I've been going out to the Dakotas for about 12 years now to shoot dogs.
I have used .223s, 22-250s and .243s. and have used a wide range of bullets and guns.
Although my 40XB, in .22-250 will shoot groups under 1/4" at 100 yards, with 55 grain bullets, I've found that my ARs that shoot 1/2" groups at 100 yards actually preform better in the windy conditions that are always there, because I use heavier bullets in them.
I believe the Hornady 60 grain V-Max, and the 68 grain match seem to work as an all around best out there. With good hits, they seem to blow up dogs as well as the 40-55 grain bullets.
For my 1-9 twist barrel, the 60 grains are the most accurate. Although the 68 grain bullets only group 3/4" at 100 yards, the still group 3/4" at 200 yards. I think it has something with that they don"t stabilize out of the 1-9 until past 100 yards.
With 68 grain or heavier, my choice is a 1-8 twist.
And, or course there is the fun factor with an AR that has a good 2 lb. trigger, over a bolt gun when you get in to a town of dumb dogs you can shoot a lot faster!