.223 vs .243 for prairie dogs

[mongo chicago]

An answer to a question like that is really just person preference. I had a 22-250 when I started prairie doggin. Now I use a 6mm Remington (243 in slightly bigger case) LOVE the 6mm! Beats the 22 class all to hell. Unless you are super recoil sensitive, it is a non-issue. Relax, take your time shooting and heating up the barrel won't be an issue either. The fast 223 can really heat up a barrel. I have over one thousand seven hundred rounds through my current 6mm barrel. Still very accurate. Did in some dogs well over 500 yards with it. For me, it isn't how many dogs you kill, or how many rounds you shoot. It is how many rounds you shoot per dog.

 

[DogBuster]

223 hands down........if you do enough shooting..you'll want/need a 2nd rifle....

my suggestions......20 cal sumthing..........or a 6BR.......

6BR will be much more pleasant & cheaper to shoot........

 

[swd]

You guys do realize the OP started the thread and asked the original question in 2009 right?

 

[DogBuster]

wow................you're right.............

only had cup of coffee...............

 

[wapiti25]

Tika's shoot fairly good for a factory rifle.

 

[Webster]

Tried a search, sorry if this has been covered before.

Looking at a factory rifle for prairie dog shoots and target shooting. The majority of shots will be 300 yards or less with the occasional stretch. Am looking at the Rem 700 and Savage 12 at the moment, if anyone has another recommendation I'm all ears. From what I know at the moment it seems like:

.223
Pros:
A very common round with plenty of ammo choices and load data.
Capable of 300 yard accuracy, can be stretched some.
Very inexpensive to shoot.
Very little recoil, very quiet report.
Acceptable lethality for very small varmints.
Cons:
Very light bullet, prone to wind drift.
Lethality questionable on anything but the smallest varmints at extended range.
Cannot be used for hunting should the need arise.
Extended range range accuracy questionable.

.243:
Pros:
Another common round with excellent ammo choices and load data.
Excellent mid-long range accuracy and lethality.
Better wind bucking.
Can also be used to take larger varmints and deer with proper loads.
Cons:
More expensive to shoot.
Louder report, heavier recoil.
Overkill for small varmints?
Barrel life?

Will be reloading for either round, but like the option of readily available ammo at any retail outlet or mom and pop shop. I really like the .223 for it's ease of shooting and economy, but am concerned with it's ability to be effective at longer ranges. Also like the .243's longer range and ability to take larger game, but am concerned with barrel life when shooting rapidly in a dog town.
Anything I've missed? Any ideas/suggestions welcome, Matt.

If your willing to buy a custom barrel I would consider a 6BRX or 20 Practical.