I use a .22 mag for a short range calling gun about 80% of the time I hunt. I have lost one dog, but attribute it to a rushed shot and completley blame myself. I personally shoot to 150 yds with my mag without worry, and I use Winchester 45 gr. Dynapoint. I will get all kinds of crap now, but I really don't care, Last week I shot a 43 lb male at about 120 yds +/- and it rolled, got up, took about 3 paces and flopped. Thats better than most centerfires do on whitetail, so I fail to see the problem. If you shoot confidently to 100-150 yds, its plenty of gun.