advice on a Mid Range Varmint Rifle

[bigbearonindianbluff]

Looking for some advice on the selection of a mid range varmint rifle primaraly used for prairie dogs. I would like this rifle to have low recoil so that I could see the hits and misses but have the punch and wind resistance to get out to 500 yards on a typical South Dakota day, windy ). I am set up well for the shorter ranges out to 350 yards and want to explore the next step in prairie dog shooting. I would prefer a factory rifle but would consider a custom if that is what it takes. Any advice on rifle make, model, caliber, bullet weight, and scope combination would be of great help. Obviously accuracy is very important. Thanks

 

[expiper]

Guess What!! --6mmBR should do the job!!! If there is a 300$$ wal mart or pawn shop gun that will do it all then I am the dumbest guy on the planet...oh yea you can kill em with a deer rifle but if you want reliable accuracy then you gotta spend some money...if you want to spot your own shots then a break will be needed also...you can re-barrel a gun that you allready have or start from scratch with a full blown custom rig...thats up to you..the cal. that will do it is 6BR..use 80-105 gr match grade bullets and there are volumes of load data on this site...the stock is a matter of preference--wood/synthetic--but should be something that rides sandbags well or if u like bi-pods go that route...scope,there are hundreds) good hi-power variable 6-20 etc.... Build the best you can and it will save money in the long run and be a lot more fun to shoot and do the job..,my dad used to say "economy is buy the best and then,take care of it") Roger

 

[GT Accuracy]

hi,

depending on how hard the wind is blowing i would definately consider at least a 6 br improved case or stepping up to a 6.5-284. the 6.5 would definately handle the wind and is currently the top 1000 yard caliber going. I would definately go custom for that kind of range. I know you can get a top notch rifle for under 2500 using a trued remington action. IF you have an action to send in to get blueprinted you could save another 700. good luck


greg

 

[JamesnTN]

If it's a factory rifle you wish to purchase I would suggest a 22-250 or a 220 swift the swift can get you velocities with a 55 grn bullet at and over 3800 fps but in reality a 3700 load will be accurate and safe. The 22-250 is about 150-200 fps slower just depending on the rifle and barrel. Both of these calibers will get you beyond 500 yds. If you want a hot rod then you can purchase one of the above rifles and before you fire it have it reamed to an improved version.

 

[1holer]

You might want to read my post to Spiker220 above on perfect coyote rifle. I just built 20-250 with Rem. 788 action and Douglas 9tw with 50 gr. Berger. Douglas has 20-250 reamer. Weaver Rifles also does lot of high performance 20 cals. If you really want to reach out something very new is 20-243. I'm thinking of converting Win. 70 in 22-250 that is shot out.Zing!
Compare BC on 20 cal to 22&6mm. New 20 cal. bullet coming out in 55-60-65 maybe 70gr. Wow.