New varmint rifle

[Gabulldog91]

So very recently the Mrs has taken an intrest in shooting varmints ( Prairie dogs to coyotes and everything in between ).

She bought a 6.5 creed 2 years ago and it's been one hell of a deer rifle and I would say if she was just into coyote hunting we'd use that BUT she won't let this Prairie dog hunting go and I don't really want her to burn the barrel up on her 6.5 over some Praire dogs.

All of our other rifles are big 30 cals, I had an AR-15 and I just wasn't a fan. I handload all of our ammo and the AR was just too picky on what it would and wouldn't shoot. So I say ALL that the to pose this question.

What are yall running for your cost effective varmint rifles?

I'm looking at tikkas in 223 right now but I want to hear what yall have to say.

Thanks in advance

 

[1denogean]

223 is what I use but if cost wasn't an option I'd use a 22 250 those things shoot so flat

 

[49ereric]

A serious shooter I worked with used a .204 for prairie dogs he said nothing cheaper to shoot.

 

[Lawnboi]

223 is dirt cheap to load for, effective and has good barrel life, I’d prioritize the latter for prairie dog shoots.

Grab a suppressor for it and it’s even more fun.

The tikka is a good choice, just make sure it’s an 8 twist so you can shoot some heavier bullets.



Tikka, krg bravo chassis, swfa 10x, a couple jugs of ram shot tac and a case of 75bthp would get someone a long way.

 

[axeforce6]

223 will always be cheap.

I built a 22 creedmoor. Sure is a lot of fun.

 

[Pdog06]

22-250 is my go to.

I also use a 6br cause it’s better in the wind and will take forever to shoot out. And very easy to load for.

 

[Wash. Hiker]

223 for the cost of ammo. But, I agree my 22-250 sure is fun!

 

[49ereric]

I rarely use my skinny barrel 22.250 but with the older hornady 60HP (now discontinued) bullet is scarier accurate with imr 4350 load. Good thing I bought 500 before they quit making them.

 

[sandhill_hunter]

.204 Ruger in a savage 12 is the best bang for your buck. The .204 with 39gr SBKs or 40gr Vmaxes beats the .223 in trajectory and BC. The splat factor is amazing. It's my #1 recommend prairie dog cartridge.

 

[Vern400]

Tikka 223 should shoot really good and chances of getting a sloppy one is low.