Perfect Varmint Caliber???

[Evan03]

depends on what you want to do realy, the 243 is a great all around varmit and small game rifle. but your lookin for varmit only rifle.

the 223, a fun varmit, smallish game rifle. 50rds can had for fairly inexspenive in the remington white box. ammo is avaialbe any and everywhere. this cal depnding on the game in your area coul lend itself to other kinds of hunting that just varmits.

the 22/250, its one heck of a caliber and has kinda clung to me, ive had a 204, and 220 in the past but only ever hung onto the 22/250.. they shoot so well and buck wind pretty good. but when its real windy there are better calibers to buck the wind. ammo is available pretty much everywhere but not with as much selection as the 223. ive takn smaller varmits to 400yds with alittle hold over and knowing the distance. 400 is about as far as i think i can consintently shoot varmits with the caliber but most all shoots are between 200 and 300yds. some stretching to closer to 400.

the 220 i had was ruger vt, heavy tube heavy azz laminated stock, the rifle shot very good for me only have ever putn facotry ammo through it. kinda wish id of kept if. this rifle also with heavier bullet will lend itself to smaller big game hunting. so will the 22/250

but i think the 223 is the way to go and maybe should have been what i did but ohhhhwell the 22/250 works great and reloads and shoot facotry ammo very well.

if i was to buy my first varmit rifle today it would be rugers vt in 223. in my opion this rifle is the best bang for your buck acurate varmit rig. top it with good glass and youl never be dissapointed.with 40gr bullets itl hang with the 204 in speed. its just an all around good caliber that doesnt realy need to be reloaded for. ive found hornady vmax varmit loads to be acurate in all my rifles.

good luck and let us know what you end up with.

Evan

[Cal Sibley]

I honestly think the .243Win. says it all. It's about the only varmint caliber I know of that will negate the benefits of a .22-250Rem. I have both and think you might do better to go the other way, say a .222Rem. I just don't think the day of the .222Rem. has come and gone. It's still a pure joy to own and shoot. Just one mans opinion. Best wishes.

Cal - Montreal

[scooterman27006]

cal i sure wish a lot of others felt that way on the 222 rem - i have had my eye open for one for 2 months or even a barrel and man they just are not out there - either the folks that have them are hanging on to them or forgot they have them because they are almost extinct around here - i believe you can get a new gun from CZ in 222 and maybe others but for a used good luck cause im afraid you will need it

[rem 700]

I would use a 223 caliber. They have a super flat trajectory, awesome speeds, and are cheaper to shoot than a 22/250, which is also good. With factory loads, you can expect accuracy to 300 yards for such things as prairie dogs with a decent rifle, but handloads can sure up the accuracy and trajectory of the bullet. I vote for the 223

[Cal Sibley]

You have a .243Win. so that'll eliminate the need for one of the faster and longer range .22 centerfires. Normally I might suggest a .17Remington, but I won't due to the heartaches I've had with mine in terms of consistency. At the risk of sounding like yesterdays shooter I'd recommend a .222Remington. It's marvelously accurate, won't wake the dead, and is farmer friendly.
Most of the areas I hunt for woodchuck are much smaller today than in the past. Noise is a factor. If farmer Brown has his stock in the fields he's not apt to appreciate your wanting to hunt his property with a loudenboomer rifle. Just one mans opinion. Best wishes.

Cal - Montreal

[Cossack]

My related arsinal includes 17 HMR, 17 Rem, 22 WMR, Hornet, 223, 22-250 and 6TCU.
For all around varminter and plinker I'd choose the 223 for reasons already cited.