Which caliber and why do you say that?

S

sully2

New member
I need some input here guys as "varmint rifles" are something Im just now wading into. Presently have a 22-250 (Rem 700 VLS) and a 243 ( Rem 700 SPS...now restocked) and am attempting on getting another just a tiny bit up the ladder caliber-wise. I dont need any .338 or .458 or anything like that....:)

Presently a Rem 700 SPS Stainless model comes in .204; .223; .22-250; .243 & 25-06. Of course some larger calibers also but not really into the varmint class of rounds. So Im at a loss!
Decisions, decisions! If YOU had what I presently do...what would YOUR next caliber choice be?
 
well i first bought a 22-250 then a 223 and just bought a 7mm-08 for deer and long range shots. If you reload then a 7mm-08 might be nice. another caliber would be good would be a 220 swift. if you want something cheap to shoot get a 223 to get in trigger time. So if i were you i would look at a 223 or a 220 swift. since you have a 243 you really dont need a 25-06.
 
Well if you want something larger, out of the calibers you listed the 25-06 would be the only other choice. Unless you wanted to go with a 243 AI for something different. Otherwise I like the .204... it's really a flat, fast shooting caliber and very comparable to the 22-250 out to 600 yards.
 
what do you want to do with this gun? You have a .243 so 25-06 i'd rule out because it's not a large jump up, I'd look into a .270 7mm or a .30 cal like on -06 or .300, if you want a true varmint gun for yotes fox etc then I'd go with a .204 but you have a .22-250 already so ???? It all comes back to what you want to do with it.
 
id look at a decent 308. bullets from 100gr up to 220. the 100 gr pills do a job on anything under deer size, the 168gr are my favorite for target and hunting. cheap easy to find brass powder uses the same for the 243 bullets cheap until you get into the heavy solids. i built a 98 mauser that was 8mm from the pawn shop for a 100 bucks into a good deer gun for my wife and niece.
 
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If you are looking to move up the ladder the 25-06 would be the next rung up. I am quite satisfied with my 25-06s.
 
Originally Posted By: 2muchgunTo do what?

Well...the answer to that question would have to be....Yes!......:)

Im thinking that the .243 can handle my "big game" ( deer..etc) with heavier slugs...and using lighter ones will work A-OK for ground hogs. 22-250 will be my longer range varmint weapon because of its barrel; weight..etc..so Im thinking MAYBE a walking around Varminter? Say a std weight barrel 223...or maybe even a 204...3-9 scope with 50mm objective for early morning and evening light gathering.....that sort of thing..."I THINK??"
 
Originally Posted By: markleywell i first bought a 22-250 then a 223 and just bought a 7mm-08 for deer and long range shots. If you reload then a 7mm-08 might be nice. another caliber would be good would be a 220 swift. if you want something cheap to shoot get a 223 to get in trigger time. So if i were you i would look at a 223 or a 220 swift. since you have a 243 you really dont need a 25-06.

Im leaning along those lines. I just dont need a bigger bore ( 270 or 7mm-08 or 30-06...etc)
 
Everyone needs a .223. It will save your barrel on the 22-250. Other than that I would go with a 25-06. I have a 257 weatherby that I really like.
 
I am a little confused. You say you want to go up in caliber from your .243 but then say you are considering a .223 or .204.
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Maybe you mean you need to diversify, in which case a light weight .223 would round out your battery quite well.

If it helps any here is my selection in order of perchase

#1 .243win. - light weight general purpose
#2 .22-250rem. - medium heavy weight long range
#3 .270win. - big game/general purpose
#4 .25-06rem. - medium weight long range/big game
#5 .223rem. - light weight small varmint
 
If you go with the 223 get a fast twist so you can shoot the heavier bullets. i have the remington 700 sps tactical and it has a 1:9 twist and it loves 69gr smk.
 
Originally Posted By: justin10mmI am a little confused. You say you want to go up in caliber from your .243 but then say you are considering a .223 or .204.
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I agree. What he has said so far is very confusing.......
 
Originally Posted By: markleyIf you go with the 223 get a fast twist so you can shoot the heavier bullets. i have the remington 700 sps tactical and it has a 1:9 twist and it loves 69gr smk.

Hmm..? All of the model 700's now have 1:12 twist...????
 
Originally Posted By: justin10mmI am a little confused. You say you want to go up in caliber from your .243 but then say you are considering a .223 or .204.
confused.gif


Maybe you mean you need to diversify, in which case a light weight .223 would round out your battery quite well.

If it helps any here is my selection in order of perchase

#1 .243win. - light weight general purpose
#2 .22-250rem. - medium heavy weight long range
#3 .270win. - big game/general purpose
#4 .25-06rem. - medium weight long range/big game
#5 .223rem. - light weight small varmint
Yes...I guess "round out the battery" is a much better term to use.
As far as your choices go...
#1...I agree
#2...Same
#3...I have absolutely no need for it
#4...Maybe someday???
#5..same deal...I agree and think one would make a dandy "walking around" varmint gun. Id probably even leave the plastic stock on it for light(er) weight and a light weight 2-7X of 3-9 scope
 
Oooooohhhhh, Ok, now I understand. You have caught the rifle bug and eventually you will have a .17 Remington,.204, 221, 222, and at least 1 223, but probably 2 or 3 223s. The question is where to start, and how you will rationalize the order in which you acquire them.
 
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