For new Rifle, .223 or 308?
- Thread starter Jeff000
- Start date
PUREVIL said:
A civi can order them. Just ask your dealer for the model that you want. It's not worse than someone having a $3,000 custom rifle built or even getting a 338 or .50 from your gunsmith.
If I had the money I'd add a CZ varmint 22-250 and a 338 Lapua. YA!
Jeff:
It is a wise choice to stay from using 308 for gohpers.
How about the 243 or 6mm if you are worried about not having enough power from the 223?
I have a Tikka Varmint in 223 that shoots 3/4 MOA that I have no problem using it on gophers up to 300. The rifle is top with a Leupold 6.5-20x VXIII long range scope. The problem with shooting beyond 300 yards is the ability to see them rather than not being able to hit them with a 223.
Other members have given you enough data by way of PROs and CONs on different calibers. Make sure you save some money for a good scope.
Have fun.
Danny
It is a wise choice to stay from using 308 for gohpers.
How about the 243 or 6mm if you are worried about not having enough power from the 223?
I have a Tikka Varmint in 223 that shoots 3/4 MOA that I have no problem using it on gophers up to 300. The rifle is top with a Leupold 6.5-20x VXIII long range scope. The problem with shooting beyond 300 yards is the ability to see them rather than not being able to hit them with a 223.
Other members have given you enough data by way of PROs and CONs on different calibers. Make sure you save some money for a good scope.
Have fun.
Danny
Honestly, until you get into handloading, you can't really get into true precision shooting. I'd recommend a Stevens 200 in 223. Fast twist, inexpensive factory-ammp plinker. Once you get into reloading, it makes a good starter platform due to the fast twist. And then, once you ARE handloading, you can think of a different caliber/bigger bang. Quite simply put, you're not going to find a factory .308 varmint load, you MUST roll them yourself. Even 223, I don't think you'll have an easy time finding heavy VLD-style varmint factory loads, although lighter varmint loads and heavy FMJ/Match loads are abundant.
But I think you're going to have to look very long and very hard to find a 600-yard MOA varmint gun that works on factory ammo. And it'll probably still cost you more time and cash you can afford at the moment to find a factory load that will do what you want.
So, to sum up: until you can commit the time to it, I'd suggest you lower your expectations to something a little more realistic
But I think you're going to have to look very long and very hard to find a 600-yard MOA varmint gun that works on factory ammo. And it'll probably still cost you more time and cash you can afford at the moment to find a factory load that will do what you want.
So, to sum up: until you can commit the time to it, I'd suggest you lower your expectations to something a little more realistic
Jeff000 said:Where do I find these Hornady Light Mag rounds? I cant find them on wholesale sports or even hornadys site.
If you don't see them on the site call them. I've gotten some that weren't on their site but they carried them.
For the 308 Hornady SST light mag 150gr
For the 223 you have three options you could check out the ballistics and compare:
Hornady V-Max
Remington Premier AccuTip
Federal Ballistic Tip
For precision this is what I found the best so far before hand loading.
Jeff000 said:I have read just about everthing on both these rounds. (or at least I think I have).
I will be shooting factory ammo ONLY, I just dont have space/time for a reloader.
Now it seems a fast twist .223 and a .308 are pretty close for targets.
Both can be used on gophers, although I guess .308 is a bit overkill if you believe in that word
But for some reason when I shoot a .223 with a bipod, heavy barrel, scope, it just reminds me of a .22 or pellet gun too much, and doesnt seem as "fun" as a 308 because the 308 has a bigger bang.
Is it wrong to pick one round over the other because it makes a bigger bang?
why not treat your self to a very nice .223
http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=138220&highlight=savage
