Author Topic: First Varmint Rifle. Which one? (Read 2505 times)

SeaBass · « **on:** March 04, 2006, 01:57:03 PM »

I'm looking to buy my first varmint rifle. It will probably shoot more paper than anything. No Pdogs up here, mostly ground hogs and coyotes.

I've narrowed it down to 2 rifles. The CZ 550 varmint (the 527 if I went .223) and the Savage 12 BVSS. I haven't had the opportunity to handle either of these rifles, but of the Savages and CZ's I have handled the CZ's look and feel nicer.

The only CZ I've fired is my 452 and it drives tacks! I also like the idea of having the set trigger on the CZ. Even the laminate stainless Savage BVSS is kind of dull compared to the CZ 550 or 527 Varmint.

They are similar in price so that is not a factor. The only thing keeping me from buying the CZ (besides the goofy scope rings) is that I really don't have any experience with the CZ center fires. Despite the lack of luster I know the Savage w/ accu trigger would be very accurate. I suspect the CZ would be equally accurate but would like to hear from some CZ shooters (and Savage shooters).

I've also narrowed it down to 2 calibers, .22-250 or .223.
I am leaning toward the .22-250 even though I probably don't NEED it.
I plan on loading them a little light, MOST of the time. (don't have dies for either yet)

What do you think? I would like the CZ in .22-250 (no one else will have one) (love the feel of them)but I don't want to give up accuracy for finish.

What kind of accuracy can I expect from these two rifles. I would really like 1/2 moa from a varmint rig.

http://www.czusa.com/01.detail.php?id=21

http://www.savagearms.com/12bvss.htm

http://www.czusa.com/01.detail.php?id=14

beemanbeme · « **Reply #1 on:** March 04, 2006, 03:27:35 PM »

Altho I shoot both of the cartridges and both of them have a lot going for them, in your case, I'd go with the .223. Lotsa components and cheap ammo if you don't reload. And barrel longevity is a consideration.
That said, I'd go with a "standard" .223 with a standard twist @ 1/14. Shoot 50-55gr bullets and don't try to make it something its not. It'll give you good service out to 250 yards or so. And on punching paper, it ain't too shabby neither.
I have no experience with either the CZ or Savage.

JD338 · « **Reply #2 on:** March 04, 2006, 03:57:33 PM »

I have a M700VLS in 22-250 Rem. With Nosler 50 gr BT and 36.0 grs Varget, this rifle will shoot well under .5". I have one group that went .187".

I would go with the 22-250. You can always load it down to 223 Rem levels.

Regards,

JD338

Coyote Hunter · « **Reply #3 on:** March 05, 2006, 01:09:15 PM »

.22-250 if you reload, .223 if you don't.

Was at the range today and a friend was busting clay pigeons at 300 yards with his .223.

blittle2003 · « **Reply #4 on:** March 06, 2006, 05:03:04 AM »

I have the CZ 527 Varmint Laminated in .223 and all I have is praise for this gun. I think it is a great combination between a packable weight gun and heavier barrel for prolonged shooting. It easily does 1/2" 3 shot groups from the bench with 55 gr V-max Black Hills ammo. The set trigger is a neat feature to have when you really want to shrink your group size. When I first got the rifle, it had some creep in the trigger, but the owners manual shows how to adjust the trigger. It was an easy fix and only required a screw driver. It is an excellent gun for the money. As far as caliber is concerned, I chose the .223 because it was cheaper to shoot and I could get more practice.

Brandon

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #5 on:** March 06, 2006, 05:29:55 AM »

The 22-250 is my favorite.

jro45 · « **Reply #6 on:** March 06, 2006, 05:56:24 AM »

I shoot groundhogs on a farm in the summer time with my 22-250. Haven't missed yet. I would take the 22-250 over the 223 any time.

Gregory · « **Reply #7 on:** March 06, 2006, 12:54:05 PM »

Quote from: SeaBass

It will probably shoot more paper than anything.

Then get a 223, 25-27 gr of powder per shot vs 36-38 gr, in other words
270 rounds loaded per pound of powder for the 223 vs 190 rounds for the 22/250.

They both make the same size hole in paper.

longwalker · « **Reply #8 on:** March 08, 2006, 09:11:19 AM »

May I suggest a different caliber? Take a long look at the 22 HORNET, it is expensive to shoot if you only buy factory ammunition. But not difficult to reload for. In my opinion the Hornet would serve you very well in Vermont. The report will be less a factor with the Hornet. Which could be a concern with the neighbors.

Back to your choices I would go with the .223. It is pick I made. I have not regretted it once. As far as ground hogs and coyotes the 223 will serve you very well.

longwalker

mangulator · « **Reply #9 on:** March 09, 2006, 09:11:59 AM »

I think you would be happy with the 223

nomosendero · « **Reply #10 on:** March 09, 2006, 03:08:56 PM »

SeaBass
I am a little reluctant to state an opinion here because you did not give the
maximum yardages that you will be shooting these Varmits & how often
these maximum range shots will be taken. The 22-250 has some obvious
range advantages & the 223 has many other advantages.

What say you Sir?

warf73 · « **Reply #11 on:** March 09, 2006, 09:24:31 PM »

Quote

I'm looking to buy my first varmint rifle. It will probably shoot more paper than anything. No Pdogs up here, mostly ground hogs and coyotes

That said I would go with the 223, price of factory ammo is unbeatable.

Your choice on the rifle, I don't care for the CZ, the Savage is a good rifle and the few I've shot are extremely accurate.

