Gentlemen,
I'd like some advise re: the purchase of a rifle for varmint and predator hunting. I intend to buy only one rifle and use it for prairie dogs, fox and coyote. I have decided on the rifle, but have not yet decided on the caliber. I've narrowed it down to two choices: the .223 or the 22-250 and it is here where I am looking for your input.
1) Is the risk of "shooting out the barrel" any different between these two calibers? How many shoots does it realistically take to ruin a barrel (provided that you don't shoot extreme loads or shoot until the barrel is excessively hot)?
2) Is one caliber more accurate than the other, or is that strictly a function of the rifle and the shooter? I've read that some calibers are inherently more accurate than others (i.e. the .222 over the .223).
3) Here is the tough one: If you could only buy one bolt action rifle for all of your varmint and predator hunting, which caliber would you select and why?
BTW, the rifle I have decided upon is the Savage 12FVSS (Lawdog would have been proud). Thanks in advance for your advice. I appreciate your thoughts.
Dave from MN
