One article I read long ago by a gun writer said that the .22LR rimfire cartridge is deadly out of all proportion to its size and I agree, especially if you keep it loaded with the very best from CCI. I tried a Beretta Bobcat .22 semi-auto on a heavy steel cookpot with a very thick bottom and at ten feet a CCI mini-mag went through the bottom and left a hole you could have dropped a .45 round through, in fact I could poke the end of my little finger through it and I struggle to put on the largest work gloves I can find. The expanded hollow point bullet went on into the soil beneath the pot. That was done with a shot from a barrel two inches long. Trying it on treated pine two by fours the bullet would go through and keep right on flying.
I’m a big fan of the 22 Long rifle....... Stingers, CCI mini mags as you suggest as well as modifying .22 budget ammo with Paco Kellys accurizer tools. Personal favorites are the beretta 70/71 pistols as well as the Ruger Mk 1, the old tried and true H&R 999 top break revolver and all .22 caliber S&W and Ruger wheel guns. Agree ..... Stay Safe !!!