The BANISH 22 A Quiet & Effective Tool for Small Game Hunting & Pest Control
Sometimes the best suppressed experiences don’t come from big rifles, they come from a quiet .22 and the right load in the right situation.
When most people think about suppressors, they picture big centerfire rifles or tactical setups. But some of the most practical and enjoyable suppressed shooting happens with rimfire, specifically with a good .22 LR suppressor like the BANISH 22.
The BANISH 22 is lightweight, user-serviceable, and extremely effective at reducing the already modest report of a .22 LR. When paired with the right ammunition, it becomes an outstanding tool for both small game hunting and pest control.
In This Article
Last updated: October 19, 2026 · Originally published July 19, 2026
Why the BANISH 22 Excels at This Type of Work
The .22 LR is already one of the quietest centerfire or rimfire cartridges available. Adding the BANISH 22 takes it to another level. With subsonic ammunition, the shot becomes exceptionally quiet and often quiet enough that you can shoot without hearing protection in many situations (though we still recommend it for safety).
Because there’s no sonic crack with proper subsonic loads, the BANISH 22 helps you stay stealthy in the woods or around properties without alerting every animal (or neighbor) in the area. This makes it ideal for hunting squirrels and rabbits, or for managing pests like rats, groundhogs, and snakes on farms or rural properties.
Best .22 LR Loads for Small Game and Pest Control
Not all .22 ammunition performs the same when suppressed. Here are some of the most effective loads for different tasks:
For Small Game Hunting (Squirrels & Rabbits)
- CCI Mini-Mag 36gr or 40gr Hollow Point — A longtime favorite among small game hunters. It offers reliable expansion and good accuracy while remaining effective on squirrels and rabbits out to 50–75 yards.
- Federal Game-Shok 38gr Lead Hollow Point — An excellent value option that expands well and is popular for clean, ethical kills on small game.
- Winchester Super-X Power-Point 40gr — A heavier bullet that provides good penetration and expansion, making it a solid choice for rabbits and slightly larger small game.
- CCI Velocitor 40gr Hollow Point — A step up in velocity and energy. Great when you need a little more reach or performance on tougher small game.
For Pest Control (Rats, Snakes, & Nuisance Animals)
- CCI Suppressor 45gr Hollow Point — Specifically designed for suppressed shooting. It’s subsonic, expands reliably, and is one of the best all-around choices when running a suppressor.
- CCI Segmented Hollow Point / Quiet-22 Segmented HP — The bullet breaks into multiple pieces on impact, creating devastating wound channels on small pests while reducing the chance of over-penetration.
- CCI Rimfire Shotshell (Rat Shot) — Loaded with #12 shot instead of a single bullet. Extremely effective for snakes and very close-range pest control in barns, sheds, or chicken coops.
- Eley Subsonic Hollow Point — Premium subsonic ammunition known for excellent accuracy and reliable expansion. A great choice when precision matters.
The Advantage of Shooting Suppressed
Using the BANISH 22 for small game and pest control offers several real-world benefits:
- Stealth: Animals are far less likely to be spooked by the shot.
- Hearing protection: The combination of a suppressor and subsonic ammo makes extended shooting sessions much more comfortable.
- Property-friendly: Much easier to use near homes or in suburban/rural interface areas without disturbing neighbors.
- Ethical performance: The right hollow point loads deliver quick, clean kills on small game while minimizing meat damage.
Whether you’re sitting on a squirrel stand at first light or walking fence lines looking for rats and groundhogs, the BANISH 22 turns a .22 LR into a much more effective and enjoyable tool.
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