Going small

[Leo_B]

I'm spec'ing on a future purchase and looking for opinions. I don't hunt. I don't like recoil. I like to shoot competition. Against myself. How will I do this time compared to other times. No other real interests. I'm using this chart (below) as a guide. I've randomly set .22-250 as my upper limit, based in part on prior experience with .25-06. My primary suspects are .22-250, 6mm BR, .22 Nosler, .204 Ruger, 6.5 Grendel, .224 Valkyrie, 223 and .222 (enjoyed in a Contender long ago). I've got a .22 Hornet now. I'm open to any suggestions, not just this suspect list.

Some I wonder how viable they are as they either seem to be headed toward the out door or else never really making it all the way through the in door. I've heard a lot about .22-250 forever. I've heard a LOT lately about .204 Ruger. 6.5 Grendel gets a fair amount of acknowledgement. And .223 is everywhere. The rest just look good in the chart but I know very little.

So advice for a guy who just wants something to shoot? I'll start with factory ammo and when I get enough for a good outing I'll start to reload it. Thanks for any and all input.

Rifle Recoil Table: Updated for 2024 with all popular cartridges – Backfire

backfire.tv

 

[AWS]

If accuracy is your goal I'd look closely at the 222 Rem. Ammunition availability and accuracy the 223. And if longer range is your goal, 223, 22 ARC, 22 CM.

 

[ricco1949]

222 or 221FB....BR competitive with very little recoil.

 

[jpx2rk]

Lots of comments on the 6mmBR's accuracy and easy button. Something a bit different but similar to the 204R would be the 20 Practical, another easy button wildcat IMO. Good selection of bullets, unlimited supply of brass.

 

[alf]

I'd skip the thought of shooting factory ammo just to get the brass for the future, if accuracy is the ultimate goal.

 

[NorCalMikie]

.221 Fireball, accurate and nothing in the way of recoil.

 

[Leo_B]

I liked the .222 in the Contender. I wondered if it isn't drifting toward the exit door though?

I hadn't considered the .221FB in part thinking it might be too close to my Hornet and not being in the recoil chart although I'm sure it is well within my acceptable range.

The .22CM is too high on the recoil chart, the .22-250 being an arbitrary but pretty firm ceiling.

Not familiar at all with .22ARC and will have to research that one.

I will likely be mostly shooting at 100yds comparing to previous outings. Maybe now and then if feeling less lazy trying out 200yds when it's nice hiking days.

I thought some factory ammo would give me brass specific to my gun but also break it in and get me used to the gun. Then reloads to see where it can go.

I'm newer than new at all this so LOTS to learn.