Hey all! I live on a farm with a fairly long flat driveway, probably 175 yards. We have a major ground squirrel infestation, burrows all along the driveway. Anyway, i'm wondering what your go to rifle would be in situation like this?
Ranged pest control
- Thread starter nxmless
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I easily take out geese, rabbits, guinea fowl with my .22 Dreamline and 23gr slugs at that range.
At that range I normally have time to range and dial the shot properly.
I do not know how tough groundhogs are though.
At that range I normally have time to range and dial the shot properly.
I do not know how tough groundhogs are though.
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Grounds squirrel are the main diet of my Airguns were I live and I often take shots out to those ranges and it’s not easy. They become quite tiny even for slugs and good scopes. They also move often and projectile flight time is a factor at those distances also body shots are a must so you need energy delivery. I use a .25 caliber - 34 grain pellet at 920 at minimum. .30 caliber Airguns most often are my choice with pellets inside 100y at 880-920. Sometimes 44.8 at 1040 if the barrel likes the speed and gives me MOA accuracy at 100y like my Uragan 2 (not normal). I am doing Javelin slugs .30 52 gr out of my Uragan 2 with MOA accuracy off shooting sticks or bipod at 100y and have made good hits past 150y. I have a nice tripod arca set up also that works great for longer sessions with more targets opportunities. My wildcat MK3BT shooting FX hybrids also hits very hard out to 150y. Anything inside 100y I really like and prefer pellets 44.75gr predators out of my RTI at 935 also. they don’t move a muscle after this hit. Remember a pellet or slug loses a lot of energy in flight at 150 and wind will effect pellets considerably, if your target is very small you will miss If your set up isn’t really spot on.
I am sure a real souped up .22 shooting heavy slugs would do the trick but with a lot of upgrades, my Airguns, upgrades are very minimal.
I am sure a real souped up .22 shooting heavy slugs would do the trick but with a lot of upgrades, my Airguns, upgrades are very minimal.
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My go to would be my FX Panthera .22 600mm shooting H&N HP2 30 grain slugs tuned to 950fps. Inside of 120 yards this is a very reliable squirrel rifle for me. Once I get past 120 yards I have to put more thought and care into each shot. However, all you really have to do is keep moving closer so that no shot is ever beyond your comfort zone. Hope that helps.
Kenny
Kenny
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Lots of PCPs to fit the situation you have described. I would be considering a .22 cal capable of launching heavy slugs, high 20s to 30s. Reasoning is a flat trajectory and lower flight times. Look for a used Impact, or something similar in power and adjustability.
Another thought for you on ranging. Think about setting out markers at every 10 or 20 meters to your furthest desired range. Something simple like landscaping sticks or little flags on a metal peg. I'll bet you find it interesting on the actual flight pattern of the desired projectile.
Another thought for you on ranging. Think about setting out markers at every 10 or 20 meters to your furthest desired range. Something simple like landscaping sticks or little flags on a metal peg. I'll bet you find it interesting on the actual flight pattern of the desired projectile.
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If you can bait them then set up a feeder at known distance ( ~35yds) and hammer with budget pcp.
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Wow. Excellent.
Please tell us about your Bulldog. Tuned? Shot count? target pics? Have always wondered about this platform.
Please tell us about your Bulldog. Tuned? Shot count? target pics? Have always wondered about this platform.
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Unless your ground squirrels are the size of raccoons, I think my 26 fpe Stormrider ($220) would do nicely. It shoots JSB 15.89 at 850 fps.
No, I wouldn't take shots at 175 yds, but out to 50, sure. Walk and shoot.
No, I wouldn't take shots at 175 yds, but out to 50, sure. Walk and shoot.
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Give Rich @ Aurgun,revisions a call. 3200 psi fill, 5 shot mag, 10 shots per fill . You won't be disappointed.
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I like post #8
Bait them in , or set up a blind 1/2 way out . No reason to spend $1000 or more (unless this is a good reason to buy one
) A .22 is plenty . place bait boxes out for several days , a week would be even better .(no shooting ) let them get comfortable
Ground squirrels are primarily omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals. Their diet varies based on the season and availability of food, but they generally consume a mix of seeds, nuts, grains, fruits, vegetation, insects, and even small animals.
Stan in Ky.
Bait them in , or set up a blind 1/2 way out . No reason to spend $1000 or more (unless this is a good reason to buy one
) A .22 is plenty . place bait boxes out for several days , a week would be even better .(no shooting ) let them get comfortable Ground squirrels are primarily omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals. Their diet varies based on the season and availability of food, but they generally consume a mix of seeds, nuts, grains, fruits, vegetation, insects, and even small animals.
Stan in Ky.
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In answer to "go to" guns. Either my FX Boss or my Edgun R3 long (Slug gun). You can easily bait the ground squirrels with Black Oil Sunflower seeds or watermelon cut into small chunks. They find both irresistible & will sit still long enough to zero in on them.
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