Which caliber for light weight bullets?

[Swift One]

I am wanting to get another barrel for my handi at the first of the year.  I want this to be dedicated ground hog rig for moderate to long range (200-400yds) shooting.  I want it to be fast and flat shooting with highly frangible rounds.  I have the caliber choices down to three: 22-250, 243, and 25-06.  I do like the sexiness of the 25-06.  My question is, do the 243 and 25-06 barrels shoot the lightweight bullets well in the handi barrels? I would like to do something in 75grs in the 25-06 or the 87gr Vmax in the 243.  has anyone had any expreiences in lightweight bullets in these two calibers?  Should I just stick with the 22-250?  I am looking for input.  Thanks.....

[Swift One]

Oops, almost forgot.  Include th 204 in that mix too.  Distances out to 300yds with the 204.

[gcrank1]

If I was to 'start over', and for your stated purpose, I think that the .223 would be my choice.
A 20ga,
A.22LR
The above
A 'big' centerfire
Should about do it all

[BBF]

Considering that 2 of the mentioned chamberings have shown a number of unhappy owners, I would go with the 22-250.

[45-70.gov]

223

[Swift One]

Got a 223 barrel and I am happy with it (although it was quite tempermental in finging loads to shoot).  I was just thinking about another project barrel. I have heard nothing but good things about the 22-250.

[Ultra25-06]

I would put my vote to the 25-06 with the 75 grain vmax. However it does heat up very quickly with multiple shots and I only use it for long rang cyotes or long range rock chucks. I prefer 100 grain hp to the vmax they seem to do better with our constantly changing wind. It also see's use as a big game rifle. If you are not considering multiple fast shots I would say go for it. Between the other two I cannot put forward any comments although a 243 reamed to 6mm AI is my next project.

[Sourdough]

I have both .223 and 22-250.  Out to 300 yards can tell no differance.  Beyond that the 22-250 has an edge, it's flatter shooting.

The 25-06 seems a bit much for Groundhogs.  Yes it will kill them out to and beyond 500 yards, but that is a lot of recoil and muzzle blast just for a groundhog.  Makes me think of me using my 30-06 to shoot foxes, kills the fox, but not worth skinning.  I use a 25-06 for Wolves and Caribou.

My experience with the Handi .243 is that it is no good beyond 150 yards for a target as small as a groundhog.

[petemi]

I don't know if it is me, the scope, or what, but my 223 shoots ths pants off the .22-250.  I haven't spent all that much time with it, but the .223 shot well right out of the box with junk ammo.  It's just the standard 22 inch Handi.  The first day I had it I killed a pigeon at 300 yards.  My long range guns for anything are my .308 and believe it or not, my Handi .45-70.  Yeah, the .45 is going to drop almost 3 feet at 300, but if you sit on it and learn it, you can strike lightning just about anywhere you can see.....I obviously don't care for the .45-70.....it sleeps with me.

Pete

[Swift One]

I also have the standard 22" 223 barrel. maybe its time to revisit working up a better load for it.  I will forever kick myself for getting rid of my last handi with a 223 bull barrel and a 1 x12 twist.  That thing would should almost every load that I made for it.  50gr Blitz bullets were deadly, I mean deadly accurate out to 300yds. Ya, the 25 is a bit much for hogs, but I'm not looking to skin em, lol. Just watch them blow the hec up. But, I got a Stevens in 7mm-08 that can do that too.

[gcrank1]

You can load the 25-06 down, but why bother when a fast twist heavy barrel in .223 should shoot the mid-heavy bullets really well. I hear that is about all that is on the line at Camp Perry anymore.