Not sure what direction to go with rifle

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Rotax

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Hey

Not sure what direction I should go with a rifle. I want something to hunt varmint like coyotes and also to target shoot. Now from my understanding is a .223 is better for repeated firing cause of the barrel and heat but if I was to go with a 22-250 how much shooting can you do before it heats up?

Once I figure out the caliber then next step is the rifle itself. Keep in mind its my first rifle but would like to be able to add a scope and a bipod. What is a good accurate rifle but not overly expensive?

Also what would be a decent scope?

Thanks
 
if you're planning to do the type of shooting where you're spamming bullets where barrel heat would be a problem, maybe you should re-think about shooting any animals. it would be kind of cruel to shoot them without taking clean shots.
 
I would go with a .223 with a fast twist barrel. A .22-250 barrel can be shot out in 1500 rounds or less, while a .223 will go 4000-5000. Look for a Tikka T3 Varmint with a 1:8" twist or a Savage with a 1:7. Factory .22-250 barrels have too slow of a twist to shoot heavy bullets.
 
Unagi604 said:
if you're planning to do the type of shooting where you're spamming bullets where barrel heat would be a problem, maybe you should re-think about shooting any animals. it would be kind of cruel to shoot them without taking clean shots.
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No I am looking at barrel heat if I am at the range.... I would never let any animal suffer.
 
The first decision you should make is the target weight for your rifle system.

If you can be honest with yourself about how you really want to use this rifle, you should decide how much - at a maximum - the whole thing should weigh. If you fail to do that, things can add up pretty quickly, ounces become pounds, and you might end up with a case of the tail wagging the dog...and find yourself still wanting yet another new rifle.

<http://www.savagearms.com/firearms/finder/>
 
Wendell said:
The first decision you should make is the target weight for your rifle system.

If you can be honest with yourself about how you really want to use this rifle, you should decide how much - at a maximum - the whole thing should weigh. If you fail to do that, things can add up pretty quickly, ounces become pounds, and you might end up with a case of the tail wagging the dog...and find yourself still wanting yet another new rifle.

<http://www.savagearms.com/firearms/finder/>
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Thanks you just made it so much easier for me lol.. Like I said I have never had a rifle before and would like to purchase one for target shooting and then possibly Varmint hunting once I get comfortable with the rifle. I was looking at a Tikka T3 Laminated stainless that I really liked the looks of but just not sure if it is a suitable match for what I want it for. I guess I might want to find a dealer so I can hold them and see how I like them.
 
Answer for yourself these questions.

Would I drive right up to my shooting point?
Would I carry the rifle anywhere?
Would I be on the move or stationary?
Would I shoot from offhand or from a rest?
Would my game be moving or stationary?
At what range would my game be visible?
How far would I shoot?

P.S.: Your first rifle should be a .22LR.
 
Yep; .22LR would be best for a first. Easy handling, cheap ammo, inexpensive, and always fun to drag out to the range.

Consider a bolt-gun for a first if you are wanting to do some light-weight precision gunning; they'll teach patience and trigger control, which is always important when you want to upgrade to bigger animals. Semi-autos are fun to blast around with, but they make shooters overconfident.

Great starter rifles an be had for less than $200. Add an inexpensive scope and a brick of ammo and you are off.

I'd suggest a bolt-action .22 with a tube magazine, but then that's my own personal favourite; no burning ridiculous amounts of money on spare magazines; it all goes into the ammo. :D
 
I'll second fasteel's comment. .204 Ruger will outdo any varmint caliber available right now. Low barrel wear, tremendous velocities, packs a big punch for a light little bullet. It also has a better bc then any varmint caliber.

I'll also reccomend a Remington 700 as a platform. The new xcr coating is great for a field going rifle. Especially the miles and use a varmint rig gets.

Get a good caller, some backup mouth calls, a distraction decoy and a hand squeaker too. Learn to call em close. Calling is at least half the fun to hunting IMO.
 
.22lr?.... what the hell is going to learn with a .22lr?.... how to knock pop cans off a fence?... nothing wrong with a good .223 OP.... you can do a little predator and groundhog hunting with it too.....
 
Harbourone said:
I'll second fasteel's comment. .204 Ruger will outdo any varmint caliber available right now. Low barrel wear, tremendous velocities, packs a big punch for a light little bullet. It also has a better bc then any varmint caliber.

I'll also reccomend a Remington 700 as a platform. The new xcr coating is great for a field going rifle. Especially the miles and use a varmint rig gets.

Get a good caller, some backup mouth calls, a distraction decoy and a hand squeaker too. Learn to call em close. Calling is at least half the fun to hunting IMO.
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204 is the superior hunting rifle.... but since this is his first rifle he likely doesn't reload... so that could get really expensive when put up against .223 white box.... the best way to learn to shoot is to shoot lots.....
 
Unagi604 said:
if you're planning to do the type of shooting where you're spamming bullets where barrel heat would be a problem, maybe you should re-think about shooting any animals. it would be kind of cruel to shoot them without taking clean shots.
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Im guessing you have never went on a gopher shoot ? barrel heat becomes an issue very quickly. And the gophers dont suffer.
 
Haha!! a lot of different opinions witch is great! I understand a hand gun is different but I can shoot a 9mm well from 25 yards I think I can handle a bit more than a .22LR.

So far I think I will go with a .223 and now I just want to decide on how much to spend on it. I can either get a Savage axis XP for $369.00 or go with a Sako A7 with Burris full field scope for $1000.00 (plus tax)I say these rifles with these prices cause that is what a local dealer has in stock and giving me for a price.

The question is too spend little and get experience with it then buy a better one or spend a bit more on a quality gun and keep it. I know that sako A7 is a great price but not sure I want to spend that much right now. Also a lot of great reviews on the Savage axis.
 
Rotax said:
Haha!! a lot of different opinions witch is great! I understand a hand gun is different but I can shoot a 9mm well from 25 yards I think I can handle a bit more than a .22LR.

So far I think I will go with a .223 and now I just want to decide on how much to spend on it. I can either get a Savage axis XP for $369.00 or go with a Sako A7 with Burris full field scope for $1000.00 (plus tax)I say these rifles with these prices cause that is what a local dealer has in stock and giving me for a price.

The question is too spend little and get experience with it then buy a better one or spend a bit more on a quality gun and keep it. I know that sako A7 is a great price but not sure I want to spend that much right now. Also a lot of great reviews on the Savage axis.
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If you are looking at an A7, I'd look at a tikka or a Savage for way less dough. I never thought there was any thing special about an A 7 myself? FS
 
Fassteel said:
If you are looking at an A7, I'd look at a tikka or a Savage for way less dough. I never thought there was any thing special about an A 7 myself? FS
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The Tikka T3 lite is going for $900 for just the gun and the deal on that Sako A7 is The rifle, rings and scope for $1000 so its only a $100 more and you get the Sako. I think they are very similar gun and if it was to come to full price on the Sako A7 I wouldn't buy it but one feature I do like about the Sako is that you can work the action with the safety on.

A friend of mine has multiple Tikka's and he said there isn't much difference in the 2 but he would grab the Sako in a heart beat. He said he wish's his tikka's would have that type of safety. I guess its all about choices..
 
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