Best Short -> Long Range Varmint Rifle?

P

PorkNBeans

Regular
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Location
Central Manitoba
I've been eyeing up some varmint rifles and have my eye on the Savage Model 12 Long Range Precision Varminter. I'm not sure what caliber (223/204/22-250) to go with or really whether to go with it at all. I've had people tell me go 17 hmr, go with a lighter rifle (which might make sense if I end up doing some hiking). I'm also not sure if the money for a model 12 couldn't be better spent on another rifle.
Thoughts?
Thanks
 
.17 HMR is long range compared to .22lr, but it's certainly not a long range cartridge.

What do you plan to use it for? Paper, Coyotes, Gohers? How many rounds a year? Do you reload?

Savages are good rifles and definitly are accurate for the money. What will work best for you will be heavily dependent on what you want to do with the rifle.
 
Mostly for coyotes. I'd also likely do some practice target shooting but the main goal would be to have it in place to use as I'm out trapping. I'd be doing some calling and using it in bush and open sections of, lets say, up 400+ yards (guessing here).
I don't reload.
 
Go for a .223. You'll have the range and since you do not reload ammo is pretty cheap so you can shoot a whole lot more as compared to a 22 250 or other similar rounds. I don't know your budget for a rifle but if you have to economize I'd suggest a stevens 200 or savage axis with a decent scope. ( IMHO bushnell 3200 series are a decent value)

If money is no object then that is a whole new discussion.
 
PorkNBeans said:
Mostly for coyotes. I'd also likely do some practice target shooting but the main goal would be to have it in place to use as I'm out trapping. I'd be doing some calling and using it in bush and open sections of, lets say, up 400+ yards (guessing here).
I don't reload.
Click to expand...

For a coyote gun I like a light profile barrel as it's far nicer to carry when I walk to stands (I walk a lot coyote hunting). Heavy barrels are for high volume shooting applications, like punching paper or shooting gophers. So heavy vs. light barrel may be something you have to think about. It will be nice to have a heavy barrel while paper punching (barrel takes longer to heat up and is more consistant after more shots), but could be a pain if you end up carrying it a lot. That is why a guy needs more than one rifle!

As for cartridge, if you don't reload I would go with .223 if you plan to shoot any sort of volume. Reason being is cost and the wide range of commercial loads avaliable in .223. Anything from surplus, to hunting rounds to match rounds. The .223 is certainly capable of 400 yards, don't let anyone tell you differently. I shot the .223 to 500 yards with a 14" barrel in service rifle matches, know your gun and it won't matter if the .22-250 shoots flatter. Also, the barrel will last far longer in a .223 than either a .204 or a .22-250.

My vote is find a .223 in a sporter weight barrel. You will have the perfect coyote rifle, that is a joy to carry for long distances. If you find you really like punching paper get a second rifle in a heavy contour barrel at a later time.
 
.223. I use 24.0 of powder and a 75 grain AMax bullet. That's a lot of loads from a pound of powder. Very accurate, I've tested it out to 500m. Cheap to shoot and deadly on coyotes.
 
I say .204. So fast, so flat, and you'll never have to worry about pelts. Plus if you shoot gophers you'll get to see impact through your scope. Check out the savage 16 FCSS or cz 527 varmint.
 
My coyote guns are 243s, ideal for long range kills. 223 for gophers and crows. Lighter barrel is nice for walking. You may be able to get 2 guns ( always a good thing) for a bit more than your two grand. Good luck.
 
PorkNBeans said:
Mostly for coyotes. I'd also likely do some practice target shooting but the main goal would be to have it in place to use as I'm out trapping. I'd be doing some calling and using it in bush and open sections of, lets say, up 400+ yards (guessing here).
I don't reload.
Click to expand...


You better get at least a 243 if you really think you will go up to 400 yards. 25-06 or 270 would be better.
 
I'd get a wood and blued sporter weight xbolt in .223 and throw on some wicked glass 2.5-16x50 or 4-16x50.. You'll be thankful you have the 16x when you look through the scope and realize that coyote you would've hammered with the 9x at 400 yards is actually the neighbours husky. Only an insane person would want to carry a model 12 around trapping with them.. You've got enough to carry already.
A buddy of mine bought a model 12 for coyotes around here and it's been useless thus far. It weighs a ton, might as well drag a canoe through the brush. The trigger system is a pain because if you slam the bolt to hard the safety activates and the gun has to be re cocked.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom