Quick Answer
For prairie dog hunting in the plains, a .22 caliber rifle, such as a .223 Remington or a .22-250 Remington, is ideal due to its high velocity and flat trajectory. These calibers also offer minimal recoil, making them suitable for long shooting sessions.
Choosing the Right Caliber
When selecting a caliber for prairie dog hunting, consider the distance you’ll be shooting and the type of terrain. For the plains, a flat trajectory is essential to ensure accurate shots. The .223 Remington and .22-250 Remington offer velocities over 3,000 feet per second, making them suitable for shots up to 400 yards. Additionally, these calibers have minimal recoil, allowing for quick follow-up shots.
Custom Rifle Build Considerations
When building a custom rifle for prairie dog hunting, consider a barrel length of 22-24 inches for optimal accuracy and balance. A lightweight stock and a free-float barrel design will help reduce recoil and improve accuracy. A scope with a magnification range of 4-12x and a 30mm or larger tube diameter will provide sufficient magnification and a wide field of view for tracking prairie dogs.
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