Caliber Opinions Please?

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sk8r

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So summer is flying by, and I'm thinking ahead and have decided I "need" a new varmint/target rifle. I want something that falls right in between my .22WMR and my .308. I want something that shoots pretty flat over 100 - 200 yards, is fairly easy on the recoil (in a bolt action), and isn't too pricey to plink with if that's what I feel like doing (I don't reload, so factory ammo prices...). I've pretty much narrowed it down to a .223 or a 22-250 at this point. (Oh yeah, not looking for anything "tactical" - just yur plain ol' fuddy rifle....:rolleyes:). Opinions? Preferences? Other calibers that I should be looking at?
Thanks. :)
 
I picked up a Stevens 200 bolt action dressed in factory camo stock in .223. It's a fun set up. What about a Savage Axis pckg in .223. You do get a scope included with the rifle. Should be OTD close to $400. Ppl's opinions on the Axis pckg are all over the map. .243 is a screamer however, factory ammo is not cheap. If you buy bulk .223, you can come out ahead a bit more.
 
(Oh yeah, not looking for anything "tactical" - just yur plain ol' fuddy rifle....).

Try remington model 788 in the calibre of your choice.
 
223 if you don't reload. 22-250 is you do. 243 should you want a smaller (yet legal) hunting calibre in most areas.
 
If ammo price is your main concern then 223 all the way. You can be very cheap military rounds for shooting at the range. And if you do get into handloading the brass is very cheap and easy to come by.
 
sk8r said:
So summer is flying by, and I'm thinking ahead and have decided I "need" a new varmint/target rifle. I want something that falls right in between my .22WMR and my .308. I want something that shoots pretty flat over 100 - 200 yards, is fairly easy on the recoil (in a bolt action), and isn't too pricey to plink with if that's what I feel like doing (I don't reload, so factory ammo prices...). I've pretty much narrowed it down to a .223 or a 22-250 at this point. (Oh yeah, not looking for anything "tactical" - just yur plain ol' fuddy rifle....:rolleyes:). Opinions? Preferences? Other calibers that I should be looking at? Thanks. :)
Click to expand...

For a good all-round combination of the following:

* wide variety of firearm choices
* good availability of factory ammunition among brands and bullet types/weights
* competitive price of ammunition (and, for that matter, rifle options)
* low recoil and noise
* accuracy for plinking/target shooting/varminting

... the answer is .223. There are plenty of other options, each with their own particular advantages and disadvantages, but for what you seem to be looking for, its .223 imho.
 
I always get a little confused with threads like this.

I normally fall in love with a rifle and then try and decide what cartridge option will be good in it.

Recently I got a serious crush on the CZ 527 carbine. I was interested in a varmint round and so I figured .223 was the logical choice. I found one in a sinthetic (my spelling) stock and told the fellow behind the counter I'd take it. While he was off to get the box I noticed another CZ on the rack and asked another fellow to hand it to me. It was the 527 LUX model in .222, The wood was beautiful and pleasing to the touch. I took the LUX model in .222 with the nice wood, home.

DSCN0916_zps186dc5fc.jpg
 
Calibre wise .264 (6.5 mm) is exactly between .22 and .308.
Energy wise you are looking at something in the 1500 ft/lb range which is just under the .22-250 and just over the .223.
Trajectory wise the .223 and .308 are very similar in the ranges you listed.
You mention factory ammo so the .223 is a clear winner for plinking and overall ammo cost.
In Ontario you don't find huge concentrations of varmints so you wouldn't have to worry about burning up a barrel in a .22-250 or .243.

In the end the choice is yours but it sounds like a .223 would fit well.

Dan
 
get a 264 of some sort then you can hunt fox to elephant
if you buy a 223 its only good for fox and plinking ,that means another ..... hang on on that thought ya ya get the 223 then the a 264
only down side is the ammo
every one i know with a 223 wants something bigger
 
.223 is your huckleberry. Cheap ammo and more punch than most realize. Learn your rifle and scope and go hve fun. I killed a black bear with a .223, you can push it past what most people think. A 22-250 is mucho more $$ in ammo
 
you could also do what I'm doing. buying a CZ 527 in 7.62x39. Will easily do 100m and with practice 200m and further. It isn't a flat shooter...but the only way you can get 'cheaper' ammo, is if you only shoot .22LR. :cool:
 
Mr friendly just a correction the 7.62 x 39 is a 150 yard round out at 200 to 300 it's a flop
I have an Sks and ran the ballistics on my calculator
And for human reasons I decided its only good for max 100
It seems to be accurate at 100
Not a good round to plink
You will be trying to get accuracy it's not inherent in the round
 
Tikkam65 said:
Mr friendly just a correction the 7.62 x 39 is a 150 yard round out at 200 to 300 it's a flop
I have an Sks and ran the ballistics on my calculator
And for human reasons I decided its only good for max 100
It seems to be accurate at 100
Not a good round to plink
You will be trying to get accuracy it's not inherent in the round
Click to expand...

The problem is not the caliber... its the platform.
 
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