Prairie Dog Cartridge

[Jud96]

I have an opportunity to go prairie dog hunting with a buddy next year in Montana. I currently don't have a suitable rifle for high volume blasting, so I would plan to build a rifle for the job. I am wanting to build something based around the .223 simply because of the affordability of 1000 pieces of once fired processed Lake City brass. I have never gone prairie dog hunting or high volume varmint hunting, so I want to make sure I bring plenty of ammo and I don't care if I burn up a barrel in one trip as long as I have a good time! I have been debating on 3 potential cartridges, 20 Practical, 223 Remington, and 6x45 (6mm-223) with 55-65gr bullets. Ballistically the 20 with 39/40gr bullets and the 223 with 50-55gr bullets are very similar and I don't see an advantage to either option, however I have no real world experience with either cartridge for varminting. Running the numbers, the 6x45 isn't as flat shooting and drifts a little more in the wind, but I have access to old 6mm benchrest barrels so that is attractive but not a huge selling point. Any input or opinions on these cartridges for prairie dogs would be appreciated. Thank you!

 

[dthomas]

I don't know which one would be best for prairie dogs but from what you want to do I would keep it simple and go with the 223 and run a heavier bullet for the longer shots.

 

[5spd]

My go to pdogs rig is .223 with 50g bullets in front of h335.
No issues to 600 yards if wind ain't working against you. I do keep 400 yds as my max with out moving, otherwise I'll move closer.
I have a 6x45 that I ran 55g varmageddons, 65vmax, 70g nbt and it does as well as the .223. 65vmx are nasty on them.
Running the .223 is very good for my shooting and I run thousands of rounds into them with it.

 

[ebb]

Ive got a 223 on a Remington action with a so so match barrel. Hits on a 4 inch gong at 600yds when the wind isn't horrible are almost a give me. I could see something exotic on your second or third PD gun but the work horse I think has to be a 223. I had a 22-250 for ground hogs at mom and dads place in north GA. It was too much, and the barrel was gone to soon. I think I would build it with a nut to make rebarrel easy and quick. I doesn't have to be pretty or cool, it just has to work, there is no crowd of spectators and the dogs wont care.

 

[Coyotefurharvester]

For first timer with possible return, I would run the straight 223 rem, light varmint-varmint contour. 40 gr -55 gr bullet, TNT,vmax, BK. Have a barrel wrap/cooler, 20-24x top power scope. If you can afford the 53 gr vmax bullet, build for it. 40 gr bullets are a lot of fun, especially under 200 yards. Wouldn't hurt if the rifle weighs 15+ pounds (can be added/removed from stock) and has a brake/suppressor, so you can see hits(whether you dial the scope or not). Montana dog towns topography vary a lot, some places 300 yards is max.

 

[Tommie]

Compare the .223 and 20 Prac. Look at BC numbers for the 20’s versus 22’s. Then look at realistic velocity attainable. The 20’s win every time. Been down that road.

 

[urbanrifleman]

Ask @dusterdave173 about his 223 1-7 ISSF.

 

[jpx2rk]

For your first trip, go with the 223, easy to load for, the other options are as well, but there is no necking up/down of the brass, just load and go. If you want to see the carnage/red mist stay 300 yds or so with the 223, after that less carnage, and the further you out you go, the bullet will just pencil thru and kill the critter(s).

 

[sandwarrior]

I have an opportunity to go prairie dog hunting with a buddy next year in Montana. I currently don't have a suitable rifle for high volume blasting, so I would plan to build a rifle for the job. I am wanting to build something based around the .223 simply because of the affordability of 1000 pieces of once fired processed Lake City brass. I have never gone prairie dog hunting or high volume varmint hunting, so I want to make sure I bring plenty of ammo and I don't care if I burn up a barrel in one trip as long as I have a good time! I have been debating on 3 potential cartridges, 20 Practical, 223 Remington, and 6x45 (6mm-223) with 55-65gr bullets. Ballistically the 20 with 39/40gr bullets and the 223 with 50-55gr bullets are very similar and I don't see an advantage to either option, however I have no real world experience with either cartridge for varminting. Running the numbers, the 6x45 isn't as flat shooting and drifts a little more in the wind, but I have access to old 6mm benchrest barrels so that is attractive but not a huge selling point. Any input or opinions on these cartridges for prairie dogs would be appreciated. Thank you!

I'd stick with the straight up .223 with a tight twist (1-8") and get to reloading 69's-77's and anything in between. It'll still be plenty accurate if you go anything lighter. I say this as I've shot the heavies to 1000 yds. and been accurate enough to still hit prairie dogs. Certainly more challenging than if you shot a heavy 6mm, but quite doable.
You may take the accuracy edge off that barrel, but very slim chance you will burn it out. .223's take a lot of rounds before they become inaccurate.

 

[Hotshot]

I've been shooting prairie dogs for over 60 years. Shot several 100,000 rounds.
Hit a fair number of the critters. Used many different weapons and cartridges.
Were I in your position I would go with 20practical 11 twist and 40 vmax bullets.
If I was forced to use a 223 I would use 40 or 50 grain bullets from a 12 twist barrel. There are a lot of ways to enjoy the sport. I like to sit at a bench and shoot out to 400 yards or so. Fast and flat is your friend! 40 grain vmax in 20 caliber is capable of much farther. Not so with the 223. Heavy for caliber bullets in a 223 do not interest me. I won't shoot prairie dogs with 50 cents apiece bullets out of a 22 caliber rifle. If I do want to show off I have numerous rifles that can shoot fast and flat much farther.

 

[pdog06]

Take more than one gun. So you can still shoot when the one is cooling off.

I agree with taking a 223. That’ll get you out to 3-400 yards if the wind isn’t too bad. Then I recommend taking something larger for longer ranges/windy days. And you WILL have windy days. Since you say you have access to some 6mm barrels that will fit right in line. Plenty of 6mm options.
I run (2) 6br’s myself(1 with 75’s or 87’s and 1 with 105’s) and it works fine for me, along with a 22-250 and a 223.

 

[RabbitSlayer]

A 20p is a little better but a 223 and 53gr vmax won't be too different. Bring a second gun for long shots or big winds. I bring 3. 17 hornet, 204, and 6 creed.

 

[hfinkle]

I'd take a 6br, I've been there a lot of times. 6br will shoot to 800 and is easy to load. And you can shoot matches at home. Barrel will last forever. 87 vmax, 31 varget,cci450 and go have fun.

 

[Lee Whitsel]

I have an opportunity to go prairie dog hunting with a buddy next year in Montana. I currently don't have a suitable rifle for high volume blasting, so I would plan to build a rifle for the job. I am wanting to build something based around the .223 simply because of the affordability of 1000 pieces of once fired processed Lake City brass. I have never gone prairie dog hunting or high volume varmint hunting, so I want to make sure I bring plenty of ammo and I don't care if I burn up a barrel in one trip as long as I have a good time! I have been debating on 3 potential cartridges, 20 Practical, 223 Remington, and 6x45 (6mm-223) with 55-65gr bullets. Ballistically the 20 with 39/40gr bullets and the 223 with 50-55gr bullets are very similar and I don't see an advantage to either option, however I have no real world experience with either cartridge for varminting. Running the numbers, the 6x45 isn't as flat shooting and drifts a little more in the wind, but I have access to old 6mm benchrest barrels so that is attractive but not a huge selling point. Any input or opinions on these cartridges for prairie dogs would be appreciated. Thank you!

I live in Montana and shot gophers and some dogs up north of Livingston. By far the most used and least costly of all the 223 and it does just fine. I like a 1/12" cause the most used bullets in 223 are the 40 to55 grain so a 1/12" is my personal best twist choice. I used bolts and semi auto's both. Your choice. My wife likes and AR so she just aims and pulls the trigger. She doesn't like opening a bolt time and time again any more. But no matter what she shoots at 74 years old she is deadly with her own guns. Wind is always a problem to deal with and remember shooting on a cloudy day is not much good. A god slid folding table is a must and a good bino's and a padded folding chair to set in is sure nice. We take a 22 for close work. We have a variety of scopes we use. But we don't go over 20x on a hot day to much heat waves. A cooler full o f driving water is a must. Here's granny get 2 with one shot.....

 

[Gary in MD]

I’d also keep it simple, the straight 223.

 

[JSH]

223 with a 40 vmax along with some 53 grain Vmax.
I would go a full bull barrel if at all possible.
I would chose a stock/chassis that will allow filling with as much #9 shot as possible.
Weight is your friend and allows you to see most all of your own impacts, when a spotter isn’t available or on the wrong target.
If your walking, then of coarse build it other wise. I myself just get a bigger rifle.
If you have a suppressor, I highly recommend it. And if you don’t have a suppressor, you should anyway;-).

Will add a 15x scope will work, it I like the 20x and have nothing against a 25.
I have found mirage limits what X I am using.

 

[Bottom Fodder]

Is this going to be “one and done” for just one PD hunt ? What else could use this build for ? And then there’s that which caliber can you get the reloading supplies for just my $0.02 but it’s free

 

[wupterchook]

I'd go with the .20 Practical. I prefer the lighter recoil and faster velocity. My favorite is the .204 but i view the .20 P just as good.

 

[dusterdave173]

I have two trips and a couple thousand rounds --am still a Rookie PD shooter but ---The 53 Vmax shoots Better in the wind than others I have tried--I LOVE it! First rookie trip I took a stock Savage 9 twist with store bought Fiocchi 50g Vmax--we killed PD's Cheap and easy--This year took two rifles ( a BIG help--zero cooling issues) One dialed in tight with 53 Vmax--it did fantastic to about 530 ish in tough wind. My other rifle was also dialed in with the 53g Vmax but I also had an 85.5 g Berger load that was really tuned well--I used it for my " bragging" shots out to 661 this year--
Truth is you can just stay under 400 shoot the 53 Vmax and have a ball! It will be easy if you have a well tuned load--Many many others will do it fine for sure but that 53g has an edge that shows itself.
Your first trip is such a learning curve that I would say worry less about building a Lazer rifle and more about optics--a set of rangefinding binoculars is Item #1 period. Don't leave home without them. Finding them with binos, then ranging with a seperate rangefinder--then finding them in your rifle scope gets OLD fast--

I have an Urban Rifleman 7 twist ISSF chamber that has long free bore for the 85.5's but it shoots the 40g Vmax , the 53 Vmax near perfect, and it will sling those 85.5 Bergers like a champ--It will break 4 inch clays at 600 yard range with the 85.5's as long as you get the wind right
I had some reservations about that twist but it has proven to be the most universal barrel / chamber combo I have ever had--and if you get a bull profile and use a brake you can see every hit

5speed on here taught me all you need to know about the wind is keep it in your face or off your tail--then it dosen't ruin your day--get sideways to it and you are just playing. Set up with wind in your favor is KEY

And after you read about PD's for a year it still takes that first day or two to get the hang of it.

good news is if there are plenty of dogs any shot under 400 with a 223 is pretty doable with about anything you take

You are about to be hooked for life I know I am

 

[centershot]

Not being sure what caliber to use, I would want to consider what rifle I would choose. Savage gives you the flexibility to change your mind. Buy a .223 and if you don't like it or just want to try something different, buy a different barrel and screw on a new caliber. I have two of them and they work great for the money. I shoot a .223 Ackley and a 6mm TCU. You can shoot a .223 all day in it and load up a super performer next time.
I shoot a Vortex 4.5X20X44 with the BDC reticle. Discontinued, but they are available and very reasonable.