Varmint Rifle recommendation

[doc25]

If you're talking 100 yds I would go with the 22 mag or 17 hmr minimum. If not get a small center fire.

 

[Brutus]

For a guy with limited experience shooting at animals I wouldn't recommend anything smaller than a .223. Too many chances of wounding and suffering needlessly.

"The holder of a varmint licence shall only hunt with one of the following: A rim-fire or centre-fire rifle of less than .23 calibre."

My older 222 has killed a boatload of varmints including a grey wolf.

just saying

 

[Dobbin19]

I dont know if he is interested but you can also hold a 12 gauge with a varmint license. Probably not great for 100yds but if he is shootin racoons he should be able to get closer.

Just a thought.

 

[hoytcanon]

I have one of these in 17hmr. Best it shoots is 1.5" at 100 yards. Was hoping for better. I even glass bedded it and tried all the ammo out there.

I have yet to find one that won't do MOA @ 100 yards... I have four right now, two 93R17's and two MKII .17 HM2's... two of which do cconsistent 1/2 MOA groups.

For the OP... I would look for a used Savage 93R17 or a Marlin V17... both can shoot... and with the 20 grain XTP loads you can cleanly take coyotes to 100 with a well placed shot.

 

[Csik boatguy]

I have a marlin 917vs 17 hmr and what a tack driver put a Loonie over 7 shots at 100 yds on a bad day and very effective on grouse all but benched my 22s for that job definitely recommend one for varmints

 

[can14]

Chickens at 25 Yards? I though one got closer than that to them . lol look for nice used rifles in 22 and 223 . 22 is cheap to shoot
and 223 comes in surplus at good prices.

 

[Collint2005]

A 17hmr in a H&R should be pretty cheap, accurate. A 22 mag would be good too. 17 or 22 hornet for a little more power. Anything 223 and smaller I think would work for what he's doing.

 

[titch--]

My Savage Savage 93R17 shoots good to when I do my part

 

[Tazzy]

My older 222 has killed a boatload of varmints including a grey wolf.

just saying

I like the .222 myself but I know how hard it is to find ammo for it in these parts.

 

[Brutus]

I like the .222 myself but I know how hard it is to find ammo for it in these parts.

Yes, sadly that true friend. I've notice a steady decline in new ammo and brass for this one in most rural Alberta stores since year 2000.

The irony here is, in the last few years now, 22 Hornet brass/ammo is somewhat easier to locate!

 

[SHELL SHUCKER]

Yes, sadly that true friend. I've notice a steady decline in new ammo and brass for this one in most rural Alberta stores since year 2000.

The irony here is, in the last few years now, 22 Hornet brass/ammo is somewhat easier to locate!

Ye can thank makers such as Savage & CZ for getting the .22 Hornet more popular again, and rightly so.
Dang nice varmint remover out to 150+ yds.

 

[SgtMjr]

Thx to all you guys and your suggestions and comments. We made the trip to Mcadam and saw the folks at The Gun Dealer( nice store BTW). Had a good talk with them and a look 'round. My B in law has some work to do and decisions to make now but thanks to this thread and the help from the dealer we both understand a lot more on varmint guns.