Pest control: best ammo type?

Duxman · March 9, 2006, 04:29 PM

My friends and I have been hired to do "pest control" - blast away at groundhogs, nuetra, and coyotes in a co-worker's 1000 acre property.

I have an Olympic Arms AR-15 chambered in 5.56mm, and a CETME 7.62mm, currently I only use either 62 gr HP, 55 gr FMJs (5.56mm), and military ball ammo for the 7.62mm.

Is this going to be sufficient to take out the pests @ 200-300 yards?

Or will these rounds go right through the targets causing little damage.

Thanks in advance.

fisherman66 · March 9, 2006, 04:34 PM

I'd want something more frangible. Ballistic tip type bullets. You will do damage, but likely the slow death kind. I think the risk of backdrop exposure is an even better arguement for a frangible bullet.

Art Eatman · March 10, 2006, 10:34 PM

I'd pick the 62-grain HP, and limit the raange to my accuracy-skill...

Art

Rimrock · March 10, 2006, 11:39 PM

I've done some similar work. We used 55grn Nosler BT's...."blowdsem up real good!"

Rimrock

Death from Afar · March 13, 2006, 03:23 PM

Ditto. The solids are OK ( just) on game, but if you really want to be cheap, pull the FMJ round and reseat a hollow point.

I use Hornady SP's exclusivly for what its worth.

fisherman66 · March 13, 2006, 03:33 PM

Quote:

The solids are OK ( just) on game

Many states require something besides FMJ on "game". Just FYI, the word "game" puts forth a preset notion of deer, javelina, ect.

Death from Afar · March 13, 2006, 04:08 PM

Sorry, I meant only small game. I havent seen half these weird North American critters before.

fisherman66 · March 13, 2006, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Sorry, I meant only small game. I havent seen half these weird North American critters before.

I wish we could do a critter swap. I'd trade you a couple hun'erd head of Whitetail for a couple hun'erd head of Red Stag. I'm sure we could find a few other critters to swap after the first arc full.

Greybeard · March 13, 2006, 07:44 PM

FMJs are notorious for "skipping" (over berms) and one of the reasons prohibited at many rifle ranges. Something to keep in mind for the "and beyond your target" rule.

They are pretty pricey, but bullets such as the V-Max pretty much disinegrate (at normal distances anyway) upon hitting the first object - hopefully, a puff of fur in a pink mist.

colt · March 13, 2006, 08:21 PM

use whatever the hell you want. any .223 round on the market will make the little buggers EXPLODE

Duxman · March 21, 2006, 11:47 AM

Any chance a 9mm would be enough to take out the critters @ 50 - 100 yards?

I have a Storm CX4 9mm that I would very much like to test on these critters.

azredhawk44 · March 21, 2006, 01:01 PM

Heck, a 10/22 in 22magnum would take care of your problems out to 200 yards. Or any other rifle in 22magnum.

Since your "exterminating" rather than hunting, you could even get by with some premium 22LR ammo like CCI stingers. That would be lethal to critters out to 100 yards as long as you can put the bullet in the right place. And, with 22LR you can get by without any ear protection at all and have zero discomfort from it.

I'd save the .223 for a safer environment to unleash that type of bullet.

FirstFreedom · March 21, 2006, 02:03 PM

Quote:

My friends and I have been hired to do "pest control" - blast away at groundhogs, nuetra, and coyotes in a co-worker's 1000 acre property.

Nice work if you can get it.

Duxman · March 21, 2006, 03:11 PM

Thanks guys.

Yeah - the pay for "pest control" sucks...but then again, I would pay to do this kinda work.

stevelyn · March 21, 2006, 08:45 PM

I'm not a big fan of Remington ammo, but they have a .223 load in their Premier Varmint line that's loaded with 50 Hornady V-Maxes.

Death from Afar · March 24, 2006, 03:55 PM

I recall brassing up a Hare with a C9 Minimi machine gun once. It wasnt as good as it was after a hail of FMJ rds.

Quote:

I'd trade you a couple hun'erd head of Whitetail for a couple hun'erd head of Red Stag. I'm sure we could find a few other critters to swap after the first arc full.

Mate- we have tonnes of rabbits, possums and blackbirds to give away. Last time I went out pigeon shooting we shot 600 between the three of us.

jamaica · March 25, 2006, 12:29 AM

Quote: use whatever the hell you want. any .223 round on the market will make the little buggers EXPLODE
End Quote

I agree.

If you can hit em you got em.

I like the Hornady Spire Point 55 gr bullets in my 222.

Shakazulu · March 25, 2006, 08:45 PM

They make safe ammo for shooting indoor pest. It's called Rat Shot. I'm not possitive what companies make it, but I have seen it in .22 and .38 special. If you look around your bond to find it.

**JohnKSa** · March 25, 2006, 09:00 PM

Go with a lightweight hollowpoint. You want something that will come apart when it hits the ground, not something that will hold together and ricochet a mile.

