Need a varmiter rifle

hakx

hakx

CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Rating - 100%
88   0   0
Location
Edmonton
The wife gave me the thumbs up for another rifle. I would like to to be varmiter specific. I am torn between chamberings.

I have seen Huntsman's .204 Ruger - way cool. But reloads seem to fall short of factory fresh ammo.

The .222 and .223 - Performance to close to shack a stick at. I know .223 ammo more "readily" available.

22-250 & .220 swift - ditto for performance, but the 22-250 a little more available.

What calibre would you suggest? I am sure that I missed several alternate chamberings, but I am not interested in the uber small (.17's), or anything that could be used for whitetail (.24's & .25's)

Thx Hakx
 
I wouldnt go as far as to suggest that a 204 ruger cannot be handloaded to high performance, as good or better then factory ammo. Each rifle, and handloader for that matter, is different.

Anyways, Id suggest the 22-250


put the lotion in the ####ing basket...:dancingbanana:
 
I use a 222 for most of my varmint hunting. One thing that is nice about the 222 / 223 is that you can "spot" your shots because there is practically no recoil, especially with a heavy barrel. There is enough recoil from my 22/250 that I lose my target in the scope, but not with the 222. How far to you plan on shooting? I feel comfotable with my 222 out to about 250 yards, but the 22/250 makes it easier to hit things farther than that.
 
Just *one* varmint rifle? You poor sod ;)

Depends what you want to do with it. What critters? How far away? Heavy bench-type gun or lighter field-type gun?

I have a bunch, and all are suited for different uses. The 204 is great, and I'd probably lean towards it over the 223 or 22-250's - recoil like a 223 and trajectory like a 22-250. But the '250 packs more punch and has a greater selection of bullets - for coyotes and similar-sized game, I'd go for it.

The Hornet is fantastic, quiet and cheap to load, but has range limitations of ~200 yards. The 243 packs even more punch and range, as does the 25-06. These make good dual purpose deer/varmint guns.

So the answer is a solid 'it depends'
 
I'd go with a 204...if it has enough range for you. If you look around, I'm sure you'll find some info on handloads that can improve on factory loads. You get a lot more bang for your buck than with some of the larger cartridges.

If you want something that will reach out a little farther, then I'd say 22-250.

I'm sure you'd be happy with either of those!
 
I'd suggest a 22-250 if you want a "varmint only" caliber that's "fast".
Like this one:
Sako22-250Varminter002.jpg


Otherwise, the good old .223 is hard to beat.
 
I like Rem. Model 700 Varmits. I have one in .223 and .308 as well as standard model 700's in 30.06 and 25.06, obviously I like the tried and true calibers meaning I haven't ventured out in the new stuff...yet.:)

Last week I was in Iowa and shot at a buddies range out to 450 and 500 yards with my .223 and his Model 700 in 22/250. It was a hoot and first time I've shot that far. We blew up 1/2 gallon milk jugs after computing proper hold over.

We all agreed the rifle basix trigger on my .223 was the way to go over the standard Rem. trigger. I might put one on all my 700's.

I also have a Marlin varmit in .17 Hornady which works great on groundhogs in my back fields. They need trigger work too though.

It's all what you want and Savage makes one fine accurate rifle I'm told. I just like my Remingtons is all.

Figure on spending serious money on glass though as the cheapies will disappoint. I've used decent Leupold, Weaver, Mueller, Nikon and even upper grade Bushnell with good results. I've been disappointed with cheaper Bushnell and Tasco though.
 
What calibre would you suggest? I am sure that I missed several alternate chamberings, but I am not interested in the uber small (.17's), or anything that could be used for whitetail (.24's & .25's)
Click to expand...


...............I guess wolves won't be on the menu?? I'd go .243 Unless by varmint you are talking coyote and prairedogs.
 
Just one? Go for a Savage 112BVSS in .22-250. Considering the dollar value and the 'out of the box accuracy', hard to beat. My daughter & son in law each have one and thats what prompted me to get one. What I decided on was a .25-06 as I already have a .22-250 in a Ruger # 1. One of the first handloads I tried to date has been one of the best. A three shot group at 185 yds was well under 1/2".:D :D
 
Recommend the .221 Fireball if you reload. Speeds close to a .223 (40 Gn pill @3600-3700 FPS) and hardly any muzzle blast for almost half the powder weight (It doesn't hurt that Lil Gun is also cheaper then the common Rifle powders - such as H335 or Varget :) ). Quieter then a .223. If you don't reload then get a .223 Remington.
 
Johnn Peterson has got it right. Get a savage model 12 in 22-250. I just shot a ladder test with my 12FV 243 that I bedded and added 1.5lbs of lead to the plastic stock and the last 4 shots went into 3/8" at 208 yards. The loads were 95 grain bergers in front of 42.1gr/42.4gr/42.7gr/43.0gr in Norma brass lit with Federal Match LR primers. So l loaded up some at 42.5gr and shot a 5 shot group that was less than a 1/2" at 208. How can you go wrong with a $500 rifle that shoots this well.
 
Like these ...

Tikka Heavy Barrel Varmint in .223 or .22-250
Remington LV SF in .223, .22-250 0r .220 Swift
Remington XR-100 Rangemaster in .223 or .22-250
Remington VSF in .223 or .22-250

Of the bunch, I like the VSF the most. If a lot of walking and not all that much shooting is involved, I'd probably go with the LV SF. They'll all shoot ,but I think I'd prefer the .22-250 as first choice, the Swift second and the little guy last.

I'd put a Leupold VariXII 6-18x Varmint reticle scope on any od these and be happy. Lots of glass for not huge bucks.

See comments in "Walking Varmint/Coyote" thread for other's likes.
 
Last edited:
you didn't tell us if you are reloading or not.....

if you are reloading get a 22-250...if not...223......223 ammo is dirt cheap when compared to 22-250....you can shoot more for less...always a good thing..
 
Rembo said:
you didn't tell us if you are reloading or not.....

if you are reloading get a 22-250...if not...223......223 ammo is dirt cheap when compared to 22-250....you can shoot more for less...always a good thing..
Click to expand...


Oop's your right! Definitely reloading.
 
Johnn Peterson said:
Just one? Go for a Savage 112BVSS in .22-250. Considering the dollar value and the 'out of the box accuracy', hard to beat. ".:D :D
Click to expand...


Please use the proper technical terms on CGN.

OOTBA








:dancingbanana: :dancingbanana: :p





Make mine a 223;)
 
May I suggest a Savage model 12FVSS in 22-250 with Accutrigger and heavy flutted barrel of course. This out one knocks off raven size targets at 450+ yards with factory Winchester Supreme 50gr. Ballistic tips. Excellent OTSA (Off The Shelf Accuracy). That is if you don't mind the ugly barrel nut and bolt, not to mention the big-nosed native on the medallion. ...GITRRRRRRRDUN

Apr0027.jpg
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom