Varmints and Paper on a budget???

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funkyfrosty

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Hi I need some advice on a rifle purchase, I'll be purchasing a new rifle to both hunt Yotes and shoot paper with.

I have to admit that I'm a compulsive dude and believe that once I start shooting targets I'm likely to get right into it, so I think that I need a platform that I can expand upon in the future.

I have no problem hauling 10/11lbs around in the bush so I'm not too worried about weight.

I do like external box magazines.

I'm considering .223 and .204 calibres, buit am completely open to your comments/advice.

It seems that if I go with Remington or Savage there are many opportunities to upgrade.....

I would like to buy the basic rifle platform for under $1000.

Can you guys please give me your thoughts/advice?

Thanks in advance,

Frosty.
 
Tikka T3 Varmint would make an excellent choice. Super accurate right out of the box. No need to upgrade anything. Just shoot it and have fun. The Yotes better hide!!
 
They all shoot about the same. Buy what you like and what fits you best in terms of both budget and form.

I am a hard-core Tikka fan. These guns shoot right out of the box and need nothing except glass. The Remington and Savage guns both work fine, and are better platforms for upgrading later. I would personally suggest you spend less on the gun and more on the scope.

I absolutely love the 204 round, but it is far harder on barrels than the 223. Also, if you are going to shoot factory ammo, you need to pay attention to barrel twist. longer (heavier) bullets need tighter twists. You will not be able to successfuly shoot 80 grain bullets from a 12 or 14" twist.

The Reminton SPS Varmint is a good value, has a great action and has a heavy barrel. I have owned a couple in 204, and still use one in its absolutely untouched stock form. The $795 proce tag on the Tikka Varmint?? That is damned good. That is the price of their plain T3 Lite rifles everywhere else.
 
I have the Tikka SS Varmint in 204 Ruger. i like it alot for many different features im not cutting the other ones down as i dont have one of those models. I have listed a few things that i do reallly like with the Tikka though, and that is why i went to it for this purchase for an ideal coyote rifle.
- SS, and synthetic stock, not that the Savage and Remmy may or may not have it but was features that i wanted.
- 6 shot detachable clip, still can load up quick without fumbling with floorplates and such or a quick shot on a coyote when getting out of the truck, etc
- HB that is 24" long. for setting up coyote hunting the 26 " is a little long. (I have a 26" ruger HB, and its more cumbersome, i have a savage 22" and its too short)the balance of 24" is nice,
- cycling the bolt on the Tikka is super smooth
- the 204 i can see it hit,on target, im sure the 223 would be the same as the capacity are the same
- Tikka and Savage have LFT hand option, which doesnt effect me, but having a brother, father and grandfather that all shoot them, that is why they go that way, i know.
 
If upgrading later is in your plans, go with the Rem. It has more choices/options/upgrades then any other rifle out there. I would suggest looking at an SPS varmint or tactical to begin with, assuming you want to keep the cost down. Then you can spend more on glass, which is always a good investment. - dan
 
Obtunded said:
They all shoot about the same. Buy what you like and what fits you best in terms of both budget and form.

I am a hard-core Tikka fan. These guns shoot right out of the box and need nothing except glass. The Remington and Savage guns both work fine, and are better platforms for upgrading later. I would personally suggest you spend less on the gun and more on the scope.

I absolutely love the 204 round, but it is far harder on barrels than the 223. Also, if you are going to shoot factory ammo, you need to pay attention to barrel twist. longer (heavier) bullets need tighter twists. You will not be able to successfuly shoot 80 grain bullets from a 12 or 14" twist.

The Reminton SPS Varmint is a good value, has a great action and has a heavy barrel. I have owned a couple in 204, and still use one in its absolutely untouched stock form. The $795 proce tag on the Tikka Varmint?? That is damned good. That is the price of their plain T3 Lite rifles everywhere else.
Click to expand...

Thanks fpr the advice and yes its true I've found a T3 Varmint .223 for $795, same guy has a 700 Varmint .204 for $625. I really really like the .204 calibre, on paper, ballistically, it seems ideal.

Barring fit and feel, which would you prefer?
 
funkyfrosty said:
Thanks fpr the advice and yes its true I've found a T3 Varmint .223 for $795, same guy has a 700 Varmint .204 for $625. I really really like the .204 calibre, on paper, ballistically, it seems ideal.

Barring fit and feel, which would you prefer?
Click to expand...

When I can't decide between two guns I usually just buy both. Seriously!!
 
Savage VLP .223 with 9 twist barrel. Smack some yotes with 50gr bullets and shoot some paper with 75gr bullets. Like being rich and beautiful.

Here is mine.

Might even be for sale as of tomorow evening.

Estocpack.jpg
 
funkyfrosty said:
Thanks fpr the advice and yes its true I've found a T3 Varmint .223 for $795, same guy has a 700 Varmint .204 for $625. I really really like the .204 calibre, on paper, ballistically, it seems ideal.

Barring fit and feel, which would you prefer?
Click to expand...

Ballistially the 204 sucks. It is a varmint round plain and simple. It flies really really fast and flat and then it drops out of the sky.

