Best varmint gun out to 400 yards

[BobbyJ]

What is the most accurate varmint gun out to 400 yards? Also which gives the most WOW blow up the P dog and allows the shooter to keep it all in view during the shot at 24x.

I know I can see it all with a 17 wsm but they are only good for like 200-250 yards.

Is the .204 with 32 gr the best for exploading P Dogs?

For guns I'm looking at CZ, Tikka, Bergara.

I don't load my own (yet) just looking for something that can shoot 1/2 moa. From what I have read it seems the .204 might be the best bet.

22-250 is on the table but I hear people saying the over heat faster during P Dog shoots.

Curious what you shooters think is the best way to go.

 

[ranger3]

204 w 40 AMAX, will you to 400 yds easily with plenty of wow.

 

[Phil]

6 BR, it can be used for many things.....

 

[Ledd Slinger]

Obviously the answer is 6.5 Creedmoor

 

[BobbyJ]

Obviously the answer is 6.5 Creedmoor

Funny you should say that. I was just reading up on the creedmore and looked at a Bergara B14 Timber, Bolt Action, 6.5mm Creedmoor.

But I think the creedmoor is going to have too much recoil vs a .204. And it will probably be much louder and cost more to feed. But yea I like the 6.5 seems they are laser like.

I'm going to get a suppressor that will fit on my WSM .17 and also a .204 to save some money. Don't think I can do that with a creedmore suppressor.

 

[hogpatrol]

The best gun is one with which you can hit your intended point of aim on the first shot.

 

[varmintshooter]

You should just get a 223 with an 8 or 9 twist barrel. You will be able to shoot factory ammo until you start to load your own. There is a very good choice of bullets that can be had cheap. Good barrel life, low recoil and it would be good for bigger critters if need be.

 

[Terry]

This year I took a 20 practical. If I missed it was because I held into the wind too far. It's easy to watch your hits and misses with the low recoil. 40 grain Noslers at 3600 fps. What a delight to shoot. Second choice the 204.

 

[IMMORTAL]

Since you don't reload,I would suggest getting a Savage model 12 in 223 or 204 Ruger. 50gr Vmax in the 23 and 32gr in the 204.

 

[IMMORTAL]

And yes I have shot prairie dogs with both. I have killed dogs out to 500yds with my 204 and out past 650yds with my 223. Both rifles shooting handloads.

 

[BobbyJ]

But I think the creedmoor is going to have too much recoil vs a .204

The best gun is one with which you can hit your intended point of aim on the first shot.

And..... continue......

 

[BobbyJ]

Since you don't reload,I would suggest getting a Savage model 12 in 223 or 204 Ruger. 50gr Vmax in the 23 and 32gr in the 204.

Is the Savage model 12 of higher quality than the Savage Bmags? I was not thrilled with the build quality of that savage gun. Sort of look at savage as a low tier gun.

This is one I leaning towards but then I'm thinking I could get two CZs for that price. It just looks like a gun that could be passed down for generations.
Sako 85.

 

[Boyd L.]

Is the Savage model 12 of higher quality than the Savage Bmags? I was not thrilled with the build quality of that savage gun. Sort of look at savage as a low tier gun.

I’m not certain of your criteria of build quality but mine is hitting what I shoot at. The 10/110 series have the reputation of giving excellent hunting accuracy.
There are lots of custom rifle options if that’s what you’re willing to pay for. I don’t think the dak rats will care either way.

 

[snowpro440]

I would buy the .223 heavy varmint Savage in a 9 twist, find a factory loads that shoots well till u load your own , then shoot the 69gr and 25.2 gr of varget (listed in the sierra manual as the accuracy load ) works for me and a few others I know .

 

[Boyd L.]

This year I took a 20 practical. If I missed it was because I held into the wind too far. It's easy to watch your hits and misses with the low recoil. 40 grain Noslers at 3600 fps. What a delight to shoot. Second choice the 204.

What twist if you don’t mind sharing?
Apologies to the OP for the thread drift.

 

[rkittine]

Another vote for the 6mmBR Norma. My Custom shop 40X Rangemaster qualifies for Factor Class as well as makes a great Ground Hog rifle.

 

[GrocMax]

Also which gives the most WOW blow up the P dog and allows the shooter to keep it all in view during the shot at 24x.

At 24x zoom gonna need to be a 20 cal in a 12-14 lb plus rifle. Even then it could be iffy.

 

[Lannister]

My personal choice would be a Savage bolt action in something along the lines of .22-250 or .223, with a 26" heavy barrel, and a decent 4-16x__ magnification scope with a bullet drop compensating reticle. I like Savage actions, 26" of barrel gives you a good boost on velocity once you get out there, and .223 or .22-250 won't destroy the pelt too badly. A good scope is key and a 4-16 gives you plenty of flexibility range wise.


An AR-15 will certainly do you well though, and if you want to hunt deer, you can just swap out the upper to something bigger. You can get a 24" varmint barrel and throw a good scope on it, but it will cost a good bit more than a bolt action.


Edit: Under $400, I say go with a Savage bolt action in .243, .270, or .30-06. Dicks Sporting Goods has had them as low as $350 including glass on sale. A decent AR will be well out of your range. Also, .30-06 ammo is everywhere and can be found cheap which is a nice plus.

 

[johnfred1965]

To see a hit at 24x its going to be a 20 o


At 24x zoom gonna need to be a 20 cal in a 12-14 lb plus rifle. Even then it could be iffy.

I love the 204, but for economy, I would say .223. Cheap to start up with and easy to start reloading with. As for WOW factor, I was popping(literally, you could hear them) at 425 with my 24" AR. You may not see your close up shots through a high power scope, But anything past 200 yards I could catch with my 6x24 sightron. If you want to switch to a 20 later on when you start reloading, you can do as one said and make a 20 practical and no need to get different brass. I know you are looking at a bolt gun, but my AR handles 6 different calibers with only an upper change, and a bolt in two cases

 

[IMMORTAL]

Is the Savage model 12 of higher quality than the Savage Bmags? I was not thrilled with the build quality of that savage gun. Sort of look at savage as a low tier gun.

This is one I leaning towards but then I'm thinking I could get two CZs for that price. It just looks like a gun that could be passed down for generations.
Sako 85.

Short answer is yes. They are better. My Savage 204 is the LRPV model. With handloads shooting the 39's my best group is .08 at 100yds. The Savages shoot when you find a load it likes.