I have an old 4 digit Kimber 22LR that groups 10 shots inside a nickel at 50 yards. For years I've had an antique Leupold 7.5x fixed power AO mounted. Superb !
A Savage .17HMR as long as I'm 25yds or more away.
Because there isn't much left if I'm any closer.
Last time I shot one at about 20yds all I got was fur & four legs.
My son and a friend went out with my Savage .17 and .22 both are bull barreled. They did well and you could see with out asking which ones were hit with the .17. Not the best choice if you intend to eat what you shoot.
Many a squirrel (and rabbit) fell to my Marlin 60 and my NEF .410. I carried both, just in case. I doubt it was possible to put together a better small game combo for under $200 in the late '80s, early '90s when I was doing more hunting.