Caliber choice for prairie dogs

[del2les]

For many decades, I enjoyed shooting P-dogs with a 222 and 223 for the shorter, 500yds and under, and the 6mm's or 25-06 for the out-to-horizon shots. Then I went to fast twist, 1/9 and 1/8 - 223's, so I could shoot lighter bullets for the closer shots and switch to the 75-80's for extended or better wind drift. Once I went to faster twist 22-250's and 22-250AI's using 75's and heavier, I have nearly retired my 243s/6mm's and 25-06's from P-dog shooting.

When I am out for a shorter distance (<300yds) shooting trip and want the most precision I can have for those skittish later season dogs who peek out of holes for long times, I still take my 222's.

 

[Slibey]

22-250

 

[Wendet]

I have got my .204 out to 480 and .223 out to360 6.5 creedmoor for really long shots depending on the ammo you can take. if you are flying you will have to ship the weight limits are just too small then its whatever you can get

 

[dwinmeade]

Of your choices:
1...204 Ruger...short range...(lower recoil/powder usage/tops in velocity)

1a...223...short range...(depending on available ammo vs 204 Ruger)

2...243...long range...(less recoil/faster velocity/tad cheaper ammo vs 6.5CM, however... )

A 6.5CM loaded w/90g Varmageddons/90g TNTs/95g Vmaxs would be an exciting experience to try!

 

[imrich]

I have shot the most with a 22lr but 221 fireball and 220 swift are among my favorites.

 

[reelhardmt]

204

 

[Rugerjim]

.25/06 AI

Have to agree with a 75gr pill **** blows up hard.

 

[Rugerjim]

I run a 22-243 AI. With a 64gr Rexem it literally vaporises things, literally... vapour. Get one (or a 22 Creed. I'm running a 73gr Rexem at 3580 in my AI with a BC that's mental. it's real slick.

 

[WHITEBULL]

17 HMR
204 Ruger
.223
Love them all.

 

[Swiftkill]

With 2 rifles a 204 (Cool) and 22/250 or 220 swift. OR you can ding them all day with a 204 out to 500 yds or more but if it is windy it is sure nice to have a 243 with 58 gr vmaxes. If you don't have a 204 you can't go wrong with a 223 with 40 gr bullets. You want a cool shooting rifle and one to reach out far. The 243 is great but gets really hot fast so a 22/250 or swift. Those get hot fast too. I have made some spectacular shots with the 204./ My Swift has been my go to gun for years but then I bought my son a Rem 22250 Varmint synthetic fluted and it is an absolute tackdriver and I hate to admit it. It shoots 45 gr UMC ammo into one hole at 100. Literally 1/4" groups with the cheapest ammo.
I have made confirmed hits on tiny arizona prairie poodles at 535 yds with my AR 223 with 40 gr bullets and THAT is a HOOT!

 

[Prairie]

Wish that was a possibility, will be flying and I'll be limited to two rifles max.

.204 Ruger and .223 Rem.

 

[Gcan]

Alright guys, I have a trip coming up at the end of June and having some dilemma on which rifles to take with me. Thought it would be fun to start a poll, see what your guys' favorite calibers are for prairie dogs. I've limited the poll to the calibers I have rifles chambered in and have ample ammo for. Let me know your thoughts! I have a feeling I know what the winner will be!

22-250.

 

[lisasman]

So many great choices mentioned here. I guess my two choices would be .204 and 22 Creedmoor. Best of luck in whatever you choose!!!

 

[30dirty]

300 ultra