Henry Rifle Forums

With your back-up plan in mind, I would likely choose the .22 Magnum, and since you mentioned inexpensive, likely a bolt-action repeater...either the Savage 93G, or the Marlin XT-22M. Both have a reputation for accuracy much better than the price point would suggest. If I went with the Marlin, I would try to find one of the tube-fed models.
For hunting, I would suggest trying the 50 grain hollow point round from Federal.
I just picked up a Savage 93G in 22 Mag, but haven't had a chance to shoot it.

I have a Savage 9317bv .17HMR. A vert accurate rife. Could easily handle any of the shots, brain, neck....
Not a pig of course but explosive damage on ground squirrels.
Whatever rimfire a sure shot placement is important.

Well, I went ahead and picked up a Savage 93 F today. Got tired of overthinking it. LGS had one in stock, a little over $200. This model has iron sights. I will probably go with that at first, then figure out what I want to do for sights a little down the road. I might pick up a set of scope bases and mount the 4x9-40 Nikon I have on the Henry H001 and see if I like that. I don't plan on making 150 yd shots with it.

Called DNR today and verified I can carry my .45 when hunting the WMAs during small game season.

Got the scope mounted today, and took it to the range. Accuracy was decent. This is a lot more fun to shoot than a .22lr IMO. I need to find a good local source for range ammo.

Another update. Found some CCI maxi mags, 40 grain HP. These seemed to feed very well. Price was much better than the Hornady personal defense rounds I picked up when I bought the rifle. It was the only .22 WMR on the shelf then.

LGS has the 5 round mags for this rifle for less than $20. That is cheaper than most internet sources, before shipping. No 10 rounders on the shelf.