Anthony2 · April 12, 2006, 11:03 PM

By the way, Rat Shot is only good for about 10 yds.

Smoke Screen · April 12, 2006, 11:22 PM

For the critters that i deal with, a .22 suits me dandy. I've made some slight improvements from the factory models, but I'm not really shooting at anything bigger than nutria out here. For anything larger, I'd echo what has already been said about the .223 I don't own one, (still a poor student), but I have shot them extensively @ pests. We've been wagin a war with those flea bitten, thorn in the side, no good lowlifes for eeeeeever!

Anthony2 · April 13, 2006, 08:52 PM

I've seen this a few times...
Can anyone tell me what on earth a nutria is?

CHRISBENNETT · May 21, 2009, 10:34 AM

Weather it's killing a wild boar or just lounging round the house, the mark 23 usually goes off without a hitch.

hogdogs · May 21, 2009, 11:42 AM

Knowing full well the low pay for most of us "critter gitters", I use the opportunity to increase my skill. A .22lr is .04-.05 per round. That is the most cost effective round. If you can learn the skills to get close enuff to use a well scoped rifle than you are not only doing the job cheaper but also garnering skills that will help in all your out door activities. Baiting, food plots and other tricks can be had with the savings in ammo costs... What is the number one attracting food for each critter? Plant a little bit and set up in a lawn chair...
Dillars were one of my target pests and really liked to punt the bugger before shooting it...
Brent

James R. Burke · June 2, 2009, 07:17 PM

I have tryed the 55 b.t. in a differnt caliber, and they worked great. Nice red mist.

March 9, 2006, 04:29 PM	#1
Duxman Senior Member Join Date: February 16, 2005 Location: VA Posts: 1,294	Pest control: best ammo type? My friends and I have been hired to do "pest control" - blast away at groundhogs, nuetra, and coyotes in a co-worker's 1000 acre property. I have an Olympic Arms AR-15 chambered in 5.56mm, and a CETME 7.62mm, currently I only use either 62 gr HP, 55 gr FMJs (5.56mm), and military ball ammo for the 7.62mm. Is this going to be sufficient to take out the pests @ 200-300 yards? Or will these rounds go right through the targets causing little damage. Thanks in advance.

March 13, 2006, 03:23 PM	#5
Death from Afar Senior Member Join Date: November 7, 2004 Location: Living the dream in Christchurch, NEW ZEALAND Posts: 1,635	Ditto. The solids are OK ( just) on game, but if you really want to be cheap, pull the FMJ round and reseat a hollow point. I use Hornady SP's exclusivly for what its worth. __________________ "Beware of the Man with one gun...he probably isnt into guns enough to be safe with it".

March 13, 2006, 04:08 PM	#7
Death from Afar Senior Member Join Date: November 7, 2004 Location: Living the dream in Christchurch, NEW ZEALAND Posts: 1,635	Sorry, I meant only small game. I havent seen half these weird North American critters before. __________________ "Beware of the Man with one gun...he probably isnt into guns enough to be safe with it".

March 13, 2006, 07:44 PM	#9
Greybeard Senior Member Join Date: April 7, 2002 Location: Denton County Texas Posts: 686	FMJs are notorious for "skipping" (over berms) and one of the reasons prohibited at many rifle ranges. Something to keep in mind for the "and beyond your target" rule. They are pretty pricey, but bullets such as the V-Max pretty much disinegrate (at normal distances anyway) upon hitting the first object - hopefully, a puff of fur in a pink mist. __________________ www.dentoncountysports.com A Private Palace for Pistol Proficiency

March 13, 2006, 08:21 PM	#10
colt Member Join Date: December 26, 2005 Location: katy Posts: 45	use whatever the hell you want. any .223 round on the market will make the little buggers EXPLODE __________________ in a world of compromise... some don't

March 9, 2006, 04:34 PM	#2
fisherman66 Senior Member Join Date: August 22, 2005 Location: The Woodlands TX Posts: 4,679	I'd want something more frangible. Ballistic tip type bullets. You will do damage, but likely the slow death kind. I think the risk of backdrop exposure is an even better arguement for a frangible bullet.

March 10, 2006, 10:34 PM	#3
Art Eatman Staff in Memoriam Join Date: November 13, 1998 Location: Terlingua, TX; Thomasville, GA Posts: 24,798	I'd pick the 62-grain HP, and limit the raange to my accuracy-skill... Art

March 10, 2006, 11:39 PM	#4
Rimrock Junior member Join Date: February 19, 2006 Location: CA Posts: 273	I've done some similar work. We used 55grn Nosler BT's...."blowdsem up real good!" Rimrock

March 21, 2006, 11:47 AM	#11
Duxman Senior Member Join Date: February 16, 2005 Location: VA Posts: 1,294	Any chance a 9mm would be enough to take out the critters @ 50 - 100 yards? I have a Storm CX4 9mm that I would very much like to test on these critters.

