Author Topic: Only one Varmint round. Including coyotes and such. (Read 1968 times)

DalesCarpentry · « **on:** July 23, 2007, 03:52:55 PM »

I would like to know if you could have only 1 varmint ( INCLUDING COYOTES AND SUCH ) round from H&R NEF that is in current production.what would it be? I would also like after you vote to tell me why you pick your round over the others. I think we all might learn something here. Thanks and think hard before you vote. You can't take your vote back. Dale Ps I think I included all the varmint rounds. If I did miss one please let me know early so I can add it.

DalesCarpentry · « **Reply #1 on:** July 23, 2007, 04:02:01 PM »

I picked the 204 because I have experience with this round and I know it is good for over 300 yards on Groundhogs. I think the 243 may be better at ranges beyond that. Dale

goodwrench6710 · « **Reply #2 on:** July 23, 2007, 04:05:31 PM »

I voted 22-250. More versatile round. It'll reach out & touch something. If you really want to, could be used for deer if you're a really good shot. Although I don't recommend it for med. game. I do know 2 people that use them for whitetail deer. Then I feel the same about the 243. They would be good for coyotes or less!

quickdtoo · « **Reply #3 on:** July 23, 2007, 04:23:50 PM »

ONE varmint round?

? Bite your tongue, how unHandiholic can you get, Dale!!!

You need to clarifiy "varmint", some would include coyotes in that, which aren't really varmints, but predators. If you do include coyotes, it would change the vote I would think, they aren't easily killed and are much bigger.

Tim

~Ace~ · « **Reply #4 on:** July 23, 2007, 04:44:38 PM »

If I was limited to One... it would come down to .22-250 or .243, And that would simply depend on FUR. I'd go with .243 because it's Got a lil more for them Tuff southern Yotes, and more capable of Dual Purpose.

DalesCarpentry · « **Reply #5 on:** July 23, 2007, 04:49:18 PM »

Quote from: quickdtoo on July 23, 2007, 04:23:50 PM

ONE varmint round?? Bite your tongue, how unHandiholic can you get, Dale!!!

You need to clarifiy "varmint", some would include coyotes in that, which aren't really varmints, but predators. If you do include coyotes, it would change the vote I would think, they aren't easily killed and are much bigger.

Tim

Tim thanks for catching that early for me. I have changed it. I will also be hunting coyotes. Dale

DalesCarpentry · « **Reply #6 on:** July 23, 2007, 04:52:02 PM »

Keep it coming guy's. I really want to know why you would chose one round over another. Dale

flintlock · « **Reply #7 on:** July 23, 2007, 05:03:43 PM »

.243 gets my vote...Taking it one step further...the factory loading would be the Federal Premium 85gr HPBT Sierra GameKing...I have used this loading for several years on crows, coyotes, groundhogs and deer...At 3320 mv, I sight in 2 1/2 high at 100 and I'm 2 1/2 low at 300...

Why .243??? Well, its the only center fire own, but it does all I need.

Bob A · « **Reply #8 on:** July 23, 2007, 05:16:18 PM »

I agree that we can't forget the Hornet.

My varmint problems are relatively short range (50-150 yards). Mostly ground squirrels and a few coyotes. I am finding the the Hornet to be just the ticket. Cheap to load and shoot and relatively quiet. So far, I find the 40 gr VMax over Lil gun to be the best load to have on hand. I really like the Speer 33 gr TNT for squirrels but if there's a chance that I need a longer shot or a coyote, the VMax is a better choice.
Obviously, not the best choice for everyone but it really fits for me.

I guess I have to admit that last week I had a coyote out about 125 yards and I went for my Marlin 30-30. I have a lot of confidence with that rifle at ranges less than 150 yards. I think I will have the same confidence in the NEF Hornet soon. Its really become a shooter, especially since I got the trigger improved.

Bob A

EVOC ONE · « **Reply #9 on:** July 23, 2007, 05:24:16 PM »

The .223 would be my personal favorite. However, limited to just one "do all" caliber, I would probably select the .243

statelinerut · « **Reply #10 on:** July 23, 2007, 05:26:05 PM »

243....because it is all I have experience with on coyote. It puts them down quick.

LaOtto222 · « **Reply #11 on:** July 23, 2007, 07:03:31 PM »

I have a strong bias towards 224 caliber rifles and I really like the 223. If the varmint or coyote is too far away to hit with a 223 then it is probably too far out for me to hit it any way. If you can get your bullet in the boiler room at any reasonable distance, you are going to put them down with a 223. I am able to judge distances fairly well (because I practice) and just seem to know how much hold over I need. This come from shooting a lot. If I have my 223 zeroed at 200 yards and I figure he is out at about 400 yards I just hold over his back about 1 1/2 times his body depth. This is with the velocity and bullets I use. The big advantage is I can shoot it more and cheaper than any other cartridge (center fire) mentioned, with the exception of the 22 Hornet. I think once you figure in the cost of the cases and case life, it might be dead even. More shooting means better aim and confidence in your self and your rig. It is more important than you think.

