Encore barrel for varmit hunting

[punisher]

All,
I am trying to decide which barrel I should get (varmit hunting) for my
Encore. Is the pro-hunter better (mor accurate) than the standard heavy bull barrel ?
I am debating on either a .223 or .204.

[skb2706]

Guaranteed to make the right decision if you get both. As far as which one is the better choice.....um...both.

[Redhawk1]

I think either the Pro-hunter or standard Encore will work fine. I have a standard SS Heavy Encore 22-250 barrel  and I shot golf balls at 200 yards with no problem.
As far as you round choice, I would go with the 223. I prefer the 22-250 though. 

[Davemuzz]

Punisher,

I took a peek at your info and I see your from Michigan. So, I'm gonna assume that is where you do your varmit hunting. So, varmits like priarie dogs are not in your life. But groundhogs, crows, maybe fox and such are.

That being said I will tell you that I shoot the 223 from my Contender with a 24" barrel. The 223 has no problem with fat groundhogs out to 400 yards using 40 grain Nosler balistic tip bullets at maximum loads. (That's about 3600fps mv).

Now, the 204 ruger (which I have no experience with) is suppose to be an excellent varmit bullet as well. It has speed on it's side (I think 4000fps or better) which always helps in exploding small furry things. From what I've read it is as accurate as anything.

So there, that's a big help. I will say that I'm not rushing out to get a 204 Ruger barrel. Heck, I'm not even walking out to get one. I love my 223. If I were "starting over".....I dunno....I would say do more research....like your doing now. Then decide.

I will say that I hunt with a buddy that shoots a 22-250. And for what we hunt, (Groundhogs and smaller) the 223 does everything the 22-250 does. (Now remember...I am qualifying it for Groundhogs and smaller!!!!). Also, the 22-250 will give you on average 500fps faster speed for every grain weight of bullet over the 223, but it will also take an average of 10 grains of powder per shell to do this. Now, that's probably not a big deal, but dead is dead to a groundhog.....even when it cost less to do it.

Dave.

[Keith L]

I have the .204 in a Contender and love it.  But I expect I would be just as happy with a .223.  I am no help either.  Sorry.

[punisher]

So, Is the extra $50 worth it to get the Pro Hunter ?

[kudzu]

Have not any experiance with the reg. encore barrels, but both my 22-250 and 25-06 PH barrels are super accurate.
So I would have to say yes to the 50 bucks.

[Davemuzz]

Gheee Punisher, I dunno.

My 223 is the 24" Contender so that doesn't help you there.

I have a new Pro-hunter, but that's in 243 so that doesn't help you there. But I will say the PH is one accurate shooter.

I don't think the PH barrels are anymore accurate than the Encore barrels. I think it's just an appearence issue. So, if you want the fluted barrel, and one that's a little longer, buy the PH barrel, if not then just get the Encore.

Like I said with the 22-250 and the 223, dead is dead. (But then, I bot the PH 'cause I like the way it looks).

Dave.

[Heavy C]

I believe the only real advantage you'll gain with the ProHunter is the cooling the flutes will offer.  Accuracy will be real good either way.  I have a 21" bull in .223 for my Contender and it is a shooter.  I went with the .223 instead of the .22-250 for a better selection of ammo off the shelf.  Plus if you do a lot of shooting the .223 won't burn out your barrel as quickly.  Both are great rounds.  Just my 2 cents.

[punisher]

Well,
I found a deal on a new Pro Hunter in .22-250 I could not refuse.
Now I need a scope but have a limited budget for that at the moment.
Can anyone reccommend a quality varmit scope under $200 ?
Does not have to be a super high tech tactital or any thing like that, just
a quality scope that goes up to 16X or so (mostly coyotes).

[punisher]

What forend do I need for this barrell, just a regular heavy forend ?
Also, where can I get the best price on a stock, prefer the thumbhole type.

[sexton147]

Just the reg. Rifle fore end will work. I also just got the PH 250 barrel. I put on the Simmons Varmint scope...6.5-20X40. So far I like it alot, its pretty long but you can see as far as you will ever need. I thought clarity might not be as good as some of the higher end scopes but its pretty clear. Im shooting Hornady 40gr. V-Max Molys with great results

[Heavy C]

Punisher,

You might try Gunstocks Inc.  Ed produces some nice thumbhole stocks and a variety of forends.  He even has a varminter forend which has a wider base.  You need to be aware that these are unfinished and you have to do the sanding and apply the finish yourself.  For me it allowed me to finish the stocks just the way I wanted.

I also use a Simmons 6 x 20 also and it has served me well.

[Junebug]

If its an option the .243 is hard to beat for a coyote/deer rig. +1.5 at 100yd -7@300  worth a look

[mtfury]

  I just bought a 22-250 PH 28" SS Fluted Barrel for my T/C PH.  I took it out the other day and shot 50 rounds thru it with a MOA of 1".  The barrel cools very fast and was quite accurate right out of the box.  I believe with a little variation in my reloads I can get it to shoot 1/2" groups at a 100yds with no trouble.  I personally like the 22-250 for a varmint rifle because I can also use it on Deer and Antelope here in Montana.  I have taken several deer and antelope with a 22-250 loaded with 55 gr. SP bullets.