Prairie Dog Rifle Question…

[Flea21]

I recently upgraded my 22-250 to a 22 Creedmoor. I was strongly thinking about getting into prairie dog hunting. My question is, how often do y'all go through barrels? It seems like some guys shoot 800-1000rds in a day hunting PDs and I'm pretty sure at that rate a barrel would be close to toast after a couple days or so… am I wrong? If if I'm right though, this may be a more expensive idea than I originally thought! LoL

 

[Bucklowery]

Usually those high volume shoots involve multiple guns and calibers that are not as hard on barrels

Thanks

Buck

 

[Flea21]

Interesting.. Okay, well thats the lightest caliber I have... Beyond that, the rounds just get bigger... Im sure 338 Lapua wouldnt be the most desired for this application but it would be interesting to see what happens to the PD upon impact... lol

 

[Bucklowery]

I can say what it looks like when hit with a 300wsm 150g ballistic tip but it would not do it justice. It is an expensive venture for sure. Usually a 22lr , 17 hmr, 223, 204 are the common calibers but the bigger calibers are reserved for the longer shots

Thanks

Buck

 

[Flea21]

I can say what it looks like when hit with a 300wsm 150g ballistic tip but it would not do it justice. It is an expensive venture for sure. Usually a 22lr , 17 hmr, 223, 204 are the common calibers but the bigger calibers are reserved for the longer shots

Thanks

Buck

Awesome!

 

[HARPERC]

An 800-1000 round day may be hard on barrels, but they are great for the psyche.

You'll remember them for years.

A 2 rifle (at least) solution is a .223 or such for close to moderate, and something else for distance.

 

[waspocrew]

I don't consider the 22 Creedmoor a high volume P-dog rifle - you'd be much better served with a 223. That being said, if you can alternate between rifles, you'd keep the round count down a bit on the CM.

 

[ARlife4me]

I enjoy the 264wm I've used for decades on them! I shot 1 under the chin and thought I missed. Went to check and lo and behold it was gutted. Now I have a hand puppet. It just blew the insides out thru its backside. I've also used a 22wm effectively on them out to 100+ yards, but 75 yards it was a no brainer.

 

[akdad]

My theory is it's target practice so use anything you want. Small reactive targets. Just enjoy it!

 

[ARlife4me]

My theory is it's target practice so use anything you want. Small reactive targets. Just enjoy it!

TRUE!

 

[sw282]

My prairie dog rifle has to accurate. l also need to SEE my hits. lts pretty much lmpossible with anything
above 223Rem. 222Rem is perfection w/300yd max

 

[JSHKS]

I will wish for a 800-1000 round day on prairie dogs. I think those days are past.

 

[ducky]

I was strongly thinking about getting into prairie dog hunting. My question is, how often do y'all go through barrels?

When I can't hit a PD consistently at 300 yards with a rifle anymore I will get a new barrel or rifle. I like Savage actions for my PD rifles, easy to swap barrels and I don't have to worry about weight. I also usually take at least six rifles for a days shoot. Six rifles means a couple magnum rimfire rifles, the rest are centerfire rifles of .204 thru 6mm.

 

[yobuck]

I will wish for a 800-1000 round day on prairie dogs. I think those days are past.

I dont see how its possible to shoot that many rounds in one day unless your using large magazines in semi autos and blazing away at running prairie dogs.
I guess it all depends upon what is considered to be fun.
For me, single feeding the gun, shooting from a bench, and not shooting at running dogs, 150 rounds is a pretty busy day.