dogtown dilemma

[redneck2]

I was talking about the 22-250.

As a note, one of the things we've figured out is shooting off fold up camping type chairs, using good shooting sticks. Amazingly stable. We get consistent hits to 300+ yards no problem. Get ones with the arms so you can rest your elbow on it.

 

[thomis]

This is all good stuff and I appreciate the info. I'm trying to decide btw the .204 and .223. I wish the Ruger American was offered in the .204. Wonder why it isn't, is it b/c they think it MUST have a heavy varmint bbl?? I see they offer the American in the .223 but not the .204 which I think is odd.
If I have three rifles to alternate between then is it entirely necessary to have the varmint heavy bbl?

 

[Takem406]

I love shooting prairie dogs! I'm very excited for this year!
My dog towns are skittish. Our shots start at 300 yards or just under.
I have a heavy barrel 700 VSSF in 22-250 shooting AMax bullets.
I've gotten kills to 525ish with this.
I use a 6.5-20x50 Leupold with the varmint reticle. Really for this rifle I wouldn't want any other scope even Nightforce.
Lot's of times here in Montana 15 mph winds are a gentle breeze. I've been able to use the Varmint reticle to account for winds up to 35+.
I might not hit every time but using a 52 grain bullet to shoot 400 yards isn't easy.
It's a great caliber, the 22-250. I've shot many deer with it as well using Barnes bullets.
But if you want versatility for a deer rifle I'd look at a 243. Don't be afraid to use heavy bullets either. My wife uses her same deer bullets for the better BC.
That a heavy barrel AR would be great!
I'm thinking about having my 22-250 barrel threaded for a muzzle break or have it magna ported to reduce muzzle jump.
The prairie dogs eat their dead brethren... I'm not making this up...

 

[Art Eatman]

thomis, your .243 will work just fine. But if you're serious about adding another rifle, I guess I'd go along with the .204 opinions. Since its introduction, I've yet to run across any negative opinions about its performance. Lots of folks who are very happy with the results.

 

[KansasSasquatch]

This is all good stuff and I appreciate the info. I'm trying to decide btw the .204 and .223. I wish the Ruger American was offered in the .204. Wonder why it isn't, is it b/c they think it MUST have a heavy varmint bbl?? I see they offer the American in the .223 but not the .204 which I think is odd.
If I have three rifles to alternate between then is it entirely necessary to have the varmint heavy bbl?

If you find a rifle you really want in .223, but you'd rather have it in .204, you could always have it rebarreled. The case head is the same so the barrel should be the only thing you have to change. Of course by the time you have it rebarreled it may be more cost efficient and easier to just find a rifle already in .204. For the price of a Ruger American+new barrel+gunsmithing costs, you'd have to really be in love with the RA to not just pick a different rifle. But if you find a cheap but not too beat up rifle in .223 it might be a good candidate to be re-barreled.

 

[jlucke69]

I have shot my share of prairie dogs and would recommend a heavy barrel in 223, 22/250 or 220 swift with light weight bullets. Need to do your homework and find out what the layout is. If you are shooting near cattle or people do not take the big caliber guns (243.) If you are going on a paid hunt, I would recommend taking 2 rifles as chances are good, you will need to let one cool down. I hunt small towns and can go through 2-300 rounds in a day when the pups are up. My friend went to Wyoming on a paid hunt and had to stop early as he was out of the 1,000 rounds he took with him.

 

[redneck2]

My CZ 527 has a typical profile barrel, not a heavy barrel. Shoots great. Not sure the heavy barrel is required. In fact, probably my most accurate rifle is my thin barrel AR, a Windham Bushmaster Varminter.

If you're looking for a heavy barrel .22-250, I'm gonna sell my Remington 700 VS. It's quite accurate but I just can't see taking it over the .204. Probably doesn't have 75 rounds through it.