For whacking malevolent critters under 300 it ROCKS. I have wasted dozens of coyotes and thousands of gophers with them, but if a seagull farts with too much force, a 204 bullet will land off target.

If you want to punch paper, go 223. Me, I use different guns for paper and varmints, and as a furry mist maker, the 204 rules. If I miss, well, I just take another shot. Good groups don't mean d!ck when you're killing critters.
 
Yeah in my newbieness I used teh wrong term, I guess ballistically you are absolutely correct - its the trajectory out to 300/400 yards that impresses me! Forgive me - I'm an archer!

Thanks for the great advice.
 
Bore life with a 204R can be very short.

With a 223 and a fast twist (Savage or Tikka - not sure on the Rem?), you can shoot light for fur and heavy for LR plinking.

I have seen enough Tikka varminters shoot to know you will not be dissapointed with this purchase.

however, I go Savage cause I love to tinker and this is THE platform to use for the DIY shooter. Just as many odds and sods for this action nowadays.

Best thing you can add to your planning is being able to reload. That really is the only way to get the accuracy you see posted on forums like this. Factory ammo is rarely as accurate and its a lottery whether that ammo would shoot in your rifle.

Get a rifle, get shooting, have lots of fun, change what you don't like as you gain experience.

Don't forget to look at the CGN EE. There are tons of rifles at great pricing.
Jerry
 
I like to steer my new buddy(ies) into the Rem SPS Tac .223 since it comes with a 1 in 9" twist barrel. You can launch any bullets from 40 grains up to 75 grains. I've even competed with this setup at 800m in Connaught Ranges at the NSCC (National Service Conditions Championships) shooting this kind of barrel (both .223 and .22-250) and the Hornady 75 grain Amax. I never felt outgunned or disadvantaged. It's about reading the wind! ;)

Lots of great advice here. :D

Okay back to my fav... the Rem M700 SPS Tactical in .223 retails for just over $ 600 at www.ellwoodepps.com and also many of the board sponsors (banners above). Not sure if Epps has them in their inventory NOW, but they certainly move quickly. ;) They are great value for the money and as your skills/experience/wallet/desire/mirror kommando image grow, so can this platform. :nest:

Life is good ! :ar15:

Cheers and welcome to the Precision Rifle addiction!

Barney
 
Last edited:
Hungry said:
I like to steer my new buddy(ies) into the Rem SPS Tac .223 since it comes with a 1 in 9" twist barrel. You can launch any bullets from 40 grains up to 75 grains. I've even competed with this setup at 800m in Connaught Ranges at the NSCC (National Service Conditions Championships) shooting this kind of barrel (both .223 and .22-250) and the Hornady 75 grain Amax. I never felt outgunned or disadvantaged. It's about reading the wind! ;)

Lots of great advice here. :D

Okay back to my fav... the Rem M700 SPS Tactical in .223 retails for just over $ 600 at www.ellwoodepps.com and also many of the board sponsors (banners above). Not sure if Epps has them in their inventory NOW, but they certainly move quickly. ;) They are great value for the money and as your skills/experience/wallet/desire/mirror kommand image grow, so can this platform. :nest:

Life is good ! :ar15:

Cheers and welcome to the Precision Rifle addiction!

Barney
Click to expand...

x2

I liked my SPS Tac in .223 so much I bought one in .308 as well! But I'm a Remington wh*re! :D

I got mine at Frontier Firearms;
http://www.frontierfirearms.ca/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=17_51_97&products_id=77

Cheers!
 
Tikka has more plastic and a smoother bolt. 700 upgradable
funkyfrosty said:
Thanks fpr the advice and yes its true I've found a T3 Varmint .223 for $795, same guy has a 700 Varmint .204 for $625. I really really like the .204 calibre, on paper, ballistically, it seems ideal.

Barring fit and feel, which would you prefer?
Click to expand...
 
mysticplayer said:
Bore life with a 204R can be very short.

With a 223 and a fast twist (Savage or Tikka - not sure on the Rem?), you can shoot light for fur and heavy for LR plinking.

I have seen enough Tikka varminters shoot to know you will not be dissapointed with this purchase.

however, I go Savage cause I love to tinker and this is THE platform to use for the DIY shooter. Just as many odds and sods for this action nowadays.

Best thing you can add to your planning is being able to reload. That really is the only way to get the accuracy you see posted on forums like this. Factory ammo is rarely as accurate and its a lottery whether that ammo would shoot in your rifle.

Get a rifle, get shooting, have lots of fun, change what you don't like as you gain experience.

Don't forget to look at the CGN EE. There are tons of rifles at great pricing.
Jerry
Click to expand...

I have a Rem. in .204, I've only fired about 40 rounds through it, but plan on using it for gophers this summer, what can I do to increase/prolong barrel life? How long could I expect the barrel to last ? I've searched but find very conflicting views.
I'll be using both factory and reloads (26g barnes varmint grenades). Sorry if it's a bit off-topic but I just gotta know.
 
Jerry - short barrel life on the 204 is news to me... in fact I've read numerous reports exactly counter to that. Not calling you a liar or start a flame war, but enlighten me on your evidence. I've got less experience than yourself for sure, but my research tells me you may be amiss.
 
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