OutdoorMissouri.com

I am thinking about getting into varmit hunting(coyote and fox) and need help deciding which caliber rifle is best suited for the sport.I bought a handi rifle last yr for the wife in .243 and have decided i want a handi myself for varmits.I think i have narrowed the choice down to the .22-250 or new .204 ruger i have read where the 22-250 has a weak shell extracter so am kinda siding with the .204.I guess i am really unfamilar with either gun i know a 200/300 yrd shot would be a long one for me ,any suggestions or recommendations would be helpful thanks!!!!

I know nothing about the .204, but I'd go with the 22-250 because it's so well established. (Shells are easy to find, etc.) That's part of why I bought my 22-250, along with being a proven flat-shootin'-critter-gitter.

Having said all of that, if you have the .204 on your dream-list you'll never be happy with anything else. Get what you want the first time, or you'll regret it.

Here is a little food for thought:

22-250

.204

thanks swamp fox and GoGop for your input.Swampfox i followed your links and now a third possibility has emerged lol the .223 rem which i thought was not a very flat shooting gun before your link article says is a flat shooter out to 300yrd.One drawback to the .204 i found was finding ammo; i live in the boonies and if my local wal mart dont have it i got to start searching for it.

22-250! I have a Savage 110 GV you cannot beat it!

I you like to go out and burn up ammo, the 223 is the one to get as shells can be had for a lot cheaper than other varmit shells. If you're wanting to reach out a long way, the 22/250 or 243 would be the top choices.

Since you already have a 243, I'd get the 223 for cheaper shooting.

The 243 with 70-80 grn loads makes a great long range varmit buster.

dave-t. said:
I you like to go out and burn up ammo, the 223 is the one to get as shells can be had for a lot cheaper than other varmit shells. If you're wanting to reach out a long way, the 22/250 or 243 would be the top choices.

Since you already have a 243, I'd get the 223 for cheaper shooting.

The 243 with 70-80 grn loads makes a great long range varmit buster.

I have to agree with dave-t. .223 Russian made ammo abounds here in the states, at a very cheap price. Just make sure you clean your gun after it eats some. The domestic ammo is not that much more expensive either. I have a handi rifle, and I think you can get other caliber barrels for them also. Good shooting...

davemo,

If you decide on a .243 there's one for sale on the Cafe'. I think it's $225, and it has a Redfield scope on it. (Low powered scope, but a good one).



EDIT---$285. Here's the link;



http://www.conservationcafe.com/ultimatebb.php/topic/20/2908.html

As much as I like cutting edge/hew stuff, I just don't get where the .204 does anything new or better than existing rounds.
If I were looking for a varmit rifle I would probably go with the 22-250. If I wanted a dual purpose rifle it would be the .260.

243, 257 roberts and 25/06 are good double duty guns.

I've never seen a real reason to shoot a 22-250 when you can shoot a .223 cheaper, less recoil, and just as effectivly.

Two Tall the Neanderthal said:
I've never seen a real reason to shoot a 22-250 when you can shoot a .223 cheaper, less recoil, and just as effectivly.

TTN, I do not want to start any poopoo but the .223 is cheaper to shoot, but not as effective. I own both, 2 NEF ultra varmint in .223 and a Savage 110 GV in 22-250, I have shot woodchucks with both the 22-250 will do at 1000 yds what the .223 will not and that is hit a woodchuck. The .223 is a great round out to 500yds but after that good luck. Oh by the way I reload both also same bullets 53GR Hornady Match Grade Hollow Points.

You have got to be kidding me. I don't want to dig trenches with you over this deal, so I'll just say okay 1000 yard boy.

1000yd competition guns start at .264" cal and go up to .338", even .50" cal. I've never heard of anyone competing (as in being competitive) at 1000yds with less than 264 cal.

I love my 22-250, unfortunately just haven't had a lot of time to put it to use killing 'yotes and other critters.