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WHAT CAL. FOR A VARMINT RIFLE( wedding gift)

mhansonmhanson Member Posts: 79 ✭✭
edited February 2002 in Ask the Experts
OK I need a varmint rifle for the future son-in-law now what caliber would be the best 223 22-250 or 243 for praire dogs at 2-600 feet. I don't know anything about praire dog hunting so what about the differances in the calibers ect. I do have 3 AR15s so I do know a little about the 223 also I was thinking about the rem 700 varmint in a heavey barrlegood? bad? any coments would be helpfull thank you
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Comments

  • salzosalzo Member Posts: 6,396 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Not an expert, and not going to give advice-but I Have a .243 that I use out to 150 yards, and it is a great woodchuck gun. The other nice feature with the .243, is it can be used as a deer gun. I do not know about the 22-250s versatility, but I do know the .243 is very versatile.
    Happiness is a warm gun
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  • gap1916gap1916 Member Posts: 4,977
    edited November -1
    He would love a .223 in an AR configuration. My favorite is Armalite.
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  • CS8161CS8161 Member Posts: 13,596 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    22-250! SUPER varmint caliber!
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  • JustCJustC Member Posts: 16,056 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    22-250, and you already have chosen the perfect rifle. Rem 700 vs with stainless fluted barrel.
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  • SP45SP45 Member Posts: 1,761 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Unless he is going to reload the price of ammo is a major consideration. There are many very good calibers and for most it is a matter of personal preference. Bigger and faster cost more and reduces the life of the barrel. The .223 in a good varmint configuration will take care of the vast majority of shooting and the availability and cost of ammo is easier on the pocketbook.
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  • laxcoachlaxcoach Member Posts: 1,296 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    At the risk of p---ing off the 22-250 fans, here's another option--the 25-06. Advantages-1) heavier bullets= less wind distortion, 2) better trajectory WAY out there, 3) versatile= can and is (by my family) used as a great deer cartridge.
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  • leeblackmanleeblackman Member Posts: 5,303 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    .223rem, .22-250, .220swift, 6mm PPC, .243win, .260rem. Pretty much any of these are great for dusting varmints.
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  • paboogerpabooger Member Posts: 13,953
    edited November -1
    I love my 22 Hornet for varmits, although it isnt real effective for anything further than 200 yards. I have a Ruger s/s bull barrel. My 14 year old dropped a white tail this year with it 200 yds away. Ammo is a little pricy though, best to reload!
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  • BoomerangBoomerang Member Posts: 4,513
    edited November -1
    If it is only going to be used for varmints and it is going to be in a 700 action with a bull barrel (the gun will exceed 10.5 lbs with scope), then go with a .223 Rem. A heavy rifle is not going to be used to go hunting with anyway so a heavier caliber is not necessary.The .223 is cheaper on ammo in the long run. I suggest either a Savage or a Remington 700 LTR. Both come with the 1 in 9 twist that stabilize the heavier buddits. The Savage is a fine rifle, and the much cheaper rifle of the two. Which rifle you get him really depends on how much you like the guy. Now having said all of the above, I also really like the .25-06.Boomer
    Protect our Constitutional Rights.[This message has been edited by Boomerang (edited 02-18-2002).]
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  • pjpjrpjpjr Member Posts: 125 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    220 swift all the way!
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  • shootlowshootlow Member Posts: 5,425
    edited November -1
    .17 REM
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  • will270winwill270win Member Posts: 4,845
    edited November -1
    Out of the ones you listed I would go with the 243. Very versatile caliber! Wish I had bought that caliber.
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  • DENWADENWA Member Posts: 390 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Rem 700 in 243 will do both varmints and in the future deer hunting if you two want some bonding time together!BTW do you have any other daughters? I want a new varmint rifle too!
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  • Richie RichRichie Rich Member Posts: 439 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I have all of the above, since I just picked up my 22-250 today in the varmint syn. 26" hvy barrel. it was 400. the rem in vls is 550. the vs is 649 and the vssf was 725. So what I did was buy the savage and put a good scope on it.Yes I do reload which played alot on my decision But I have always wanted a 22-250.I do still love my 243,223 and 2506.Good luck and he won't be hurt with any of them. Rich
    Remember,"your woman may not find you handsome, But atleast she'll find ya handy". I love that show..............
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  • mhansonmhanson Member Posts: 79 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    DENWA sorry last daughter (thank god) no I realy hate to see her leave. thank you for all the replies it will be a hard choice. alot of good advice
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