Author Topic: I need recommendations on a rifle/caliber for target/varmint hunting?  (Read 4137 times)

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Offline Swift One

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Re: I need recommendations on a rifle/caliber for target/varmint hunting?
« Reply #30 on: September 20, 2012, 12:28:33 PM »
It's under 5" and that is sub MOA- period. Good Deal.  It's a big game rifle.  You will smoke check em for sure.
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Offline tomtomz

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Re: I need recommendations on a rifle/caliber for target/varmint hunting?
« Reply #31 on: October 07, 2012, 07:23:51 PM »
As a rancher, I prefer a Ruger Ranch rIfle carbine in 308 NATO. Perfect for any surprise shot on a coyote.

Dedicated varminters pack a ton of gear and lie in wait for the varmint. Heavy barrelled guns with a small HPBT
bullet from a 22-250 Varminter at mach 4 is good for flat shooting, but that is overkill.

I have three 22-250s, and all have the 1:12 twist that limits them to small bullets. Any 22-250 likely will do
the job, equip it with a 6-24 x 40 Bushnell  Banner mounted very low. An H&R handi-rifle with a 24" heavy barrel
sells for $200 and does very well for me, when I don't want to bring out my nicer rifles.

If you reload, a  .224 sabot in a 30/06 is a good, all purpose solution, provided that your
scope is friendly to deer hunting and varminting. I see my share of rich city fellers
who own the best and shoot the worst , so I recommend the thrifty approach until
your skill exceeds your gear.  Oh, and take your old pickup to visit the rancher, and get
 acquainted before the hunt.  We had to limit hunting due to the drought and the probability
of lighting a grass fire from your hot engine. 

300-500  yard shots are normal, so take a blanket or wear Carhart bibs and boots to battle sand burs.

Keep a snakeshooter on your hip, since snakes live in p-dog towns.

Offline tomtomz

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Re: I need recommendations on a rifle/caliber for target/varmint hunting?
« Reply #32 on: October 07, 2012, 07:31:35 PM »
IMO, the AR15 is an expdnsive, poor choice for varminting. They are cool. Look for a 7x57 Mauser to cove varminting through deer hunting.

Offline FPH

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Re: I need recommendations on a rifle/caliber for target/varmint hunting?
« Reply #33 on: October 07, 2012, 07:57:06 PM »
I like the .222 Rem. Mag. .204, 6mm, and the .308 in the .30  cal.

Offline FPH

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Re: I need recommendations on a rifle/caliber for target/varmint hunting?
« Reply #34 on: October 07, 2012, 08:06:30 PM »
Oh, rifle, probably the REM. VS then I'd drop 1,200.00 on a scope.

Offline tobster

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Re: I need recommendations on a rifle/caliber for target/varmint hunting?
« Reply #35 on: October 08, 2012, 10:11:40 AM »
It's your lucky day. All us experts here are more than willing to give you free advice and it will be worth every penny it costs..  I think the biggest variable in an accurate varmint/target rifle is the person behind the trigger. The more you shoot the better you'll shoot so pick something that's  easy on the wallet.  In rimfires a .22 is the obvious answer or maybe the .17HMR if you want a little more punch. If you want a centerfire a .223 is hard to beat. Don't get discouraged when you discover that there are a lot more sub minute-of-angle rifles on a computer keyboard than at the range. The more you shoot the quicker you'll decide what works best for you. Personally, I have a soft spot for the 22-250 and may just give the 25-06 a whirl before the fat lady sings.

Offline jhalcott

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Re: I need recommendations on a rifle/caliber for target/varmint hunting?
« Reply #36 on: October 08, 2012, 10:23:55 AM »
 Personally I prefer the 204 Ruger and 17HMR lately. The 22-250 is not as fast as the .204 and uses a bit MORE powder to get there. The 17HMR will kill groundhogs at well over 150 yards. It is also a good bit cheaper than the center fire ammo. I have used the 22-250,6mm and 7-08 in the past.but people are moving in to the areas I hunt and SOME complain of the noise these guns make. IF you have unpopulated areas that allow it the 22-250 CAN be a good rifle for targets and varmints. I KNOW the .204 will take a deer with the factory 32 grain bullet, so coyotes shouldn't be a problem. The HMR can be used around farm buildings with out scaring the animals OR the families! It is one very accurate cartridge in the Contender 14" barrel or Savage rifle! PLUS, you CAN SEE the bullet hit in the scope with both rounds!

