-shooting round that’s excellent for open-field pest control. It excels on foxes and small coyotes at moderate ranges.

Recoil is manageable, and rifles chambered in this caliber provide excellent accuracy with proper optics. The round offers consistent terminal performance, making it reliable for humane dispatch. While overkill for smaller targets like raccoons, it’s ideal when distance or quick follow-up shots are factors.

.17 Remington

The .17 Remington is another high-velocity, small-caliber option for precise pest control. It combines flat trajectories with minimal recoil, allowing accurate shooting at ranges beyond typical rimfires.

It’s effective for foxes, groundhogs, and similar animals that require accuracy over longer distances. Rifles chambered in this caliber tend to be light and easy to maneuver, ideal for farm hunters who need mobility. The round delivers sufficient energy to ensure clean kills without unnecessary damage.

12-Gauge Shotgun (Birdshot or #4 Buck)

A 12-gauge shotgun is versatile for close-range farm pest control. Light birdshot is perfect for raccoons and opossums, while #4 buckshot handles slightly larger predators.

Shotguns allow quick follow-up shots and minimize the need for perfect placement, especially in tight spaces or low-light conditions. They’re also forgiving for handheld or improvised shooting positions around barns and outbuildings. While not ideal for long-range work, they’re an effective all-purpose option for small- to medium-sized pests at close quarters.

20-Gauge Shotgun

The 20-gauge shotgun offers similar benefits to the 12-gauge but with reduced recoil, making it easier to manage for extended shooting sessions.

Using birdshot or #4 buckshot, it efficiently handles raccoons, foxes, and other small pests without over-penetration. Rifles or shotguns in 20-gauge are lighter and often quieter, making them excellent choices for farmyards and near livestock. Proper shot selection ensures humane dispatch while maintaining control in confined areas.

.30 Carbine

The .30 Carbine delivers moderate power with manageable recoil, suitable for foxes and coyotes at short to medium ranges. Its versatility makes it a solid option for farm pest hunters who want a reliable, semi-auto platform.

While not high-powered compared to modern centerfires, its energy and penetration are enough for humane kills on smaller predators. Rifles chambered in .30 Carbine are lightweight, quick to shoulder, and easy to manipulate around buildings or fences, making them practical for farm use.

.300 AAC Blackout

The .300 AAC Blackout offers good stopping power in short barrels and suppressed platforms. It’s especially effective in low-light or confined farm settings where compact handling is beneficial.

Foxes, raccoons, and similar animals are dispatched efficiently with the proper bullets. The cartridge balances recoil, noise, and terminal performance, making it suitable for quick, accurate shots around livestock or structures. Semi-automatic rifles chambered in .300 BLK are versatile tools for pest control at short to moderate ranges.

.32 H&R Magnum

The .32 H&R Magnum is a compact revolver or rifle option for small predators. It offers low recoil and reliable expansion for humane dispatch.

Raccoons, opossums, and small foxes are effectively handled within 50 yards. Its mild recoil allows fast follow-up shots, and the ammunition is widely available. While not ideal for long-range shots, it’s a practical solution for farmers who need a handgun or short-barreled rifle for close-range pest work.

.357 Magnum

The .357 Magnum is versatile in revolvers and lever-action rifles, delivering enough energy for small to medium pests without excessive recoil.

It’s effective for raccoons, foxes, and even small coyotes with proper shot placement. Ammunition is common, and the cartridge works well in both pistols and carbines. Experienced shooters appreciate the control and reliability, making it a solid choice for farm-based pest management when accuracy and humane kills are required.