Best .22 hunting rifle?

22 Benjamin Maximus Hunter around $170 direct from Crosman with 25% off AGNATION discount code order Friday morning get free shipping. Super light real cheap easy to hand pump scratch it up no biggie. 5 year warranty. 

You should be able to hit a 1 inch spinner at 65 yards straight out of the box and maybe even lucky enough to shoot cheap Crosman Premier Hollowpoints excellent too.

Add on accessories available to make an already good gun great and really quiet too.

Did I mention 5 year warranty?
 
If you have the budget, I would look for a used Wildcat, [a gen 1 to save money]. That's a hunter's gun. For portability, cocking lever handle position and overall weight it cant be beat.

As a budget saver, the Urban and Buccaneer are good options but the magazines are expensive. If you want to carry 5 mags around, it'll cost you as much as the rifle. Of the two I'd go with the buccaneer with a threaded muzzle break instead of the bonded "pickle". They are easy to regulate also, can upgrade the trigger for cheap if you are savy with mechanics

If you are look for pure function, Hatsan's are hard hitting, a little heavy, but can be found for pretty cheap. Mags are cheap as well. 


 
With an unspecified budget and more specific requirements you’ve got unlimited options and opinions.
To narrow things down some maybe give a price range you are looking in and a list of your preferences. Bullpup vs carbine vs full rifle. Synthetic vs wood stocks. Regulator vs unregulated. Single shot vs magazine feed. Bottle vs cylinder tubes. Strictly pellet shooting or wanting to try slugs... the question suggests you’re just starting out in pcp so knowing what your source of air is going to be will also influence a decision. 
Welcome and good luck 


 
For hunting, here's another vote for the Maximus .22 cal. It is accurate, light, reliable, and hits hard (830+ fps with Crosman hollow points). Reminds me of a single shot .22 LR: simple and fun to shoot. The 2000 psi fill is easy on you, the gun, and your pump. You will probably want a moderator ($50 from TKO) and a lighter trigger spring. Then fire away!

A downside for you with the Maximus would be 20 shots per fill, not 30.


 
It's hard to beat the Edgun Leshiy (the original, single shot) for compactness and convenience. I love everything about it (yes, even the trigger!). If it's in your budget it's a great gun out of the box without worrying about needing a bunch of mods. The only place it might fall short of your requirements is shot count. I don't have a good number for you, but it's less than 30 (at least out of the box).

GsT