Should I use hollow point or soft point for prairie dogs?

Ammunition Comparison

When it comes to choosing the right ammunition for hunting prairie dogs, several factors come into play. Hollow point bullets, such as those made by Hornady or Nosler, are a popular choice due to their ability to expand upon impact, resulting in larger wound channels and increased killing power. This is particularly beneficial when hunting at close to medium ranges, as hollow point bullets tend to maintain their velocity and expand more consistently.

Range and Bullet Type

For 22 Creedmoor hunting at 100-150 yards, hollow point bullets are more effective due to their increased weight retention and expansion capabilities. In contrast, soft point bullets tend to lose weight and become more prone to fragmentation at longer ranges. While soft point bullets can still be effective for prairie dog hunting, hollow point ammunition is generally the better choice for this specific application.

Practical Hunting Techniques

To maximize effectiveness with hollow point ammunition, it’s essential to aim for the heart-lung area of the prairie dog. This can be achieved by aiming for the center of the chest and taking into account the bullet drop at longer ranges. Using a high-quality scope and knowing the ballistic characteristics of your rifle and ammunition can also help ensure accurate shots and increased success rates.