This! If you're gonna get serious about shooting prairie dogs, spare yourself the deliberation and buy one of each because you'll need multiple rifles for a day of shooting. Personally I prefer a combination of a 204 and a 22-250, but we're splitting hairs. The good news about reloading for a 204 and 223 is you could easily use the same powder and primer in each one, and there are many options readily available right now; but as someone already said, 204 brass is tough to find right now.
204 or 223 for Prairie Dogs
- Thread starter Etson
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Hugnot
Well-Known Member
The .20 P is another. Easy to get .223 brass & form .20P rounds. I use a Redding F/L bushing die with a .226 bushing, then expand, turn & trim.
The last time out I had 4 rifles, - .20P, .22-.250, 6mm AI, & .300 WM - sort of like a ballistic fest - good opportunity for LR shooting with bigger rifles.
The last time out I had 4 rifles, - .20P, .22-.250, 6mm AI, & .300 WM - sort of like a ballistic fest - good opportunity for LR shooting with bigger rifles.
comfisherman
Well-Known Member
I probably fall into the category of over the top when it comes to vermin shooting. Last big shoot I took 2x pelicans and a third suit case just for ammo. Had 17wsm through 7mm rum, multi gun is nice. Nothing smokes a barrel like the adrenaline of colony shooting critters with one gun....
I jumped back into the 204 game a little over a year ago, had my reloading room not had dusty brass dies and bullets I'd of gone 223. It's probably going to be another season come and gone before we see parity availability with the 223. Pre Kung flu it was one of the ones you could shoot about like rimfires, ammo came in good varieties for little more than 223. That hasn't been the case in the last 3 years, it's one of the segments that's been really difficult to source. For the time being a properly twisted 223 would be a tough one to pass up given current market conditions.
I jumped back into the 204 game a little over a year ago, had my reloading room not had dusty brass dies and bullets I'd of gone 223. It's probably going to be another season come and gone before we see parity availability with the 223. Pre Kung flu it was one of the ones you could shoot about like rimfires, ammo came in good varieties for little more than 223. That hasn't been the case in the last 3 years, it's one of the segments that's been really difficult to source. For the time being a properly twisted 223 would be a tough one to pass up given current market conditions.
Another vote for the 204 Practical if you hand load. The best of both cartridges. Run a 204 pill through a ballistic calculator, you will find the 39 grain 204 drifts less than a 40 grain or even 60 grain bullets at 223 velocities.
I was going ask your intent (IE how far into it you are). Based on the fact that you're going to shoot some while on a hunt (I take it you're going guided on the big game and they have the spots lined up...?) for me the 'easy button" is the 223.
I've used a 223 since the beginning of time, about 10 years ago I bought a 204 as well. For me, I have come to the place where there is zero doubt I'd hit the "easy button" and go 223 for the simple fact I can buy a boat load of ammo already loaded up.
Back when I was shooting them a lot it wasn't anything to go thru 3000-5000 rounds a year. If you have some good spots
(which I do)As mentioned I would search out ammo first, let that make your decision.
I can't or won't point you either way, I shoot 17's - 6mm.
I like a heavy rig, at least 15 pounds. This will allow you to see your impacts, spotting for your self. I like my6.5-20 leupold but the Arken 5-25 is no slouch either. What power I run, depends on conditions, usually hoover around 14-16X.
I am all about splat factor an "lift". 223 sees 40, 53 and my heavy is 69.
The 204, easier choice ya got 32/34 or 40's. Both work well.
I won't argue with folks, maybe I just don't shoot in brutal winds, but I see little difference in the two where that is concerned.
I was told fore-ever the wind blows the 17's like a feather, a 25-30 grain in a 17 Remington is no slouch and will hold its own out to 500.
I can't or won't point you either way, I shoot 17's - 6mm.
I like a heavy rig, at least 15 pounds. This will allow you to see your impacts, spotting for your self. I like my6.5-20 leupold but the Arken 5-25 is no slouch either. What power I run, depends on conditions, usually hoover around 14-16X.
I am all about splat factor an "lift". 223 sees 40, 53 and my heavy is 69.
The 204, easier choice ya got 32/34 or 40's. Both work well.
I won't argue with folks, maybe I just don't shoot in brutal winds, but I see little difference in the two where that is concerned.
I was told fore-ever the wind blows the 17's like a feather, a 25-30 grain in a 17 Remington is no slouch and will hold its own out to 500.
Etson
Member
Thanks for all the info. I think I'm going to settle for a 223 with the availability of components and ammo now. Keep my eye out for a 204 and ammo/components for a second rifle. I am only using it now for when we come across a town while big game hunting. Did this a couple times antelope and deer hunting but do want to make a dedicated trip to shoot prairie dogs in the near future.
JC in Calif
Well-Known Member
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- Jul 1, 2007
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If I was starting over I would start with a .222. I shoot one in a Dakota Arms. A very accurate round. 40 gr Vmax, H4198 Gets the job done!
WanderingGoatie
Well-Known Member
I reload and use a .223 AR, a stiller tac .204, and a shilen .243 on prairie dogs. In my experience a 223 is about all I need. Ammo cost is a big part of that even though I reload. I've also had to deal with sourcing components and it all becomes a headache with less common calibers. Since I don't think these cyclical shortages will ever stop .223 is what I consistently come back to.
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sourdough44
Well-Known Member
Yes, your choice of the 223 is fine, you mention casual shoot, as a diversion from deer or antelope hunting.
I've settled on the 223 & 22-250, nothing wrong with the 204, well, besides sorting the empty brass. I the platform is a biggie. My most capable gun is a custom 22-250, for dispatching dogs, it's tops. My reloads with it are modest for a 22-250, still more than any 223.
Over the years I've usually gone mid June, lots of 1/2 size dogs. With that, the bulk of our shooting has been 50-200 yards, spoils a guy. I've used down to 'sporter weight' rifles.
Of course a clear 14/16 on up power scope with a good trigger factor in. My neighbor often goes to WY for antelope, I always tell him he should take a smaller rifle for dogging after the tags are filled.
I've settled on the 223 & 22-250, nothing wrong with the 204, well, besides sorting the empty brass. I the platform is a biggie. My most capable gun is a custom 22-250, for dispatching dogs, it's tops. My reloads with it are modest for a 22-250, still more than any 223.
Over the years I've usually gone mid June, lots of 1/2 size dogs. With that, the bulk of our shooting has been 50-200 yards, spoils a guy. I've used down to 'sporter weight' rifles.
Of course a clear 14/16 on up power scope with a good trigger factor in. My neighbor often goes to WY for antelope, I always tell him he should take a smaller rifle for dogging after the tags are filled.
Smart choice!
The Sol
Member
We use both, as well as the 17 HMR (under 200 yds). They all perform well, but at longer distances and with the common wind element, the 223 is the better choice
Grizzman47
Well-Known Member
A .223 with a fast twist is a solid option. It's really easy to come up with great handloads for it (you should definitely load them), and components are pretty easy to find.
