Top 5 Varmint and Predator Cartridges

By Patriot Outdoor News

Varmint and predator hunting has never been as popular as it is today. From gophers to coyotes, high volume shooting to long range sniping, no one cartridge is best for all. Here are my top five cartridges.

.17 Winchester Super Magnum
Most varmint hunting is high volume shooting at moderate ranges. The .17 HMR, .22 Long Rifle and .17 WSM all have a claim on greatness, but the best of the lot is the .17 WSM. The long rifle is popular, but given the skyrocketing cost of ammo and its limitations on coyotes and bobcats, it isn’t the best choice. The .17 HMR is much better than the long rifle, but can’t hold a candle to the .17 WSM. On a recent hunt in Wyoming I connected on prairie dogs past 300 yards—something other rimfires would be hard pressed to match, especially if there is any wind. At 200 yards, the WSM drifts half as much as the .17HMR—a significant difference.

.204 Ruger
This zippy little cartridge has made quite a splash. It shoots flatter than the gold standard, the .223 Remington and is quite accurate. Best of all is the cost: components are less expensive than the .223 Remington. My favorite .204 Ruger …read more

Source:: Patriot Outdoor News