Offline FPH

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Re: I need recommendations on a rifle/caliber for target/varmint hunting?
« Reply #37 on: October 08, 2012, 10:59:26 AM »
We definitely know how to spend your money!

Offline tomtomz

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Re: I need recommendations on a rifle/caliber for target/varmint hunting?
« Reply #38 on: October 13, 2012, 10:05:29 AM »

223 is a poor varminter in open country, IMO. I've used a Mini-14 carbine from the back of a snowmobile to chase & shoot coyotes as a kid to earn beer money from pelts, and I've been through barbed wire fences twice (OK the sled made it through, I got hung up in the wire.)


I've used that same carbine out the driver's window of a pickup while checking cattle, and killed many coyotes with it.


That said, if you are uphill from a prairie dog town you had better be within 200Y with a 223 and well-scoped to do any damage. Most people I know don't put a varminting scope on an AR or a Mini14. At 200Y, I can hear prairie dogs talking, so you know they can hear you. 500Y is more like the distance you'll need to keep a stealthy position from the Great Plains prairie dog.


Long shots take a Mach 4 bullet which shoots flat. I will forever advocate the 22-250 Varminter, with a very good 4-16x40 scope, or a 6-24x50 if you can deal with the higher scope mount for the 50mm bell - it changes your ballistics calculations if you do that sort of thing in the field.  Heck, we have our cell phones on us and call a ballistician at Hornady, Sierra, Speer, or whoever if our smartphone ballistics program is not giving accurate results.


http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,266372.0.html



Offline Qaz

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Re: I need recommendations on a rifle/caliber for target/varmint hunting?
« Reply #39 on: November 30, 2012, 07:53:27 AM »
If this tread is still open, here is the straight poop. There is not that much difference between a 223, 204 & 22-250 for varmints or predators. Most 1/2 moa rifles sure don't shoot anywhere close to that off sticks or your your knee while predator hunting. Don't believe it, put a target on a tire, fire the first shot, now roll it, take another shot. Any one that bases there opinion on the 223 from using a Ruger ranch rifle needs their head examined. The only accuracy they are known for is bad accuracy, and everyone that I have shot has proven that. Is it a good gun for its purpose, hell yes, decent accuracy out to 200yds and a quick follow up shot. IMO, better than an A/R, its cheaper and lighter weight. When it comes to target shooting the nut behind the rifle makes the biggest difference not the cartridge!

Offline SHOOTALL

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Re: I need recommendations on a rifle/caliber for target/varmint hunting?
« Reply #40 on: November 30, 2012, 09:28:00 AM »
I find the 223 or 204 easier to keep on target and see the hit or red mist over the 22-250 and the 22-250 less disturbed by wind.
If ya can see it ya can hit it !

Offline Buckskin

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Re: I need recommendations on a rifle/caliber for target/varmint hunting?
« Reply #41 on: December 02, 2012, 03:37:34 AM »
I find the 223 or 204 easier to keep on target and see the hit or red mist over the 22-250 and the 22-250 less disturbed by wind.

Actually according to data in my shooter program my 60gr vmax 223 drifts 3 inches more with 10mph crosswind at 500 yds than my 32gr Vmax 204.
Buckskin

"I have tried to live my life so that my family would love me and my friends respect me. The others can do whatever the hell they please.   --John Wayne

Offline tomtomz

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Re: I need recommendations on a rifle/caliber for target/varmint hunting?
« Reply #42 on: December 02, 2012, 09:51:51 AM »
BC affects time-in-flight through moving columns of air.

Minimize time-in-flight to minimize elevation, windage, and
shooting uphill/downhill corrections.

Offline Buckskin

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Re: I need recommendations on a rifle/caliber for target/varmint hunting?
« Reply #43 on: December 02, 2012, 03:08:32 PM »
BC affects time-in-flight through moving columns of air.

Minimize time-in-flight to minimize elevation, windage, and
shooting uphill/downhill corrections.

Correct, which would explain why a 4100 ft/sec bullet would drift less than a 2800 ft/sec bullet, even though it's just a tiny little 32 grainer.
Buckskin

"I have tried to live my life so that my family would love me and my friends respect me. The others can do whatever the hell they please.   --John Wayne

Offline Swift One

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Re: I need recommendations on a rifle/caliber for target/varmint hunting?
« Reply #44 on: December 03, 2012, 07:26:13 AM »
 
 
Quote
If this tread is still open, here is the straight poop. There is not that much difference between a 223, 204 & 22-250 for varmints or predators. Most 1/2 moa rifles sure don't shoot anywhere close to that off sticks or your your knee while predator hunting.

