.243 or .22-250?

SkyJoker1

Hello,I'm looking to get a really nice rifle for target shooting longer ranges, with a possibility of varmint hunting in my future. First, are there any quality .22's out there in bolt-action form that I can buy besides the new Kimber .22 which costs $1000? Does the .243 kick too much for enjoyable shooting at the range or plinking long-distance? And how is the kick on the .22-250? Comparable to a .223 Remington? Thanks.Nick

DaRoosta

Man, you need alot of information. Long-range plinking and varmint's would probably be suited best by a .243 or 25-06, as you mentioned. The .243 rounds are available everywhere, which may make it a little better choice. Recoil on any of these is fairly minimal, but obvioulsy more than any .22.As far as .22's besides the Kimber, there are many. There is the Browning Buckmaster and the Ruger Target's which both have heavy barrels, yet only weigh about 6 lbs. each. They go for somewhere between $450 and $500 from what I can tell. You could go for a used Winchester Model 52, which is a beast of a .22 (heavy), but will do a great job. If you can find someone who is willing to sell one, you might be able to get one in that same price range. The Model 52 is basically what many smallbore target shooters used before things like Kimber and Anschutz became popular and more readily available. The way I would make a decision is based on how much I would shoot it and what I was going to use it for. Obviously, if you're going to shoot alot, the .22 rounds are so much less expensive that it might be worth it to look at that option. As far as "long range", that's where the hitch is. Is long range 100, 200, 300, 500 yards? If it's anywhere outside 200-yard plinking, you're much better off with something other than a .22. Just my opinion. I hope some of this babble made some sense and helps you in some way.

modoc

Hi.Buy a 22-250 and fall in love.Doesn't much matter which one as they all will shoot better than most people can shoot them.Leave the expensive guns to somebody that is finiky to the point of obsession.modocPs,the 22-250 kicks 20% more than the 222.m[This message has been edited by modoc (edited 09-05-2001).]

DaRoosta

You might want to look at this auction: http://www.gunbroker.com/auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=1914930 It's for a fairly nice Kimber .22 with no reserve. Medium heavy barrel, nice wood, etc.

leeblackman

Buy a .223 with a 1in7" to a 1in9" twist barrel, which will alow you to use heavier grain bullets. I also like the .22-250. You might even look into the .22PPC or 6mm PPC. Even a Ruger 77/22 in the .22hornet.Make sure to properly break the barrel in, and dont go cheap on the optics. Handloading saves bookoo money, and get that premium performance.

rg666

leeblackman is on the "money" so to speak. I would buy the 223 because its cheap to shoot. I love the 22-250 too. The 243, I have found can be hard to find a good handload for. To further screw you up I think my favorite 22 cal is the 220 swift. So to recap.223- good power cheap to shoot22-250- excellent accuracy, good varmint gun243- excellent small caliber deer gun220 swift- serious velocity with excellent accuracy.Now the hard part. Make a choice!!!!Good Luck, RG.

leeblackman

Don't forget the .17rem. You'd have to handload for it, but you can put a 25gr bullet easily at 4000+ fps.Broke out my shooter's bible, here's some rifle ballistics data for ya..17remington (15-40gr) 25gr @ 4040fps.22hornet (30-45gr) 35gr @ 3100fps.222remington (40-55gr) 50gr @ 3140fps.223remington (40-75gr) 55gr @ 3240fps.22PPC 52gr @ 3300fps.224 Weatherby Mag. 55gr @ 3650fps.22-250Remington (40-60) 55gr @ 3680fps.220swift (40-60) 50gr @ 3850fps6mm PPC 68gr @ 3100fps.243Winchester (55-100) 70gr @ 3400fps

SkyJoker1

Leeblackman,Where do you get information like that? What's this "Shooter's Bible"? Thanks to everyone for the help. I'm thinking about a Sigarms 202 or a Weatherby Sporter in .243 Win so I can go after everything from varmints to deer.-Nick

cpermd

SkyDo you want the best technical answer or the practical answer?22-250 220 Swift is my Baby6mm Rem is better every way25-06 IS THE KING

John Wayne Fan

LOL this is funny buy this buy that. as you can see opoins vary widely on this subject I love the .243 cartidge and have had no problems handloading for it. I use it primarily for a light brush gun for blacktail deer, mulies I use a .270 or 7mm rem mag. I due want a 22-250. I just read an article on the savage heavy barrel and it was good. It beat the Ruger,HR and a Sako in accuracy and its not badly priced. I think i might get that one, but I havent made up my mind

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"Fill your hands you son of a *"....John Wayne ....True Grit

leeblackman

You've never heard of a Shooter's Bible, its a annually published book containing all types of information on currently produced firearms, accessories, ammunition, etc. I picked mine up at Wal-mart for like $16. I always make an effort to get my hands on every current firearms publication I can. The information is invaluable. I have a small library of old magazines, catalogs, and books that I use for reference. I never through any of it away, my old lady hates it.

varmit hunter

cpermd,you hitem perfect,Have all of them love all of them.25/06 king......