[yarddog]

Well actually, the .223 would be a pretty darn good choice for urban/suburban sniping. Now that I think about it a .22 magnum would be pretty efficient at close ranges.

I had not even thought about it until now but it is entirely possible that it is a .22 magnum. It shoots a lightly jacketed .224 diameter bullet.

I suspect that the cops actually know exactly the type cartridge and rifle which is being used but are for some reason not giving details.

A .308 would be better for longer ranges but one of the high capacity .338's or 300 magnums would be even better.

[RightWhale]

22 Hornet is very nice in a rifle. Not much noise, almost no recoil, very flat trajectory. Probably of little use on anything but light game.