I’ve hunted with people like that. Everybody likes to talk about going but talk is cheap. If I hunt whitetails, I hunt solo. Got two guys I could count on to go anywhere if they sign up and they are the only two I would call if I was doing a backcountry hunt. Got one guy that would go anywhere...
I’d find a heavy barreled 22-250. For me, the only drawback is weight while carrying which is off set by ease of accuracy that the weight provides. I would shop around for a used Savage or Rem 700 Varmint Special(made from the 70’s thru early 90’s). Sometimes you can find a really good deal...
I think the only benefit of a .22lr over a .17 hmr is less expensive ammo and the spread between ammo prices narrows when you are shooting precision. If you want a cheap blaster to plink with detachable mags and shoot squirrels, I don’t think you can beat a Ruger 10/22.
If you want to plink...
I just bought a Zeiss V4 4-16x50. seemed like the best package of glass/repeatability and it was right at $800(demo deal). Also like the Leupold VX5/6. I haven’t had any issues with mine but heard about enough problems with dialing(Leupold) that I probably will just keep my turrets capped.
I just purchased the 10x14 for truck camping. Local canvas company is going to make & sew in stove jack for $125. Probably could have saved a little bit by doing myself but would rather someone else do a good job on it than me screw it up. Going with the Nuway propane stove since I'm lazy...