I could use some help with a varmint rifle

F

Fisher

New member
Well I’m on to my next project. I have my new M1a in the safe and now I’m looking to put together a varmint rifle for the spring. A buddy of mine at work asked me if I would be interested in helping his father-in-law get rid of some ground hogs in the spring. I tried my best not to give away my excitement but I think he heard me giggling.

My first decision is what caliber. I am currently considering .223, 22-250 and maybe even the 25-06. This will not be like shooting prairie dogs out west (I’m in Ohio). So I won’t have to worry about shooting a barrel out or over heating problems. I will however be looking for a cartridge that will give me that long distance capability. This gun will not be used for hunting anything but Varmints. Ohio limits hunting deer with either a shotgun or a pistol during gun season

Next after deciding which caliber I will need to decide on the gun itself. So far the 700 VS and the Sendero in the Remington line look good, as does the Savage 10FP. I am left handed so this is a factor too.

Any and all suggestions or comments are welcome. Varminting is new to me although I have been hunting for 30 years now. Adding the long distance factor is going to be exciting to say the least.
 
If your not reloading I would probably go with the 22-250. There is probably a wider selection of varmint loads available off the shelf. But if you are going to reload I think the 25-06 might give you an advantage with the long range shooting especially when playing with the wind.

I shoot prairie dogs with a .223 Olympic Arms Ultramatch and a 25-06 Ruger 77 Target. I have also shot in 25mph winds with 35mph gusts along side a 22-250 and even though the 22-250 could put the bullets out at a sizzling speed, 4000fps, it couldn't deal with the wind past 250yds. The 25-06 was still dropping them out to 400yds with the wind blowing and it will shoot a lot further than that on a calmer day. I think the 22-250 is one hell of a round but if you want a really good long range rifle go with the 25-06.

When it comes to which rifle to pick, if I had it all to do over again I would go with a Remington 700. This is only because there are so many after market add ons available to improve on them. Out of the box I think the Ruger is the better rifle and I have seen some articles that show this. These same articles also showed the Savage out shooting them all. The writer of one particular article was so impressed he kept the Savage for his own personel use.

But something else to realize is the most accurate rifle in the world isn't going to make you an accurate shooter unless you get out and do alot of practicing. If you can get by with only making shots under 200yds save some money and buy a Remington 22mag rimfire in a target model. Its alot cheaper and the ammo is cheaper and the noise level will also be down.

Hope this helps some.
Chuck
 
You guys are leaving out the 6mm Rem. and .243 Win. I shoot a .243 Rem. VLS (wish they'd make it in the VS), with great results. You have the option of 4000fps, 55gr. bullets, all the way up to 100 gr. My rifle seems to like 70-75 gr. bullets best. Short action; requires less powder than 25-06, and much less recoil.
 
I would recommend the same rifle I use Savage 12 BVSS in .22-250. Top it with a good scope and add a Sharp Shooter's Supply trigger and you're ready.
 
Thanks guys. It looks like it will be the Remington 700 VS. It is still up in the air about the caliber but I have narrowed it down to the 22-250 and the 25-06. A little more research is in order before I make my final decision though. I do reload so that will give me more options whichever caliber I choose.

Thanks for all the input.
 
Good choice on the Remington 700VS, Fisher. You will be pleased. I would pick the .22-250 (1-14" twist) or .223 (1-12"), lots of choices of loads from the factory and since you reload, even better, and lower noise and recoil than a .25-06. Those twists do, however limit you to lighter bullet weights.
 
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