Caliber size for varmint gun?

"...like the reach of 4000fps..." You'll only get that with 45 grain and under bullets and max loads. Velocities like that are hard on barrels too.
Go with the .223, but definitely get into reloading.
 
reloading setup prices vary, depending on what is your intended use, a very popular kit is the lee 50th anniversary as it gives you all you need and is very affordable, you just add powder bullets brass and primers and you're good to go.


here's a nice vid for ya:)
[youtube]EZw5oAHUfPw[/youtube]
 
Ahhhh what was I thinking...

In early Aug my wife and son are flying to visit with her parents in central Alberta I should be driving them there and spent a couple weeks shooting gophers... :(

Oh well a couple weeks of batching it and fishing for salmon in the Fraser will have to make up for missing out... :D
 
At one time I'd have said the .22-250 was the ultimate varmint cartridge, but now I doubt there is much that can be done with a .22-250 that couldn't be done as well with a .223 for less money. If you are planning to shoot in a built up area where noise can be a problem, consider a .22 Hornet. If you intend your varmint gun to be a duel purpose rifle which doubles as a deer/antelope rifle, the .243 or better yet a .25/06 would be the best choice. For those who primarily want a big game rifle that is useful as a varmint gun, rounds from the .25/06 to the .270 are the way to go. Regardless of which cartridge and type of game shooting you choose, your rifle will be cheaper to use and will be more versatile if you reload for it.
 
Boomer said:
At one time I'd have said the .22-250 was the ultimate varmint cartridge, but now I doubt there is much that can be done with a .22-250 that couldn't be done as well with a .223 for less money. If you are planning to shoot in a built up area where noise can be a problem, consider a .22 Hornet. If you intend your varmint gun to be a duel purpose rifle which doubles as a deer/antelope rifle, the .243 or better yet a .25/06 would be the best choice. For those who primarily want a big game rifle that is useful as a varmint gun, rounds from the .25/06 to the .270 are the way to go. Regardless of which cartridge and type of game shooting you choose, your rifle will be cheaper to use and will be more versatile if you reload for it.
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22-250 is interesting if you have an old 308win bolt faced rifle sitting in a corner, you can just rebarrel :)
 
My vote would be for the 22-243 middlestead. Definitely a handload calibre, but take a look at what kind of velocities you can get. With a strong action, you can push it to 5000 fps.
 
I have shot gophers with everything from 17 Mach4 to 12 ga and even 54 cal muzzle loaders.

The big cartridges are not a good choice because they heat the barrel and burn the bore too quickly. Gopher shooting in S Alberta is about volume, volume, volume. With any of the bigger cartridges you will get off 10 shots and then have to put the rifle down to let the barrel cool.

I have used a 22-250 and a 243 on gophers and while they were good, the need to stop for a half hour ever 10 rounds really puts a crimp on your shooting activity.

The longer I shoot gophers, the smaller the cartridges I find myself using. Currently I have a .223, a 6 BR and am in the process of building a 221 Fireball.

If you don't reload, really the only caliber you should consider is the .223. With lightweight ballistic tip type bullets it will produce impressive terminal results and the small case allows you to shoot longer before the barrel overheats.

The 223 is capable of 300 - 400 yd shots no problem.
 
I really like my 17hmr for groundhogs, but that's for in close. I'm debating between 22-250 and .223, but will probably go with the .223 since I don't reload yet and it will be a target gun too
 
jay007 said:
So I have decided to start looking into a varmint type gune, I would like to use it for coyote, badger, the occasional long range gopher.
The question I have (being kind of a newb) is which caliber to choose,
What I am considering now are
.223
22-250
.204
What am I missing?

On BIG consideration for me is price, lets face it I like to shoot a lot.
How would these calibers differ on ammunition pricing?

How do these calibers compare on ability to reliably hit a gopher at 150-200yrds?

I am not worried now about what rifle, that will come after I decide what caliber I should be looking at.
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Jay

I do a bit of coyote hunting and I'm going to assume your country is similar to mine, fairly open with brushy draws and aspen pockets. Longish shots (300 to 500 yds) are the norm and wind is always present. For calling coyotes in this country I use a 243 AI pushing 105gr Hornady Amax very fast. If I'm hiking and spot and stalk I use a 22-250 with 55gr Ballistic tips as ranges are generally shorter (100 - 300 yds).

I have used .223 and .204 but in my experience the wind is not nice to either of these rounds.
 
For a first varmit gun a 223 is the way to go. I use a 243 for coyotes as they are 300 yds+, and are harder to keep down than many think. In the gopher patch I use 22lr,hornet,222.& 223. The truth be told, you will shoot more shots in the gopher patch in 1 day than many years out after coyotes. Reloading is the way to go, find a buddy that reloads or someone from the local gun club that will help you set up. Lots of guys will let you use there equipment if you supply the components. Let us know how you make out,and good luck AJ.
 
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