Please help me pick the right Caliber

[RustyN1stcav]

I just joined LRH and I am looking for some help. I am in the Army and when I get back of course plan to make a new rifle purchase. I am looking to get into some prairie dog hunting, but also want a caliber I can still use for Squirrel and other small game and all the way up to coyotes and fox, etc. I have read about all kinds of calibers and different manufactures of rifles. At this point I have read so much my head is spinning. I want a flat shooting varmit rifle. So I turn to all of you with your wealth of knowledge to help me out. Here is what I need. I am looking for the best caliber and rifle to accommodate these needs in order according about to the importance to me;
-Accuracy at long range (taking into account all undesirable factors)
-Function
-Durability
-availability of ammo
-Cost
-Fun Factor

If yall could help me pick the best caliber for this I would appreciate it, and if you have a rifle suggestion let me hear it. Thanks

[Michael Eichele]

Originally Posted by RustyN1stcav

I just joined LRH and I am looking for some help. I am in the Army and when I get back of course plan to make a new rifle purchase. I am looking to get into some prairie dog hunting, but also want a caliber I can still use for Squirrel and other small game and all the way up to coyotes and fox, etc. I have read about all kinds of calibers and different manufactures of rifles. At this point I have read so much my head is spinning. I want a flat shooting varmit rifle. So I turn to all of you with your wealth of knowledge to help me out. Here is what I need. I am looking for the best caliber and rifle to accommodate these needs in order according about to the importance to me;
-Accuracy at long range (taking into account all undesirable factors)
-Function
-Durability
-availability of ammo
-Cost
-Fun Factor

If yall could help me pick the best caliber for this I would appreciate it, and if you have a rifle suggestion let me hear it. Thanks

243, 260, 708, 308 based on the info supplied. 243 and 308 will offer the most readily available ammo.

BTW, welcome.

[AJ Peacock]

I immediately thought about the .243win when I read your post, but it is a bit overkill for the squirrels etc.

How about a good rimfire for "the fun factor", like a 22mag or 17hmr. That would handle all the small stuff and closer range fox etc. Ammo is cheap. Then a more purpose oriented longer range rifle. Depending on the number of rounds you want to fire, a 204ruger would be awesome for a barrel burner. .243win would be great and would double as a light deer rifle.

AJ

[JPRITT]

Hello and welcome! I'm sure you are very familiar with the 223 remington aka 5.56 nato. It seems like a good fit. Lots of possiblities with this round. Great in bolt guns or in a AR platform (fun factor) The one problem you might have is finding a cartridge that is a good squirrel gun AND a good long range gun. the 233 can be shot well out to 500 yrds+. even farther if you handload. Just my thought.

[Gene Jr.]

It's not very flashy but a .223 would do everything you want. A little light for dedicated LR coyote but otherwise fits the bill nicely.

I'm becoming more of a quality over quanity kinda guy so a fast twist 22-250 or 243 would suit me fine for what you want but your costs will go up and barrel life will come down. Especially if you focus on p-dogs.

I think the amount of rounds you plan on shooting will play a big part in your decision. I'd stay on the milder side if your thinking of high volume p-dog shooting. If you're thinking more along the lines of low volume precision shooting, then a more intense round would be a better choice.

Best of luck in your choice!

Gene

[long450]

How far you want to kill them squirrels?

[3fingervic]

Welcome to the site. Thank you for defending our freedom. Now the question at hand. I like the .243.