A few questions.

[The deerslayer]

I want to get a new rifle for groundhog and predator hunting. What is the best caliber for long range shooting? And one more thing. When hunting should I have a varmint rifle with a heavy and long barrel, or would a regular rifle do the same thing.

[hunt127588]

I want to get a new rifle for groundhog and predator hunting. What is the best caliber for long range shooting? And one more thing. When hunting should I have a varmint rifle with a heavy and long barrel, or would a regular rifle do the same thing.

I just bought a CZ 550 .243 for coyote hunting which has a sporter barrel. I figured I would be walking a lot needed something somewhat lighter than a heavy barrel with larger stock. I also don't think I'll be blazing bullets like someone would while on top of a prairie dog town. I would think anything in the .22-250, .223, .243, .204 range would work well (provided you don't care about hides).

[The deerslayer]

No worries about hide damage.

[mitchell]

if long range means +400 i would say 243 or maybe a fast twist 22-250. a fast twist 223 might do good enough for a long range groundhog but i would lean more to the 22-250 and 243 i like more power on groundhogs i use a 308win most of the time but with coyote too i would say 243win just about can't be beat and if you don't care about hides you may want to look at the 25-06. if your gona put a hole in it make it a big one  :biggun: .

[IowaBuckHunter]

If you do a lot of prairie dog hunting, I would not recommend the 243.  It is somewhat of overkill for the small critters.  A 223 is a good choice, especially if you  do not handload, becuase of CHEAP ammo.  A 22-250 is also a good choice especially for long range shooting.  A 223 is also a good round for coyote hunting, but you cannot take really long shots, unless you are confident in your shootin skills.  For what you are looking for, I would recommend the 204.  It shoots jsut as far as a 22-250 with less wind resistance due to its design, plus it is a little more accurate.  It has plenty of power for coyotes also.  The 204 also uses less powder than a 22-250, so barrel life is better.  

As far as barrel choices go, it depends on if you do a lot of walking.  If you do, I would just go with a medium barrel in probably a 24" version.  If you do not walk much, buy a heavy barrel, or even a heavy fluted barrel becuase they are more accurate, and do not heat up as fast.  If you do a lot of prairie dog hunting, use the heavy barrel because one tends to shoot a lot, and you will not want to heat up your barrel becuase it is damaging to the rifiling.  I hunt yotes, fox, and prairie dogs, and I use a heavy 26" barrel 204 because it suits my style of hunting.  plus the accuracy of the 204 is unbeatable by ANY round.