Winchester HB Varmint model

[Marty]

Howdy Folks,
I've been looking at a new Winchester Heavy Barrel Varmint model in 22/250. It came out around 1994 as  the predecessor to the Stealth I and II models; basically same but this has a stainless barrel. Any comments from current owners as to accuracy and satisfaction?  Thanks for your time.

Marty

[oneshotonekill]

I have a heavy varmit I bought about 2.5 years ago used.  I was told it came from the Winchester custom shop but sounds exactly like the gun you described.  It has a 24" heavy stainless barrel, blued action and sits in a HS Precision stock.  It says heavy varmit on the barrel.  If this is the same gun you are considering purchasing I would definately recommend it.  The one I have is a real tack driver, and I love the HS precision stock.  I got mine as a package with scope, bipod, and sling it looked like new when I got it.  I've only put a few hundred rounds thru it but it likes everything I fed it.

[Iowegan]

I have the Winchester M-70 in a 22-250. I bought it new in 1996. It has the composite stock and a non-fluted 26" stainless heavy bull barrel. The gun shoots amazing groups and functions perfect. It has an adjustable trigger so I set it for 2.5 lbs. The stock is a bit too straight for me so I added an Eagle cheek pad. My '70 is topped with a Leupold 4.5X14 50mm scope. It's one prairie dog killin' machine! I'm usually a Remington rifle guy but I wouldn't part with this Winnie.

[Marty]

Hi Guys,
Thanks for your comments. I think I am going to pick this one up before it disappears from the dealer's rack. I had a Remington 40XBKS a couple of years ago that I had to part with, and am hoping this will do as a good replacement; I think it will.  Any suggestions on bullet or powder preference for your HB Varmints?

Marty

[jonr]

I have a Win Heavy Varmint in .308 topped with a Vari-X III 4.5X14X50 and absolutely love it! I consistently get around .630 to the inch groups at 100yrds if I do my part. I am sure the gun will shoot better than I can.
I load 42.5 or 43.5 grains of Varget with a CCI large rifle bench primer.
Neck size the cases only and Lee factory crimp.

This is a great rifle and if it is available in a .22-250 to you I would snatch it up before its gone.

Hope this helps and I hope you enjoy it!

Jonr

[Iowegan]

My pet 22-250 load is a 55 gr Nosler Ballistic tip seated out to .010 from the lands. I use 36 gr of Varget and a WLR primer. Groups at 100 yds are seldom over 1/2". They chrono at 3650 fps.

[Marty]

Jonr, Iowegan.
I favor Nosler bullets too, Iowegan. I will try your load info. working up to it slowly as one should. Thanks much guys.
I was planning on getting some Varget for testing my Sako HB 308, so this should work out quite nicely.  :grin:

Marty

[jonr]

Sorry! The .308 load I mentioned above is for a Sierra MatchKing 168 grn BTHP.

 

[Marty]

Hi Jonr
Thanks for the note; I was wondering when you might notice that. Will add that to my load data.  :-)

Marty

[Mike in Ct]

I have the 26 inch heavy barrel Stealth model..The barrel is smooth as glass on the insides & it cleans up very easy & shows little fouling with pretty stiff handloads..My favorite is IMR 4064..near full power with any good 55gr bullet.& Win. 748 powder & Mag. primers...this gun is consistently under .5 of an inch at 100 yds..& has bested .399 at 200 on occasion..The gun came to me used with less than 500 factory rounds put thru it..Check the trigger & action screws...Ask if they will let you push a patch thru the barrel...a simple dummy round (NO POWDER OR PRIMER) will if seated out as far as possible..help you determine where the rifling begins...you will find best accuracy when bullets are seated at or near to the lands..This usually means a round that won't fit in the magazine..proper loading of this round will produce fantastic accuracy in any decent bolt gun..I've only had one lemon out of 5 differant 22 250's.over the past 25 years...The only modification I would do is a Timney  trigger..& a Harris bi-pod..I use 6.5 X 20 leupold scope..For hunting set at 12 power it is enough to do real fine long range shooting on calm days..Mike in Ct

[Marty]

Yo Mike,
Shades of my 40X. I was using 4064 in it with near max. loads and it shot very well. Should have some fun working up comparable loads for the Win.  I see you have been doing well with your Stealth. I checked one out at a local dealers and was thinking of getting one until I came across the older HB Varmint. I think they're both good rifles. Thanks for your comments.

Marty

[Mike in Ct]

No problem, I'm taking the gun to Pa this week..& I'm going to use the harris bi-pod in the field for the first time...The D*** thing is so heavy using it for hunting is not easy...I'm hoping the bi-pod is faster & easier than setting up my modified golf cart in the field..I'm keeping the golf cart, mini tri-pod, waterproof pad & sandbags handy until I get this thing & me to function as a unit..Its the heaviest gun I have ever used in the field..shooting it offhand is a chore..& lugging it around without the golf cart will ruin my bad neck...I must look goofy to the farmers & the woodchucks...When I figure it out I'll post some pics of my varmint gun on wheels..<grin> Mike in Ct who hunts in Pa & N.H...

[Marty]

Mike,
I don't think those woodchucks will be thinking too much once you hit the range and spot them.  :wink:
Will be looking out for the pic.s

Marty

[Mike in Ct]

Marty did you buy that gun?? I had a great two days off hunting thru the northcentral countys of Pa. & I only took the 22-250 ..I did get some pics of the countryside my gun & a huge woodchuck...I need to figure out how to post pics or build a link to them...mike in ct

[Marty]

Hi Mike,
I haven't got it yet, but intend to. A friend of mine just picked up a new Anschutz heavy barrel in .222 a day ago. The test target was 3/4 inch @ 100yds. I was surprised the group was not smaller. I told him he could probably improve it with handloads. I had actually given the Anschutz some thought too, but actually like the Winchester better, even though I own a couple of Annies. Can't say I am prejudiced! Plus the 22/250 has a distance advantage too.
Will keep an eye on your upcoming pic.s

Marty

[Mike in Ct]

Marty I put up some pics in the general album.I'll add the golfcart for my rifle as soon as I can..mike in ct

[Marty]

Hey Mike,
Checked the pic.s; looks like  pretty neat riggin.

Marty