Author Topic: Varmint and range rifle (Read 976 times)

Buckfever · « **on:** October 04, 2004, 08:22:58 AM »

Thinking about a .223 for range and varmints. I would appreciate any information. I thought the .223 was good because of the price of ammo. Please any information will be helpful I have never owned a varmint gun. So caliber, gun maker, model, ammo and scope any and all will be appreciated.
Thanks Buckfever

handirifle · « **Reply #1 on:** October 04, 2004, 08:49:35 AM »

Not sure what a range rifle is, vut a 223 is good to coyote sized game aout to 400yds with the right bullets. Some might go farther. Some have used it on small dder with proper bullets but a 243 would be better if deer are in the picture.

Most 223 are very accurate, and cheap to shoot. Couldn't say enough good about it for many reasons. It may not be the BEST caliber for all choices, but it is usually at least number 2 in way more categories than many other calibers. Example, a 22-250 will have more power, more range, but will cost a lot more in the long run. Uses more powder and has more noise more recoil.

Ammo is more expensive.

Patriot_1776 · « **Reply #2 on:** October 04, 2004, 08:53:26 AM »

Provided weight and price are not an issue, I would recommend you look into the Weatherby Super Varmint Master (SVM) or the Threat Response Rifle (TRR). But if weight is an issue, then they also have the Super Predator Master (SPM) which weighs in at 6 1/4 pounds. They are all available in the most likely calibers for zapping varmints from long range, and putting five shots as close as you can get them at 100 yds. Although, the TRR is more the LE tactical version, with only two listings: .223 Rem, and .308 Win. Scope-wise, I'd say if your shots could run kinda long, go with the Leupold Vari-X III LR series, or any of the other very powerful scope offerings by Leupold. I have the Vari-X III 6.5-20x50mm. Along with the mil-dot reticule, it has been able to fit my needs (I myself like long range precision shooting, so I would desire the more powerful scopes.) Like I said, these recommendations are based on quality and assurance, not supreme affordability. But either way, others may also chime in on their preferences, so keep us informed on what you decide.

Patriot

www.weatherby.com/rifles/lw_svm.shtml
www.weatherby.com/rifles/lw_threat.shtml
www.weatherby.com/rifles/lw_spm.shtml
www.leupold.com/products/scopes.asp

Questor · « **Reply #3 on:** October 04, 2004, 11:13:14 AM »

The 223 is a versatile and economical smallbore that is effective on small critters to 300 yards easily, and beyond 300 yards with more marksmanship. A step up in performance with the likes of the 22-250 and 220 Swift and 223 WSSM (or is it WSSSSSSSSSSSSSM?) means a big increase in powder consumption, heat, and wear. The 223 is not just popular because it's a military round. It's good in its own right.

handirifle · « **Reply #4 on:** October 04, 2004, 01:47:07 PM »

Buckfever
While not at pretty, take a look at the Savage model 12 series (many models) http://savagearms.com/12fv.htm
if you want a heavy barrel.

For a sporter weight barrel look at the hunter series http://savagearms.com/11f.htm For a bit less money. These are ALL very accurate with the new trigger and can be had in wood, laminated ot compositie stocks.

If it is something you want to carry around I'd stay away from heavy barrels, too much weight.

If cost is an issue, look at the NEF or H&R Ultra Varmint for around $250, very accurate also.

DIVR6347 · « **Reply #5 on:** October 05, 2004, 05:37:00 PM »

hey
depending on your budget you might look at a cz 527 varmint
in .223 i have the laminated stock version and can tell you they are
impressive right out of the box i mounted the new for 04 nikon buckmasters 4x12x50 a/o scope on mine and what a rig it is
if you want something more along the lines of a walking varmint rifle
check out the tikka t3 in .223 its light weight and as accurate as all get out
not to mention a great quality rifle
good luck and happy varminting!!
divr6347

kjeff50cal · « **Reply #6 on:** October 06, 2004, 06:32:53 PM »

Buckfever,
As you surmise by now there are many options. If you mean a relatively short fast handling rifle that is easily carried either on horseback or in a 4X4 you have a some what wide choice of light to medium boltactions by Remington, Winchester, CZ, & Tikka. The NEF/H&R and Rossi single shots are also viable. If you want a range rifle in semi-auto there is the AR-15 clones, Saiga- sportsterized AK47s, and the Volquartsen. The Volquartsen looks like a 10/22 on streroids (very un-military). BTW if you look at the cowboys actual range rifles you will find many very long barreled long guns. My Great-grandfather's Winchester 73 (44-40) has a 30" "bull barrel" (octagon) & he was a cowboy and a rancher.

kjeff50cal

DWARREN123 · « **Reply #7 on:** October 19, 2004, 10:16:33 AM »

I have a CZ Varmint in the H.S. Precision stock, very accurate out of the box, Bushnell Legend scope (5-15X40AO). The stock felt strange at first but now I like it. Gets 5 rounds in 1/2 inch at 100 yards when I do my part, worst group of 5 at 100 yards has been 1 1/8 inches.

mjbgalt · « **Reply #8 on:** October 19, 2004, 12:39:08 PM »

depends how far you wanna shoot and how much power you need. i got a savage .17HMR rifle tonight for that reason, to carry for varmints and to have something in between my heavy varmint rig .243 and my light .22LR.