March 21, 2006, 01:01 PM	#12
azredhawk44 Junior member Join Date: September 28, 2005 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 6,465	Heck, a 10/22 in 22magnum would take care of your problems out to 200 yards. Or any other rifle in 22magnum. Since your "exterminating" rather than hunting, you could even get by with some premium 22LR ammo like CCI stingers. That would be lethal to critters out to 100 yards as long as you can put the bullet in the right place. And, with 22LR you can get by without any ear protection at all and have zero discomfort from it. I'd save the .223 for a safer environment to unleash that type of bullet.

March 21, 2006, 03:11 PM	#14
Duxman Senior Member Join Date: February 16, 2005 Location: VA Posts: 1,294	Thanks guys. Yeah - the pay for "pest control" sucks...but then again, I would pay to do this kinda work.

March 21, 2006, 08:45 PM	#15
stevelyn Senior Member Join Date: May 19, 2004 Location: Fairbanksan in exile to Aleutian Hell Posts: 2,655	I'm not a big fan of Remington ammo, but they have a .223 load in their Premier Varmint line that's loaded with 50 Hornady V-Maxes. __________________ Stop Allowing Our Schools To Be Soft Targets! http://fastersaveslives.org/ East Moose. Wear Wolf.

March 25, 2006, 12:29 AM	#17
jamaica Senior Member Join Date: March 24, 2006 Location: Northern Utah Posts: 705	Quote: use whatever the hell you want. any .223 round on the market will make the little buggers EXPLODE End Quote I agree. If you can hit em you got em. I like the Hornady Spire Point 55 gr bullets in my 222.

March 25, 2006, 08:45 PM	#18
Shakazulu Member Join Date: March 15, 2006 Posts: 81	They make safe ammo for shooting indoor pest. It's called Rat Shot. I'm not possitive what companies make it, but I have seen it in .22 and .38 special. If you look around your bond to find it.

March 25, 2006, 09:00 PM	#19
JohnKSa Staff Join Date: February 12, 2001 Location: DFW Area Posts: 24,972	Go with a lightweight hollowpoint. You want something that will come apart when it hits the ground, not something that will hold together and ricochet a mile. __________________ Do you know about the TEXAS State Rifle Association?

April 12, 2006, 11:03 PM	#20
Anthony2 Senior Member Join Date: March 2, 2006 Location: Michigan Posts: 360	+1 for a .22 Mag. By the way, Rat Shot is only good for about 10 yds. __________________ "I may disagree with what you have to say, but I'll defend to the death your right to say it."-Voltaire "Baaa or Freedom!" - Ted Nugent "Even if you are a minority of one, the truth is the truth." - Ghandi "The Addiction to Guns, The only addiction to ever SAVE a life!"- Me

April 12, 2006, 11:22 PM	#21
Smoke Screen Senior Member Join Date: February 9, 2006 Location: Cold Rocks Hold, Aiel Waste Posts: 186	Well, well...my kinda question For the critters that i deal with, a .22 suits me dandy. I've made some slight improvements from the factory models, but I'm not really shooting at anything bigger than nutria out here. For anything larger, I'd echo what has already been said about the .223 I don't own one, (still a poor student), but I have shot them extensively @ pests. We've been wagin a war with those flea bitten, thorn in the side, no good lowlifes for eeeeeever! __________________ Man is nothing else but what he makes of himself.

April 13, 2006, 08:52 PM	#22
Anthony2 Senior Member Join Date: March 2, 2006 Location: Michigan Posts: 360	nutria? I've seen this a few times... Can anyone tell me what on earth a nutria is? __________________ "I may disagree with what you have to say, but I'll defend to the death your right to say it."-Voltaire "Baaa or Freedom!" - Ted Nugent "Even if you are a minority of one, the truth is the truth." - Ghandi "The Addiction to Guns, The only addiction to ever SAVE a life!"- Me

May 21, 2009, 10:34 AM	#23
CHRISBENNETT Junior Member Join Date: May 21, 2009 Location: KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI Posts: 3	Lightweight pest control! Weather it's killing a wild boar or just lounging round the house, the mark 23 usually goes off without a hitch.

May 21, 2009, 11:42 AM	#24
hogdogs Staff In Memoriam Join Date: October 31, 2007 Location: Western Florida panhandle Posts: 11,069	Knowing full well the low pay for most of us "critter gitters", I use the opportunity to increase my skill. A .22lr is .04-.05 per round. That is the most cost effective round. If you can learn the skills to get close enuff to use a well scoped rifle than you are not only doing the job cheaper but also garnering skills that will help in all your out door activities. Baiting, food plots and other tricks can be had with the savings in ammo costs... What is the number one attracting food for each critter? Plant a little bit and set up in a lawn chair... Dillars were one of my target pests and really liked to punt the bugger before shooting it... Brent

June 2, 2009, 07:17 PM	#25
James R. Burke Senior Member Join Date: January 3, 2009 Location: U.P. of Mich/Quinnesec Posts: 1,897	I have tryed the 55 b.t. in a differnt caliber, and they worked great. Nice red mist.