Good luck

Warf

SeaBass · « **Reply #12 on:** March 10, 2006, 08:24:49 AM »

Our gunclub's range only goes to 200yds. There a few places I could shoot 500yds if I wanted but I don't know what I could hunt there. Crows probably. I know some guys who hunt yotes I don't think the shots are very long. Ground hogs are hard to find these days I'm told. I don't
NEED a 22-250. But since the only factory ammo I will shoot will be for brass the price of ammo isn't all that important to me. It will be cheap to reload. I probably wouldn't be interested in shooting the real cheap ammo anyway. My goal is one hole!
I plan on working up a full and a reduced power load.

My only real concern is that I won't be able to find an accurrate load a reduced charges.

They are both GREAT cartridges. I think that there is only one solution.

I have pretty much decided to get the Savage 12 BVSS. I like the looks and set trigger on the CZ, but the Savage is stainless and its reputation for accuracy is undeniable plus its made in the USA.

However. I think I see a CZ 527 in .223 in my future.

nomosendero · « **Reply #13 on:** March 10, 2006, 02:48:40 PM »

If you are going to wind up with both guns, it's a no brainer isn't it?
22-250 Savage now & a CZ 223 later. Otherwise if I could own 1 & because of the conditions YOU have, the 223 would fill those needs easily. Reloading makes both cheaper to shoot, but the 223 is more economical
by far with less powder & a lot cheaper brass & you would have no real need to load down, just shoot a good accurate load all of the time.
The nice thing is either way you would wind up with a great round. I shoot
my 223's much more than my 22-250 as I have a couple of guns that beat
the 22-250 bad at long range Varmits, especially if the wind is blowing.

varmit_master · « **Reply #14 on:** March 13, 2006, 12:25:13 AM »

I have both i like my 22 250 the best. VM

poncaguy · « **Reply #15 on:** March 13, 2006, 03:53:32 AM »

22-250, 204 Ruger, then 223 . But, just one, the 22-250, WalMart has WWB for it...........

Norseman112 · « **Reply #16 on:** March 13, 2006, 02:56:05 PM »

I also think you would be happy with a .223, they are both good calibers :grin:

good luck in your choice.

John

SeaBass · « **Reply #17 on:** March 14, 2006, 08:47:36 PM »

Thanks everyone for your replys. I ordered my 12 BVSS in .22-250 today. Walmart's distributer was out of stock so I went to Dick's Sports and special ordered it from them for $15.00 less! It's not often you see someone beat Wallyworld. It was a tough choice but in the end the .22-250 will shoot flatter if I ever need it too. I would still like to have a .223. If not in a CZ 527, then as an extra barrel for the Encore muzzleloader that is on my wish list.

nasem · « **Reply #18 on:** March 23, 2006, 02:43:45 PM »

bushmaster in .223

kombi1976 · « **Reply #19 on:** March 23, 2006, 08:16:30 PM »

If you were just hunting P.Dogs then a 223 would probably be fine.
However, coyotes can be tough and the extra oomph of the 22-250 would give you the edge.
Plus, it has a longer range.

dawgmaster · « **Reply #20 on:** March 31, 2006, 02:00:42 PM »

How about this...

-scrap the 223 and 22-250 idea and get a 204!!!

And if I had to choose between the two rifles I'd go with the Savage,
but I'm a REMINGTON man!

mjbgalt · « **Reply #21 on:** March 31, 2006, 08:37:54 PM »

honestly, i have had .204, .223, and .243, and shot .22 Hornet and .22-250, and the .243 beats 'em all.

You can shoot a 60-grain bullet 3900 fps and then load a 95-grain bullet for deer or hogs.

Not too shabby.

-Matt

Mike in Ct · « **Reply #22 on:** April 03, 2006, 03:39:06 AM »

get the savage in 22-250..it is easy to rebarrel yourself for short $$ when u need or want to..U can get any rifling twist u want when u order a custom barrel...My next 22-250 will have a min spec neck & a one in twelve twist to handle the 60 gr V-max bullet..The short action Savage varmint with that bolt face can be rebarreled to many fun & useful varmint/target rds..or go right up to the 308 winchester...I have one with 3 barrels right now.22-250 6MMBR 243Win...Down The road I want to do the same thing with a Savage 223 varmint that get will get the necked down 20 caliber Tac or practical...If u are on a tight budget the savage 22-250 can have a bolt face swap to the smaller diameter 223 case for only fifty bucks..that will let u shoot the 223 or the 20 calibers in that same action stock & accutrigger with only a barrel change...more info later if u want..U cant beat the savage for price accuracy & flexibilty..it is a no Brainer...mike in Ct

Oklahomabound · « **Reply #23 on:** April 20, 2006, 03:38:56 PM »

22-250 for my money. I shoot a Ruger M77 Mark II.... and it got a coyote at 360 yards today. Used a Hornady 55 gr. V-Max (3680 fps)... and positioned it on a corner post in the fence, and took the shot across the pasture... dropped it, one round, clean kill.....

Range Finder · « **Reply #24 on:** June 21, 2006, 05:50:40 PM »

SeaBass:

Bemanbeme hit the nail right on the head. He said it all.

Range Finder

BUSTER51 · « **Reply #25 on:** July 19, 2006, 11:36:45 AM »

You should reconsider and get a .243 it can do so much more .of all the small bore rifles I have ever owned the .243 is the most dynamic.you won't find a better round for your purpose .

Poll

Only one Varmint rig. .22-250 or .223?

Author Topic: First Varmint Rifle. Which one? (Read 2505 times)