This rifle is a great rig, and i think it might be what youre looking for if you have smaler animals and less than 200 yards to shoot.

just a thought to make your decision harder, lol.

-Matt

Somerled · « **Reply #9 on:** October 19, 2004, 12:44:53 PM »

Buckfever:

The Savage rifles shoot extremely well and don't gouge the pocket. The 10FP in .223 would also be a good option. It is the law enforcement rifle with the heavy barrel. Then you'll have extra money to get a great scope.

I also like the Remington 700VS. As others have said, you might consider getting a .22-250 if ranges will regularly exceed 250-300 yards.

Most .223 varmint rifles now have a 1-9" twist. It will handle heavier bullets as well as the lighter. I like loads using the 52 or 53 grain match bullets. That is for punching paper. I use Hornady 60-grain hollow points for most everything else. Winchester "White box" ammo with the 45-grain bullets shoots well for a lot of people. I usually handload my ammo.

Donaldo · « **Reply #10 on:** October 19, 2004, 06:06:56 PM »

Buckfever,
I don't know what experience you have shooting rifles that can have heavy recoil. If this is to be your first centerfire rifle the 223 is probably a perfect choice. I went the route of 6.5 wildcat, 243 custom mauser, 30-06 custom mauser, 7x57 mauser, 22-250 custom mauser, 223 handi rifle in the ultra varmint. Just bought a 270 Win in Weatherby Vanguard and a Savage 110F hunter in 243. Now what do I like to shoot the best of all. Yep the 223 handi rifle. Even though I am a pretty big guy, 6-3, 200 plus, I am recoil sensitive and don't really enjoy more than a few rounds thru the harder kicking guns. I guess that is why I love the 223 so much. It makes plenty of noise, just the right amount of kick and shoots better than I can most of the time. If you want a very underrated scope, look at the Simmons ATV, if you can find one. I have two and am very impressed with them.

Graybeard · « **Reply #11 on:** October 19, 2004, 06:15:53 PM »

I would buy any version of the Remington 700 Varmint rifle. I guess I've owned about all of them and not a single one has failed to turn in five shot groups of under 1/2" straight out of the box with no alterations of any kind needed. Well except I do usually adjust the trigger pull a tad lighter on most but then that's needed on almost everything these days. At least the trigger is easily adjustable.

Coyote Hunter · « **Reply #12 on:** October 20, 2004, 02:46:46 AM »

Buckfever -

The .223 is a great choice. while it gives up a few yards to its bigger bretheren the .22-250 and .220 Swift, etc., it more than makes up for that in ammo costs. I have a .22-250 that I handload for and wouldn't mind having a .223 that I could just buy cheap ammo for.

As to rifles, I'm partial to Rugers and the .22-250 is the laminated/stainless VT (Varmint/Target) with heavy barrel and target trigger. 0.5" groups at 200 yards.

My previous rifle was a Savage 110E and I gained a lot of respect for Savage shooting that rifle - you should check out the newer models - Savbage has a good rep for being great shooters right out of the box.

gunnut69 · « **Reply #13 on:** October 20, 2004, 09:00:21 AM »

300 yards is a long way for a 223 to kill coyotes. There just isn't enough energy there for an authoritative kill. The 22-250/22 Swift is much better and the 24/25 bores(243,6mmRem,etc) are better... The 223 is fine with smaller targets all the way to 400+ yards(with good shooting)..for small varmits. Coyotes are very tough and long shots are fairly common in the more open areas of the territories.. It is a great starter cartridge though as ammo is readily available and fairly cheap.. The White box winchester usually shoots really well.. so it makes a great range gun.. and a varmiter as long as range and target size are kept in prospective.

Donaldo · « **Reply #14 on:** October 21, 2004, 05:11:07 AM »

since some have mentioned the 22-250 and the WW econo pack 45 grn JHP I have a report on velocity. They advertise 4,000 fps. I chronoed 2 of them thru my FN Mauser, shilen 24" barrel 22-250 yesterday. One at 4,054 and the other at 4,093 fps. And they are pretty darn accurate. None of my loading manuals list a 45 grain load above 4,000 fps if I remember right. So these things do what they advertise, which is rare these days.