Varmint caliber

Ruger30-06

Ruger30-06

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What would you guys recomend for a varmint caliber? I wont be reloading it, so it would have to be something found at Wal-mart/ CDN tire.

Could also be used for deer at closer ranges. And for possibly long range shooting at the range.
 
My first instinct was to say a 223 but I don't think you can use that on deer in BC... at least I knowe you cant in Sask.

Then, if that's the case go with .243.

Its easily available, accurate, flat shooting, and small enough for gophers and coyotes, yet still big enough for deer. I also use mine for some long range stuff and its performing very well out of my Savage 12fv.

Just my 2 cents...
 
Go with .22-250. My Rem700 .22-250 shoots the Winchester whitebox ammo from Wallyworld very well. Usually 1/2" to 3/4" groups at 100 yards if I do my part. As mentioned above I don't know if .22 centrefire is legal for deer in BC.
 
223 is a good choice for targets and varmints for low cost shooting, and even legal for big game in BC, although I'd reccomend you stick to the 30-06 for deer
 
.223 is legal, but pushing it a little from an ethical perspective, if using off the shelf ammo.
.243 has a proven track record on deer, with the right bullets, and you can buy factory loads with good varmint bullets as well.

Gonna depend on your varmint supply, too. If you have a gopher patch for sustained shooting, a .243 is a little more expensive to feed. If you are dealing with 'Yotes, where a couple shots a day is more the norm, ammo costs are pretty much not a concern.

I'd go .243 if reloading is not an option. There are few choices in readily available ammo for the .223, that are suitable for less than optimal shots on deer.

Cheers
Trev
 
Any of the .24/6mm, .25, .26 or 6.5 calibres will do nicely.
Except for buffalo, the B.C. hunting regs don't mention calibres or bullet weights at all. However, the .22 centre fires are out for deer if you're only using factory ammo(even if you're not). Nearly all factory ammo uses a varmint bullet that is NOT suitable for deer sized game. Varmint bullets are designed to expand rapidly upon impact with little penetration. Deer sized game requires penetration and expansion after penetrating.
 
OK, lets take out the deer situation.

Now were are left with the following criteria:
-Ammo must be availble anywhere (wal-mart, cdn tire, ma and pa gun shop)
-Some what of a good bullet choice, but wont be reloading
-Could also be used for long range shooting
-Good for varmints (lets say gophers to cougar size game).


TB: I put deer size game in there incase I was out hunting varmints and saw a deer. my 30-06 and 308 are my #'s 1 and 2 for deer and up.
 
"...cougar size game..." No varmint bullets on them either. Males average 130 to 160 pounds. Females 90 to 110 pounds.
Any of the .24/6mm, .25, .26 or 6.5 calibres still applies. The .243 Win is everywhere though. Bullets under 80 grains are usually varmint bullets. And the rifling twist matters. Over 80 grain bullets prefer a fast twist.
Go have a look in your local Crappy Tire. It'll give you a good idea of what is readily available.
 
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