BANG_OW · « **Reply #12 on:** July 23, 2007, 07:21:45 PM »

.45-70 ------ like killin' flys with a sledgehammer.

Mac11700 · « **Reply #13 on:** July 23, 2007, 08:55:35 PM »

If I could only have 1 Handi...this is the key to me...Normally...I would say either a 223 or 243...but...since only 1 is on the ticket and I already have a wonderful Model 70 in 223 and a new 243 barrel for my CVA Elite...make my only varmint Handi a 25-06...Yes...I know I wouldn't be watching the bullet holes on paper and it kicks more...but...I like the balance and feel of the 26" Handi's over anything else...and..I can always re chamber/re bore to larger calibers like a custom 270...a custom 280..or a custom 30-06..or a custom 338-06 A-Square..or even a custom 375-o6...and have my 26" barrel I like...Yup...make mine a 25-06...Hildy's 75 grain v-max loads are screamers and accurate to boot...add a little more weight...and we'll be driving the 85gr. CT Silver Ballistic tips faster than the 85 gr. V-max bullets out of the 243...since it will be starting out around 400fps faster...and a 25-06 can shoot the much heavier bullets faster too...

Mac

dw06 · « **Reply #14 on:** July 24, 2007, 12:51:33 AM »

I had to vote for the 22-250,it was between it and the 223.I've had and used the 22-250 much longer and know it better and what it can do from muzzle to as far as you can hit varmints.It does everything I need to do and very accurate to boot.

J. Plate · « **Reply #15 on:** July 24, 2007, 02:42:03 AM »

I would have a hard time choosing between the .223 and .243.....but, bigger is better. And that's how I voted.

I really like my .17HMR for the little guys, but you added coyotes (too much margin of error).

woodchukhntr · « **Reply #16 on:** July 24, 2007, 03:23:39 AM »

I voted for the .204 Ruger. I have heard a lot of good things about it, but don't have one (yet). I have had .22-250, but the places where I hunt have gotten a little too populated for something that loud. I have experience with the .223 and like it, I have a Handi in that caliber now. The .17HMR and .22 Hornet are great for short ranges on woodchucks, but I wouldn't hunt specifically for coyotes with them. I have a .17 Remington model 700 that is my long-range varmint rifle right now. I think that the .204 could replace that since the bullets would probably be fairly ricochet-proof.

d_hiker · « **Reply #17 on:** July 24, 2007, 05:32:29 AM »

I love my .204 but since you included coyotes I thought I had better put down my .25-06. Both are shooters. But then I do like shooting the .223 and .17HMR, but my final choice was the .25-06.

choctaw · « **Reply #18 on:** July 24, 2007, 09:51:31 AM »

I've hunted song dogs with 222, 223, and 243, not to mention whatever I had handy at the time. I prefer the 243 because it seems to pack a little more umph.

45/70fan · « **Reply #19 on:** July 24, 2007, 10:26:06 AM »

" .45-70 ------ like killin' flys with a sledgehammer" BANG OW I like your line of thought.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #20 on:** July 24, 2007, 10:30:37 AM »

Quote from: 45/70fan on July 24, 2007, 10:26:06 AM

" .45-70 ------ like killin' flys with a sledgehammer" BANG OW I like your line of thought.

So will Knight0334!!

Tim

moxgrove · « **Reply #21 on:** July 24, 2007, 10:35:44 AM »

I went with 25-6 because I consider orchard deer to bee varmints too

smithbm · « **Reply #22 on:** July 24, 2007, 10:46:20 AM »

I voted .243 because it's flat shooting, it isn't affected by wind nearly as much as the smaller bullets, recoil is light, and it will flat out destroy any varmint within 400 yards. The only drawback is the noise which is moot in my book because... it's a gun!

This isn't to say that I wouldn't personally use any of the other fine calibers listed (shot placement is more important to me than caliber), but for better than half of my short life the .243 has been my "go to" rifle for everything from crows to white tails.

stever · « **Reply #23 on:** July 24, 2007, 11:39:10 AM »

With all the different regions, you'll never settle on a clear winner.

What works where I live may not be the best for where you are. I live in a heavily treed area in central Ontario. Whether it's groundhogs or moose, the shots aren't nearly as far as someone living in the plains. In my entire life, the farthest I've ever taken an animal was a little over 200 yd. Coyotes, deer, moose are typically less than 100 yd. That's why I voted 223 Rem but I've taken more game with my 222s.

I've never had a wind problem (except at the range). A long shot for groundhogs is only a couple hundred yards. For the more distant critters, we move closer.

I also shoot heavier bullets because I make my own. I use jacketed 60 and 66 grainers.

