What is the smallest in 22 to 25 caliber?

Cleftwynd

Cleftwynd

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I am looking for a small centerfire in 22 to 25 caliber for plinking and teaching my son the ins and outs of shooting, hunting, firearm care and reloading.

I was thinking something similar to a 22 WMR but in centerfire so I can reload economically.
 
Go with a 223. You can reload match grade ammo for under 30 cents per loaded round . Load cheap bulk ammo for half of that. Once fired brass is free from most anyone. The rifle with good bullets will stomp deer and the like. And with higher BC bullets will shoot out farther than you'd imagine.

Trust me, if you get a 223 your other guns will be jealous...because it'll be the first one you grab to go shoot, and the last one you put away. ;)
 
The 223 is still more gun than I am looking for, however you make some valid points there!

The 22 Hornet is one I have been considering, I would like a rifle with about a 20" barrel and a light total weight for a smaller framed person. The 22 Mag is a bit small, and can't reload it, or I would have just used one I already own
 
I have a few rifles in pistol cartridges, I am looking for low recoil, low noise, small but fairly quick little bullet. The 44 carbine and 357 lever still are very loud. I am going to do a little research on rounds like the 204, 22 Hornet, and anything similar too see what's out there.
 
I am leaning towards the 218 Bee, or secondly the 22 Hornet.

Since I have never used either one, has anyone had experience with either one of these? How is the muzzle blast? Also, the 218 looks a little more modern with its shoulder, hopefully either would be good for reloading. If they made a 218 rimless.... Hmm maybe my next wildcat won't be a big game rifle after all!
 
The .218 Bee is a great cartridge. I had a Winchester Model 43. It has more power than the Hornet but is still mild sounding.

I also had a Savage Model 23 bolt action that had been re-lined from .25-20 to the Ellwood Epps version of the Improved .218 Bee. Excellent cartridge!

If you can find a good used .25-20 that would be good too.
 
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.223 can be downloaded to .22 Hornet ballistics using Blue Dot powder. This gives you the capability to use common and inexpensive once-fired brass and the ability to go beyond .22 Hornet ballistics, should the need arise.
 
9mm luger in a rifle would be timid and reloadable. Ruger pc9? Don't know of availability or status...
An older lever gun in 25-20?

You criteria is very limiting: Unless you want a rare European 5.6 rook, or "obsolete" cartridge you may be best to find a rifle chambered for 9mm luger (I get the impression you do not want to spend more than several hundred) or as tjhaile suggested, handload to low power a 223 or 222. With the last option, as your son grows, and recoil/muzzle blast no longer are an issue, the rifle can be loaded to normal levels for fleshy targets far away. :)
 
I did not mean to imply that I am trying to be cheap, cost of rifle does not matter, prefer high end. I had just meant I was looking for a smaller cartridge so reloading costs would be minimal as the rifle will most likely be used a lot. Just looking for very low recoil, low noise/muzzle blast centerfire rifle to play with a lot with my wife and son.

I am looking at CZ, or a nice figured walnut stocked high end rifle actually, something under $2,000 though before optics.
 
If you're looking at CZ, I would suggest trying to track one down in 221 fireball. If you're willing to spend $2000 before optics then that would be putting you into the range of a cooper :) I have a cooper in 20VT which is very nice - not too loud, fairly fast (32gr around 3650)......a fun little round.
 
One caution I might add. I have a 32-20, 22 Hornet, 444, and 32 Special because I like unusual older cartridges. It has been challenging finding components, tooling, and prices for brass and availability can be a real pain, 221 Fireball, 218 Bee and 25-20 might apply here. My Hornet is in a H&R and a bit crude but a ton of fun. I do highly recommend the caliber. However, the brass is a little thin and delicate requiring some care and if you push it case life isn't optimal. My 32-20 is the same and its the parent case for the 25-20. If CZ made the 22 Hornet in a lefty I'd already have one. I love these interesting cartridges but thought you should note these factors.

But for ease of supply and availability the 223 shines if you want to handload down. Good used 222's are available and occasionally new CZ's can be found in that cartridge. It appeals to me but every cartridge I own is poorly represented on the shelves here in Calgary.
 
What about a 222. My gopher hunting sidekick runs one in a BDL and it's not too loud and no recoil. Easy to find components & cheap to reload. Used for coyotes too.

Small cases make it a bit of a pain to reload though.
 
If you are going to use reduced loads in a .22 centerfire then you might as well step up to the .243 Winchester and reduce load that as well. You'll save yourself having to purchase another rifle when your son graduates to a deer rifle. Otherwise, I recommend the Browning A-Bolt Micro in .22 Hornet great little rifles they are!
 
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