Build your varmint gun....on a budget.

My firearm is on it's way to my gunsmith/maker in British Columbia as I type this, it is as follows:

Kimber Classic Model 84L chambered in the 270 Winchester
Rebarreled to a 240 Weatherby Magnum
26" Walther barrel - muzzle dia. .625 - 1:10 twist
Scoped with a Zeiss Conquest 4.5x14x50
The rest of the gun will remain in it's original state from factory, with the exception of a 1 1/2 pound trigger pull
Utilized primarily for antelope and deer, however will use for coyote's, using either 55 or 70 gr. Nolser BT
 
I can't believe the lack of love for the standard 22-250. Build a fast twist if you're reaching out past 500. Or a slow twist and light bullets if you're selling pelts. Now the price you spec'd...2500 optics in only really leaves about 1200-1500 for the rifle. Being that I like savages how about this. Savage short action lightweight hunter (700) benchmark prefit (600) then top it with a vx3 4.5-14x40 cds, WP reticle (1000). 2300.00...leaves just enough room to get rings/bases.
 
brybenn said:
If wolves are on the menu I'd step right past speedy little 22s. At least 6 mm or 250 savage. A big wolf can run 130 lbs +.
I use a 25/06 for everything up to wolf deer and black bear. It might not suit the gopher patch but if your main gunning is coyote and wolf I suggest more gun than a fast 22
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Agree with that. I just got rid of one of my 223's far too light for wolf.
 
+1 on the 22-250. I went the 204 route, and was hoping to see my hits. With a 39BK at 3800, the gun was jumping as much as my 250. Tikka 22-250 shoots 50gr superformance at 4000 (advertised) under 1", 5" drop to 300. I'm not in a gopher patch, so my shooting volume is not real high.

204 advantage in my opinion = zero
 
brybenn said:
If wolves are on the menu I'd step right past speedy little 22s. At least 6 mm or 250 savage. A big wolf can run 130 lbs +.
I use a 25/06 for everything up to wolf deer and black bear. It might not suit the gopher patch but if your main gunning is coyote and wolf I suggest more gun than a fast 22
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I agree that some wolves can get to be a fair size. However, while the 6mm's and 25's may be a better choice for the odd large one, I have shot
about 35 wolves and 4x that many coyotes with my Swifts, starting back around 1976, and have only lost one coyote. For the bigger dogs, I do favor the 55 and 60 grain pills, though.

I think that if I was to average the size of wolves I have shot, it would be close to 75 lbs. Did take a couple of big ones, though. [biggest was 122#]

Regards, Dave.
 
With proper bullets and placement they all work. However not everyone has the patience and ability to place a bullet in the right place especially on an animal that is often moving. Other factors such as range also come into play as well
 
stubblejumper said:
Tikka T-3 in 223rem. Action bedded into B&C M40 stock, stainless bolt shroud, Nikon Monarch 5-20x44. For varmints, the 4-16x42 would likely be a better choice.

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I like this set up, only thing I would possibly change is the mag well to a CDI. Just gets rid of a bit of plastic with metal parts if that at all concerns anyone.
 
I understand the desire to build and not discounting that.....similar to working up a load.....

That being said, I have a rem 799 with pencil barrel that will group winny white box at MOA all day long....

I can't explain it and reviews will tell you different, and based on looking at the rifle, I would agree.... But I can't bring myself to sell the damn thing because of it...... Maybe I got a gem?.....
 
Superbrad said:
I understand the desire to build and not discounting that.....similar to working up a load.....

That being said, I have a rem 799 with pencil barrel that will group winny white box at MOA all day long....

I can't explain it and reviews will tell you different, and based on looking at the rifle, I would agree.... But I can't bring myself to sell the damn thing because of it...... Maybe I got a gem?.....
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In what caliber?
 
hoytcanon said:
If you were considering a .223 AI, why wouldn't you just get the standard .22/250... it has greater capacity than the .223 AI and no dicking around with fireforming and separating brass. There is nothing wrong with the standard .22/250.
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The 223AI was intended to be used with a 1-8 twist barrel and a 75 - 80 grain VLD style bullet. Don't expect it to be fur friendly, but it will de everything you ask and more

Besides who wants a boring old 1-12, 1-14 twist 22-250 that has stumpy little 40 - 55 grain bullets shoved in the end of it and a massive charge weight behind it!? 30 years ago they were way above there time, this is the 21st century and most serious guys hand load. Bullet manufactures have gotten smarter and powders are quite readily available with thousands of other fools being the guinee pigs for load recipes.

The .204R and 20 Tac are great out to 300 Yards and yes they will explode a gopher at 400, then the lightest breath of wind comes and throws that 40gr pill to the left or right 3 feet. Ive owned both and have since eliminated them from the collection due to that fact
 
Including wolves, eh? I guess my BSA CF2 carbine in .243Winchester will do with its B&L Elite 4-12x40, and I'll use the $2500 to buy an old truck and some gas to get us out there more.
 
hometownhero said:
The 204 does have better ballistics then both
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Barely! And only when compared to lightest offerings. The 22-250 will push a 40gr with a BC of .200 at 4000fps. The 204 pushes a 30gr, BC of .210 to 4000fps....very marginal here. The "half the drop and half the drift" statement was absurd. And we won't even compare the 204 against the 250 shooting heavies at extended range.
 
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