New varmint rifle

rishu_pepper

rishu_pepper

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Well, the summer months are soon upon us, and I've got the itch for a new, varmint/target rifle (still haven't spent that tax return!:D). The problem is, there are so many calibre options, I don't know what to pick!

223/223AI
22-250/22-250AI
204 Ruger
220 Swift
223 WSSM

I will definitely reload so ammo cost/availability is not an issue. Barrel burners aren't big of a problem for me either, as I'm not a heavy-volume shooter. With that in mind, pick a calibre/rifle for me!

PS. Custom barrel or no? What are some good rifles for the above? A $1000~ budget sounds about right to me.

PPS. Oh yeah, this will also become a coyote shooter. Gopher... I want to, but can't find 'em!
 
rishu_pepper said:
Well, the summer months are soon upon us, and I've got the itch for a new, varmint/target rifle (still haven't spent that tax return!:D). The problem is, there are so many calibre options, I don't know what to pick!

223/223AI
22-250/22-250AI
204 Ruger
220 Swift
223 WSSM

I will definitely reload so ammo cost/availability is not an issue. Barrel burners aren't big of a problem for me either, as I'm not a heavy-volume shooter. With that in mind, pick a calibre/rifle for me!

PS. Custom barrel or no? What are some good rifles for the above? A $1000~ budget sounds about right to me.

PPS. Oh yeah, this will also become a coyote shooter. Gopher... I want to, but can't find 'em!
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I wouldn't overlook the .243 either. Personally, I prefer something that shoots a bit heavier bullet if you plan on doing some real long range stuff as the wind plans such havoc with tiny bullets but all you've listed are good candidates. Of the ones you've listed, the .22-250 would be my choice...as a matter of fact it is...I have two of them...lol.
 
I have a 220 Swift VS SF that I love....it's my go too for dirt pigs. But don't under sell the 204 Ruger....it is amazing what this little speed freak will do out past 300 yards in calm wind. The 204 is a cartridge I'm currently looking at.
 
I really like the little recoil factor (spot my shots) of the 204 Ruger. The only downside to the .20 cal is the smaller bullet selection than the .22 cal.

Anyone know if the 204 is a barrel burner compared to the Swift or the '250?
 
Hmm... still lots of decisions to make. Argg.. this will take some brain-racking.

Should I go expensive rifle with a cheaper scope, or the other way around? Or somewhere in the middle?

PS. Acrobatics for the little guys would be nice lol
 
rishu_pepper said:
Should I go expensive rifle with a cheaper scope, or the other way around? Or somewhere in the middle?l
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I think any of your caliber choices will be good. Is $1000 your total budget, or just the budget for your rifle? A good varmint rifle deserves a good scope because you'll be shooting at small targets at long distances. A decent scope starts at about $300, but the cost can go up drastically after that for a top quality scope.
 
Scott_N said:
I think any of your caliber choices will be good. Is $1000 your total budget, or just the budget for your rifle? A good varmint rifle deserves a good scope because you'll be shooting at small targets at long distances. A decent scope starts at about $300, but the cost can go up drastically after that for a top quality scope.
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Well, I guess total budget would run up to $1200-$1400. Don't want to spend too much since I don't have ready access to gopher patches... :(

manbearpig said:
if you are reloading anyway, consider a .25-06.
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Got one :D
 
rishu_pepper said:
I really like the little recoil factor (spot my shots) of the 204 Ruger. The only downside to the .20 cal is the smaller bullet selection than the .22 cal.
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Link to post about .20 cal bullet selection:

http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2157843&postcount=17

Anyone know if the 204 is a barrel burner compared to the Swift or the '250?
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The 204 is less of a 'barrel burner' than either of the 220 Swift or the 22-250.

Link to interesting barrel heating study:

http://www.superiorballistics.com/barrel_heating/comparative_barrel_heating,_smc_vs_conventional.htm
 
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rishu_pepper said:
Cool stuff, thanks CV32! This is making me lean more and more towards the 204. Now I just have to pick out a rifle and glass :cool:
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The 204 is lots of fun. I have two (a Remington 700 VLS) and a CZ 527 American, I've ordered another (a Tikka T3 Lite), and I'm now embarking on a project gun (a fast twist barrel built on the Rem 700 action and VLS stock).
 
There's little a 204 can do that the Swift will not do better. That being said, The 204 does deliver less recoil, so seeing hits is easier. The barrel burning issue is not much to get wrapped up about unless you do a lot of heavy shooting in a short while. Then the bigger case does cost you. Regards, Eagleye.
 
Did you consider a Savage BVSS? Really nice gun and it'll give you a few extra bucks to get a decent scope. I currently shoot a 700 SPS Varmint in 223, which is a nice gun but I'd like to upgrade. The 223 is a good cal too, got no probs shooting out to 300 yards with it. Good luck shopping
 
I have been looking at the Savage, looks like there are some good varmint guns there. Another choice could be the Rem 700 VSSF2 or similar.

Of course, I wouldn't rule out the option of grabbing one on the EE if the opportunity comes along. The shooting part is fun, but the buying part is another adventure all in itself.
 
mackillan said:
I have a ruger 204 heavy barrel Definitely less recoil and noise that some of the others. a fun gun:sniper: A pic is on my avatar
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Which gun is that in your avatar? I can't make it out, it's too small.

BTW has anyone had any experience with the Kimber 84 Pro Varmint? Seems like another good choice among many.
 
rishu_pepper said:
I have been looking at the Savage, looks like there are some good varmint guns there. Another choice could be the Rem 700 VSSF2 or similar.

Of course, I wouldn't rule out the option of grabbing one on the EE if the opportunity comes along. The shooting part is fun, but the buying part is another adventure all in itself.
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I ended up getting two guns in the last few years for Varmint, Predator and some long range shooting. Along the lines of brand you mentioned above, for one of the two, I opted for a Savage 112BVSS in 25-06 and mounted a Leupold VX-III, 6.5-20x40mm Long Range scope with varmint reticle. Shoots like a dream!! I've mentioned it previously, but with one of my first batches of test reloads, I shot a three shot group measuring 0.486" at 185 yds. While the scope is decent, the Savage is a fairly inexpensive firearm, but considering what accuracy it's capable of, good "bang for the buck" to my way of thinking.
From what you've been saying, something along that line in say, 22-250 might be the ticket. That's pretty well what my daughter & son in law each have.
 
This might be coming out of left field, but if you are reloading and the barrel burning thing doesn't bother you, what does anyone think of the 6mmppc?
Very accurate little caliber...
 
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