Hi,

I agree with the posts already left but in addition, I would suggest you approach your local fire arms officer. The land will need to be surveyed by the officer to see if its eligible for fire-arms. This can normally be done over a couple of hours, it is very much down to the officer to advise if the land is suitable.ie he/she will look for roads, paths, bridleways,housing, public etc, look yourself as he/she will ask you questions on your possible shoot.Its not a trick, they need to know how observant you are!! If so, he/she may well advise on the calibre for pest/vermin on that land.You may get refused!!
For short range (rabbits, rats, corvids)I use a CZ452 silohette .22LR but I compliment this with a CZ american .17HMR. The later is a terrific rifle and as the other member has stated, rabbits can be killed at 200-250mtrs, the round is an expanding round and will do a lot of damage to the body, so head shots are important if you want rabbits to eat.Because of the velocity of the round a resounding crack will be heard, although not a problem in the middle of a moor or heath, it may well cause problems if housing is nearby. This rifle will kill foxes, (I have killed a fox with the .22LR but at very close range (40mtrs)(40grain shell) but not advised), I shot a fox in the chest with the .17HMR at 110mtrs,(20grain shell) it entered the chest and then removed the right lung and rib cage.
However, I have a .223 and a .22250 both Remington, both are very effective at killing foxes and Muntjac and Chinese Water Deer.
If you want to go deer stalking, you will need to obtain an NVQ at an approved centre, it is said that you will not obtain a .240 or higher until this is obtained. I have been shooting for 47years and have never needed this but all things change and I have booked myself on the course.
I would suggest you visit BASC web site for calibre info.
It is also important that you state what you are controlling and what you want to control because if its not on the cert then I strongly advise that you do not shoot/kill other species.
A variation to a cert costs Ł26, so plan and think what you need. In many areas, the fire arms officer will maybe allow one rifle until he/she is satisfied that you are capable of using a rifle.
If you get a cert, you will need a cabinet to BS and a ammo cabinet, however, my officer allowed me to use a small safe from a well known high street outlet.
If shooting large deer, you need a calibre greater than .240 and yes a .243 is popular.I did get a .243 for controlling foxes at long range but this is unusual and not always possible.
As a tip most rifles need a moderator (silencer), this item is a separate item and you need to state this on your cert, if you don't ask, you won't get.
If you are sucessful, I hope you are remember Health and Safety of yourself and others, many farmers a I shoot for now require a shooting procedure(plan) and a risk assessment. But do not let it deter or spoil your shooting.
I don't know it all, or profess to but I have several years experience, at gamekeeping, farm management and pest control, so ask and I will try to help.

Best Rgds Norfolkpoacher