My tests indicated a .22 magnum revolver has over twice the energy of a .22 long rifle revolver (out of a six-inch barrel). That is a very significant difference, especially if your target is a close range fox, bobcat, or even a very close coyote.
If you buy a magnum handgun and want to shoot edible game, use Winchester Dynapoints. This have significantly less power than regular magnums. Even better yet, use Winchester .22 WRF cartridges for small game. These have even less power than the Dynapoints and just a little more that long rifles. And they are MUCH quieter than full-power mags.
Of course, with a Ruger Single-six you can just change cylinders. My magnum is a scoped SW 648 with a six-inch barrel. It shoots full-power magnums and WRF cartridges to the same point of impact at 50 yards, making about 1.5 inch groups with each. Makes for a very versatile platform.