Steve

weasel · « **Reply #24 on:** July 24, 2007, 12:19:32 PM »

I'd vote for the .223, just because that's what I shoot the most, also have .222, 22/250, 220S, and 25/06. I shot one coyote at 465 yds, or paces I should say, lotta luck on that one. Also shot a mulie @ 163 yds with .223 14" contender, neck shot under the chin, sure folded him, wouldn't try that again, though.

ironglow · « **Reply #25 on:** July 24, 2007, 12:45:08 PM »

Handiholic Heresy !!!..."only one barrel on a H&R/NEF "..that's like being limited to one finger on your off hand !...LOL

Actually, you could have broken the question down to rimfire/centerfire..much as I enjoy my .22LRs and the 17HMR clearly more is needed up in the varmint/predator range..Just as Tim indicated.

I was faced with that question some time ago...243 Bull barrel in left hand and .223 bull barrel in the right..the .243 went back on the shelf..(maybe another day).

The .223 will handle any varmint or predator I am likely to see in the eastern US (I already have my Marlin 336 for deer/bear) and I will not likely need longer range than the .223, since I live in the foothills of the Alleghenies.

A big one for me (maybe not you)..ammo/brass is easy to find and almost always more reasonably priced than other calibers .

Will it do alright killing the larger varmints/predators ? Here's where I received some "first hand" testimony....

Visiting my grandson last year, and in after dinner "man talk", I found that according to my grandson and his fellow Marines..they had good success with the .223 against 150# to over 200# varmints & predators living in caves along the Euphrates river..

...And the Marines had to use FMJ bullets..

...while we can use HP & PSPs on our varmints..

aulrich · « **Reply #26 on:** July 24, 2007, 12:46:29 PM »

Good point Stever Varmint means different things depending on where you are.

If it had to be one (as crazy as that sounds to a guy that carries 2 guns wile varminting let alone the ones in the car) then it is the 204. Ground squirrels in Alberta means long range and plenty of targets give it the edge over 223 (better trajectory) and 22-250 (burns less powder and more fur friendly). 243 and 25-06 are too impractical as a primary rig out here, they burn too much powder, would not want to shoot 200+ 25-06 rounds in a day, and 243 was tough enough on hides, hate to see the mess a 25-06 would do, could be useful as an extreme range sort of gun. 22 hornet is on the other end of the spectrum, it to is a niche round and not well suited to be a primary rig unless you live in that niche.

A single shot rimfire is a crime against humanity repeaters only there, preferably semi's.

DalesCarpentry · « **Reply #27 on:** July 24, 2007, 02:00:11 PM »

Quote from: ironglow on July 24, 2007, 12:45:08 PM

Handiholic Heresy !!!..."only one barrel on a H&R/NEF "..that's like being limited to one finger on your off hand !...LOL

Actually, you could have broken the question down to rimfire/centerfire..much as I enjoy my .22LRs and the 17HMR clearly more is needed up in the varmint/predator range..Just as Tim indicated.

I was faced with that question some time ago...243 Bull barrel in left hand and .223 bull barrel in the right..the .243 went back on the shelf..(maybe another day).

The .223 will handle any varmint or predator I am likely to see in the eastern US (I already have my Marlin 336 for deer/bear) and I will not likely need longer range than the .223, since I live in the foothills of the Alleghenies.

A big one for me (maybe not you)..ammo/brass is easy to find and almost always more reasonably priced than other calibers .

Will it do alright killing the larger varmints/predators ? Here's where I received some "first hand" testimony....

Visiting my grandson last year, and in after dinner "man talk", I found that according to my grandson and his fellow Marines..they had good success with the .223 against 150# to over 200# varmints & predators living in caves along the Euphrates river..

...And the Marines had to use FMJ bullets..

...while we can use HP & PSPs on our varmints..

You do have a point here. Maybe I should of broken it down into rim fires and center fires and let the folks pick 2. I have not run a poll yet where I have thought of everything. If I could start it over I would. this is going to run for another 13 days. If you guys want a poll like that we will do a redo and give you 2 choices. One rim fire and one center fire.If you want a poll like that make a post and when this is done I could do that. Dale

quickdtoo · « **Reply #28 on:** July 24, 2007, 02:10:49 PM »

Dale, do you have an "edit poll" option to the right of the poll? I do if you don't, the poll can be edited to allow two votes or more, additional options too.

Tim

DalesCarpentry · « **Reply #29 on:** July 24, 2007, 02:19:49 PM »

Yes Tim I could do that but I feel it would ruin this poll for the people that already voted. I am not sure what to do here. That would be a better poll in my opion. Like I said I never seem to think of everything when it comes to this. I would be willing to throw the whole thing in the trash to get a better feel what people like as far as Varmint guns. Do you think maybe that shoud be done? That way they could vote for 2 rim fires and centerfires. Dale

Poll

If you could only have 1 Varmint rifle in current production from H&R NEF what would it be and Why?

Author Topic: Only one Varmint round. Including coyotes and such. (Read 1968 times)