Varmint caliber choice for new handi

[Game_Stalker]

Well, I've been shopping around and since big game season is about over, I'm gonna go with a varmint rifle. I've narrowed it down to either the .22-250 or a standard .223. Now, I reload and have done my research. The average load for the .22-250 will take about 15 more grains of powder than the .223. And the speed is in the neighborhood of 500 - 1000fps faster. With that in mind, I'm leaning more towards the .223, but thought I would get your input here.

Any recommendations? Oh, and I don't want a .204... it's gonna be a .22 caliber rifle.

[acloco]

I own a 17 Rem, 204, & 223.  I have NOT stretched the legs on the 204 yet (longest kill was 450 yards), but have on the 17 Rem (487 yards) & 223 (587 yards).

Go with the 223.  LARGE bullet selection and cheap once fired or new cases.

[acloco]

Forgot - for a great bullet on the cheap - use 50 or 55 grain Remington PLHP's.  500 are in the $30 range from Midway.

[myarmor]

I love my 223's, past 204, and my standard 243 barrel.
But if I had it to do over again I would take a 24" Bull Barrel in 243. It's just too versitile.
With that said, I have loved all the varmint calibers I have/ and had.
Especially my 223's.


-Aaron

[northjdr]

I have two .223's now, but one hasn't been fired yet. Huge selection of bullets and loads. A very accurate caliber across many types of rifles. The mild recoil makes it very pleasant to shoot and has another benefit, it allows you to keep your quarry in the crosshairs as you're sending it to varmint heaven. Even though the 22-250 has a more giddyup the 223 is a no brainer. But neither would be a bad choice.

[Game_Stalker]

So, now the question is do I go for the handi rifle or the ultra varminter...

[shaner]

if yur lookin for bench type varmint hunting  id look atthe  varmint model but if your goint  to carry and hunt id get a regular stocked model , those chaote  stocks are heavy   and awkwards too off hand shoot i  think,

[wcf3030]

I went with the 223 Ultra. Already had 1000's of brass, primers and bullets for it from my mini-14 days.
I think its the best buy. There are faster 22 cal but I don't have a use for that speed.

[Swampman]

I think the .223 is the best choice by far.

[MSP Ret]

The .223 all the way!!!....<><....

Now the Ultra Varmit is a great gun and I would love to have one, I do have a standard barrelled Handi in .223 and a Bull Barrelled Handi in .223, they both shoot GREAT, about the same really, but if your going to shoot enough so your barrel heats up (PD's and such) I would suggest the Bull Barrell, either Handi or Ultra Varmint, that is up to you, I would think the barrel length would not matter, they both would shoot great....<><....

[dw06]

Well, I've been shopping around and since big game season is about over, I'm gonna go with a varmint rifle. I've narrowed it down to either the .22-250 or a standard .223.

Any recommendations? Oh, and I don't want a .204... it's gonna be a .22 caliber rifle.

Game Stalker,You got some good advice so far.I have both,have had the 22-250 for years and just got the 223 a few months ago.I use IMR 3031 in both,33grs-22-250 and 24.5grs in 223.Both are great,the 22-250 is better for long range shots past 300yards.If you will be shooting less than that I'd go with the 223.You won't regret either choice just depends on what you are going to use it for.

[Capone]

if yur lookin for bench type varmint hunting  id look atthe  varmint model but if your goint  to carry and hunt id get a regular stocked model , those chaote  stocks are heavy   and awkwards too off hand shoot i  think,

On my bath room scale mine is a little over 8lbs