.36 small game rifle

[JJohnson2023]

After much deliberation I think I have my eyes set on an investarms Santa Fe hawken in .36 cal as a new small game/varmint rifle. Primarily for squirrel and rabbit with a round ball. I'd love to hear peoples experiences and opinions on .36 cal for hunting, and especially your thoughts on this particular model or general thoughts on investarms quality and reliability. I've managed to find a couple threads about .36 cal hunting and one on this rifle, but more info is always appreciated. Watch your top knots.

 

[AlexB]

Got one for the wife and she loves it.
Shoots very nice at 50 yards with 30 grains and a .35 patched ball.
A couple minor finish issues but functions perfectly.

 

[Grimord]

I like the .36 for late season squirrels and snow shoe hares. It has more range and umph. I have taken several called in coyotes with the .36. Out to 50 yards it does the job well with well placed shots.

 

[snakebit]

I have a Pedersoli Frontier in .36. haven't shot it enough to go after living critters yet, but what I've seen so far, Im impressed. Gives me more range than my .32's. 35 grns., .018 ticking patch and a .350 swagged RB seems to work really well.

 

[Spikebuck]

I have had two .36 cal small game rifles. First was a Pedersoli Frontier. My second is a Kibler Southern Mtn. Both great shooters.

.36 is more than you need for squirrels. I really think my .32 Crockett was better suited as it was "more gentle" on squirrel meat if there was a body hit...rather similar to a 22LR, IMO.

I like a .36 for a little more flexibility in case coyotes are hunted. It's a little easier to handle the larger ball in cold weather. Head shots are good...a .36 can do a pretty thorough decapitation.

Both calibers are good choices, but there were a few advantages I saw in the .36, so I don't think you can go wrong with it as a small game caliber.