Savage Model 19

[Catfish]

I would think that the .17 HMR would be good for ground squirrels at any range that you could hit them. The .22 Hornet would definately shoot flatter, but if your looking for a cheap one I would recomand getting a newer NEF or H&R than a Model 19. As for going to the K-Hornet, I woulsd recomand getting a .222 or a .223 instead. Eather would give you more range and both a factory rounds. While they use alittle more powder than the K-Hornet, the extra range of eather is more than worth it. I thin that the .222 will have an accuracy advantage, but the .223 has a range advantage, both being small.