What ammunition in a 22-250 caliber would be best for short range whitetail deer hunting?

When selecting ammunition for short-range whitetail deer hunting with a .22-250 caliber rifle, several factors come into play, including accuracy, bullet expansion, penetration, and weight retention. Here are a few recommended ammunition options that meet these criteria:

1. Hornady SST (Super Shock Tip) 55-grain:

- Designed for rapid expansion and energy transfer at close ranges, resulting in quick and humane kills.

2. Winchester Power Max Bonded 60-grain:

- Bonded bullet construction ensures excellent weight retention and penetration, even through heavier bone and tissue.

3. Federal Vital-Shok Trophy Copper 64-grain:

- Solid copper bullet ensures deep penetration without fragmenting, delivering reliable energy transfer.

4. Nosler Ballistic Tip 60-grain:

- Polymer-tipped bullet with excellent accuracy and rapid expansion upon impact.

5. Sierra GameKing Soft Point 65-grain:

- Traditional soft-point design known for controlled expansion and deep penetration.

6. Remington Core-Lokt 55-grain:

- Time-tested ammunition with a balanced combination of accuracy, expansion, and penetration.

It's important to test different loads at the range to determine what works best with your specific rifle and shooting preferences. It is also crucial to check local regulations to ensure that your chosen ammunition meets legal hunting requirements in your area.