RE: Best prairie dog rifle?
for that kind of money id go with a .223 or .22-250. just because its a more versitile gun. the .17hmr would be a good gun but not much versitile of a gun. and for 500 u could have a real nice .223 u could use on coyotes fox ect... but like u said in populated areas u have to watch out. i use my 223 on gophers and it works great just have to watch were i am shooting.