I went out two weeks ago. No dogs, but we did see a few elk. I have an old custom Mauser in .22-250, bull barrel, double set Timney trigger, and a Leupold 6.5-20x50 Vari-X 3. If I can see it, I can shoot it. The only problem with tha rifle is it weighs about 14 pounds. OUCH!

DM,
The .22-250 is a solid performer, probably the benchmark of varmint cartidges. If you reload, it is a great cartridge. If you don't, I might suggest going .223 on your next rifle, specially if you are going to burn through lots of ammo. There is a significant price difference between the two, and you will always be able to find the .223, even in the smallest general store in the middle of nowhere. Both cartidges are more than enough medicine for any varmint out there, and from a shoot table or other rig both are easily 300 yards cartridges on a calm day.

Andy