Very true.  Very true.  Making itty bitty little groups ona bench or in the prone off of a bag is great for load development.  But practicing in real world shooting conditions is where the true marksman hones his skills.
It's all a hot mess...........

Offline SHOOTALL

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Re: I need recommendations on a rifle/caliber for target/varmint hunting?
« Reply #45 on: December 04, 2012, 02:23:13 AM »
I find the 223 or 204 easier to keep on target and see the hit or red mist over the 22-250 and the 22-250 less disturbed by wind.

Actually according to data in my shooter program my 60gr vmax 223 drifts 3 inches more with 10mph crosswind at 500 yds than my 32gr Vmax 204.
OK  I find the faster 22-250 better . I like the other two for reason stated.
If ya can see it ya can hit it !

Offline Buckskin

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Re: I need recommendations on a rifle/caliber for target/varmint hunting?
« Reply #46 on: December 04, 2012, 04:22:55 AM »
I find the 223 or 204 easier to keep on target and see the hit or red mist over the 22-250 and the 22-250 less disturbed by wind.

Actually according to data in my shooter program my 60gr vmax 223 drifts 3 inches more with 10mph crosswind at 500 yds than my 32gr Vmax 204.
OK  I find the faster 22-250 better . I like the other two for reason stated.

Ha! I obviously miss read your post... But on a side note, the 22-250 is not faster, flatter shooting or better in wind than the 204. It's one of a handful of calibers that easily breaks the 4000 ft/sec barrier. Even if you tailored the same weight bullet and same velocity out of both calibers the 204 would out perform in every catergory due to the smaller diameter bullet. The 22-250 can shoot heavier bullets so will have more energy with some loads.  204 also uses a lot less powder than the 22-250
Buckskin

"I have tried to live my life so that my family would love me and my friends respect me. The others can do whatever the hell they please.   --John Wayne

Offline SHOOTALL

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Re: I need recommendations on a rifle/caliber for target/varmint hunting?
« Reply #47 on: December 04, 2012, 08:39:11 AM »
no but as i noted the recoil is more and the scope lifts out of the field of view onf the target and I miss the red mist  ;D  BTW when the wind is kicking I go with my 2506  ;)
If ya can see it ya can hit it !

Offline tomtomz

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Re: I need recommendations on a rifle/caliber for target/varmint hunting?
« Reply #48 on: December 04, 2012, 09:28:27 AM »
I can easily get 150  22-250 rounds from one pound of powder.

Offline Buckskin

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Re: I need recommendations on a rifle/caliber for target/varmint hunting?
« Reply #49 on: December 04, 2012, 11:32:23 AM »
I can easily get 150  22-250 rounds from one pound of powder.

Well I would sure hope so! I get 280 rounds with my 204.
Buckskin

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Offline tomtomz

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Re: I need recommendations on a rifle/caliber for target/varmint hunting?
« Reply #50 on: December 05, 2012, 01:43:25 PM »
So the price of powder is negligible in this discussion @ $23/lb Cabela's price.

Offline Buckskin

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Re: I need recommendations on a rifle/caliber for target/varmint hunting?
« Reply #51 on: December 06, 2012, 02:10:05 AM »
So the price of powder is negligible in this discussion @ $23/lb Cabela's price.

I wouldn't say negligible, I would say nearly double. At that price 8 cents per round vs 15 is quite a bit for similar results. 
Buckskin

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Offline tomtomz

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Re: I need recommendations on a rifle/caliber for target/varmint hunting?
« Reply #52 on: December 06, 2012, 05:40:02 AM »
My earlier estimates were conservative, but the actual math follows for the 22-250.

Assume 7000 gn per pound,@ $23.

A strong load of H380 is 38 gn and produces 184 rounds/pound. 13 cents for each powder load.

Other powder charges have loads as low as 30 gn, which could produce 233 loads/pound. 10 cents for each powder load.

I'd like to have a .204 myself. But I already have three 22-250s, and see no need
for the smaller rifle cartridge.

Offline hedgehoghunter

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Re: I need recommendations on a rifle/caliber for target/varmint hunting?
« Reply #53 on: December 09, 2012, 07:08:03 AM »
Out of the 2 you mentioned I op for the 250 . Pretty simple the 250 will do what the 223 can and some . Now what i really would like is a fast twist 250 that would handle the heavys . My personal likeing are the 6mm's . Reason is wind in long rang . 6 PPC out to 300 -400 yards , 6BR or 6 Dasher 400 yards + .