I have shot PDs on numerous occasions with a G1 Contender in .223 with good results. Good results for me, that is. It was very bad for the prarie dogs.
IMO, there isn't much better of a choice in the Contender platform, ESPECIALLY when you factor in the ability to handload the round for better performance in the wind. You can also handload a light bullet for flatter shooting performance should it happen to be calmer, or if shooting in early AM or evening.
The .204, from what I've seen, suffers too much in the wind. It's not that it's not a good round, it's just it seems very wind-sensitive and in PD shooting you have to live with the wind because it seems like it's always a factor and especially so with handguns.
In PD shooting most people also have to factor in the recoil and the cost. For these reasons, the 30-30 is a no go, it would cost a fortune to send .30 cal slugs downrange for several days, even if your arm could handle the recoil.
If you've got a couple of hundred clams burning a hole in your pocket, here's what I'd spend it on:
- Handloading equipment (if you don't already have it).
- High quality binocs. An absolute necessity for PDs. I personally don't find a spotting scope to be as helpful because of the constant need to take it down and put it back up again. YMMV.
- A good bipod.
- A reliable and comfortable ammo belt/pouch the has a seperate compartment for live ammo and one for the brass. If possible, find one that will allow you to sit down without spilling the contents.
Grouse
