After a .22LR, what's my next step ?

.223 would be my first choice, But you could also consider a .204ruger.

Even cheaper ammo and its a flat shooting laser beam out to 400. After that it drops like a rock. A great gopher gun.
 
.204 Ruger is relatively inexpensive to shoot but there is no way it's cheaper than .223. I just did a quick check to make sure I'm not talking out my ass. Best price for .204 under $18, best for .223 under $8. Sure it's plain FMJ, but I'm not talking Eastern Europe 5.56, that is for Winchester .223. I've bought Russian stuff for less than $5 for 20. Even the premium stuff is less by a buck or two. Hornady match 75 gr BTHP is even a wee bit less than the 40 and 32 gr V-Max .204.

I'm not saying it's a bad choice, just .223 is better for range work. It's a good caliber for shooting little animals. Not quite as good for shooting paper. You also have substantialy more barrel life with .223.
 
So I have a pending deal, looking at it tomorrow. Tikka T3 stainless in .223. I believe it's a 'Lite' model, synthetic stock. It's more than I wanted to spend, but low round count and a quality 3-9x40 scope already mounted and sighted. I also figure if I don't like it, I can resell it and try something less expensive easier than moving "up" the ladder.

Assuming the deal is completed, a few questions for experienced shooters;

-What brand ammunition is most consistent in .223? I am not yet reloading.
-I prefer the versatility and look of bipods over a bag, but I am doing mostly bench shooting. Is there and advantage to using a bag?
-Is bedding needed or advantageous for this rifle? Spec's say it's already a floating barrel.

I'd still like any options on glass. The included piece is a respected name 3-9x40, but I found my 9x scope on the .22 to be insufficient at 200 yards. Most obvious answer is "bigger is better", but I always like to discuss cost-vs-advantage with more experienced people before I count out my pennies.
 
Noltz said:
-What brand ammunition is most consistent in .223? I am not yet reloading.
Every gun is different. Its a pretty safe bet that match ammo will shoot alot better than bulk
-I prefer the versatility and look of bipods over a bag, but I am doing mostly bench shooting. Is there and advantage to using a bag?
Its probably easier to shoot well off of a bag. I usually shoot prone of a bipod though and seem to do well enough for my liking
-Is bedding needed or advantageous for this rifle? Spec's say it's already a floating barrel.
Never owned a Tikka but I seriously doubt that bedding would hurt

I'd still like any options on glass. The included piece is a respected name 3-9x40, but I found my 9x scope on the .22 to be insufficient at 200 yards. Most obvious answer is "bigger is better", but I always like to discuss cost-vs-advantage with more experienced people before I count out my pennies.
200 yards isn't that far. a 3-9x scope will work fine for now. I would recommend a spotting scope though for shooting over a hundred yards
Click to expand...

my thoughts...
 
.308, or at least 30-06 (last time I bought a box) was more than a buck a shot, yes. I did not care for the recoil from that setup (Savage hunting rifle), and I'm sure it was not helping me learn proper shooting techniques.

I am quite happy to have purchased the .22 first, and I'll keep it for many years. I was just asking the opinion of the experienced group here of "what should I do next".

I'm now the proud owner of a Tikka T3 SS. in .223.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom