Caliber choice for prairie dogs

[dale guthormsen]

A 223 is accuarte way out there. I shoot 800 to 900 yards all the time, But I use 75 grain eld m bullets in a 1:8 twist.
The wind you shoot in is decidly the most important factor on what to shoot.
If over 12 mph and over 400 yards Id use a 6.5.

 

[Longtine88]

22 fireball. Fun to shoot and not much powder

 

[Lee Goodwin]

243, 75 grain nosler ballistic tips.

 

[Quackshot]

I have used all those cartridges and more for over 60 years of prairie dog shooting. I regularly shoot to 500+ with 39 sbk's in the 204Ruger.
The best part of shooting the 204R is less cooling down time and less cleaning. If I was limited to two rifles it would be two 204's.

 

[Carlos88]

Something belt fed?

 

[psdan000]

I have used all those cartridges and more for over 60 years of prairie dog shooting. I regularly shoot to 500+ with 39 sbk's in the 204Ruger.
The best part of shooting the 204R is less cooling down time and less cleaning. If I was limited to two rifles it would be two 204's.

As of now .204 is at the top of my list!

 

[Captain 1959]

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!

Captain 1959 under a 100y 22-Lr over 100y 223/55.6

 

[cardon1122]

Out to 150 yards: 17 HMR
150-300 yards: 204 or 223
300-500 yards: 22-250
500+: 243 or 6.5 Creedmoor

17 HMR is usually our truck gun when driving between or through prairie dog towns.

Centerfires provide so much more "splat" factor and for economics it's tough to beat the 204 or 223 but the 22-250 gives more consistent acrobatics in my experience, especially over 400 yards.

For the long shots it's worth it to take a 6mm or larger. My personal best was 1404 yards with my 6 Creedmoor.

Very similar to my thoughts. I tend to pass on shots less than 200 yards because it's too easy and no challenge. One of my favorites is when only the head is presented at 200-300 yards and your target is only the size of a quarter to fifty cent piece. I love my 17 hmr but use it more for rabbits out to 150 off sticks. 200-400 prefer my 204 with 39 grain Sierra's. Makes it easy to follow your shot through your scope. Beyond 400 it's my 22-250 and my favorite long range gun, my heavy PRS 6 Creedmoor with a Revic scope. One that got left out is the 17 wsm. Ammunition tends to throw fliers more than a 17 hmr but nice to have a rim fire that will take dogs out to 300, even 350 in low wind conditions. Have fun. One of my favorite pastimes.

 

[Rondidio]

You have to take them all, no waiting for rifle to cool down. Good opportunity to get them sited in!

 

[Backcountry sports]

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!

204 ruger

 

[wolffo]

223 40gr ballistic tip going 3,500fps
explosive results out to a little past 300 yards
20x scope on a 24" AR-15
cheap.....

 

[ColonelGoose]

Out to 300 yds, the 17 Hornet is wicked

 

[gvjm]

223, 53 Vmax

 

[jdefranc938]

I've been on multiple prairie dog and sage rat trips to both South Dakota and Oregon over the past 10 years. By far my favorite caliber is the 204 Ruger. I run a 32 SBK at just under 4100fps. It makes for quite the acrobatic act! Average range for this caliber is upwards of 400 yards. I also use a 222 and a 223. Range doesn't change all that much with these calibers compared to the 204. Obviously wind will play a part. I have taken a 22-250 as well and this will definitely get you the velocities of the 204 but with a bullet that weighs roughly 20-30 grains more. The only issue is the heating of the barrel and slightly more recoil. For the long pokes, I've taken a 6.5x47Lapua. In my opinion the 204 is probably the most fun because of the light recoil and acrobatic acts. Just be prepared to reload your own ammo.